Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake

Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin filling your kitchen as this tender cake bakes to perfection. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake brings together all the cozy flavors of fall in one beautifully swirled dessert. The soft, moist cake has just the right touch of spice, while the cinnamon sugar swirl creates irresistible ribbons of flavor in every bite. The silky cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top adds a luscious finish that ties everything together.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a crisp afternoon, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s easy to prepare and bakes up in just under an hour, making it ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool with a cup of coffee, this cake is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.

4. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle half over the batter.

5. Pour the remaining batter on top and swirl in the rest of the cinnamon sugar using a butter knife.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.

7. Prepare the glaze by beating the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is the ultimate celebration of fall flavors. This delightful dessert combines the warm spices and earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich decadence of a cinnamon roll, all in the convenient form of a moist, tender cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this recipe captures the cozy charm of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, a Thanksgiving gathering, or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, this cake offers a nostalgic, homemade taste that always impresses.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for this dessert draws heavily from the beloved cinnamon roll a breakfast staple known for its gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar and creamy topping. But instead of working with yeast dough, this version simplifies the process by transforming the cinnamon roll concept into a soft cake made with boxed mix and enhanced with real pumpkin puree. By blending pumpkin into the batter and swirling in a spiced brown sugar mixture, you achieve the same comforting flavor without the labor-intensive dough kneading and rising times. The result is a shortcut cake that tastes homemade and feels festive.

Why This Cake Works So Well

There are several reasons why this recipe has become a seasonal favorite among home bakers:

• Balanced Flavor Profile: The warm spices—like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice complement the earthy sweetness of pumpkin beautifully. This pairing is elevated by the sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese glaze that finishes the cake.
• Incredible Texture: The addition of pumpkin puree and sour cream in the batter ensures that the cake remains moist and tender, without being overly dense.
• Visual Appeal: The cinnamon swirl inside the cake creates a marbled effect that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top adds a bakery-worthy finish.
• Simplicity: This recipe uses a box cake mix as the base, which drastically reduces prep time and makes it accessible even to novice bakers.
• Versatility: It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, snack time, or even breakfast (if you’re in a treat-yourself mood).

Seasonal Connection: Why It’s Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin and cinnamon are two ingredients that symbolize autumn in many households. As soon as the leaves begin to change, pumpkin-based recipes surge in popularity and for good reason. Pumpkin provides natural sweetness and moisture, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves awaken our senses and evoke feelings of warmth.

This cake brings together all those seasonal elements in one dish. It’s the kind of dessert you want to enjoy with a mug of spiced tea, hot cider, or freshly brewed coffee while wrapped in a blanket on a chilly afternoon. Plus, it makes for a show-stopping dessert for fall-centric events like Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or Sunday family meals.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake, here are a few creative ways to serve it:

• Warm with a Scoop of Ice Cream: A generous scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream melting over a warm slice is indulgence at its finest.
• Paired with Coffee or Chai: The spices in this cake pair beautifully with a hot beverage like pumpkin spice lattes, chai tea, or espresso.
• Drizzle More Glaze: Serve extra glaze on the side for guests to drizzle as they please, especially if they love that creamy, sweet topping.
• Garnish with Nuts or Caramel: For added texture and decadence, sprinkle chopped pecans or a light caramel drizzle over the glaze before serving.

Occasions to Enjoy This Recipe

This cake is extremely versatile and works for a variety of events and gatherings:

• Brunch Buffets: It adds a sweet component to any breakfast or brunch table.
• Holiday Parties: With its festive flavors and visual appeal, this cake fits right into any fall or winter holiday menu.
• Potlucks and Picnics: Easy to transport and serve, this cake is always a hit at group gatherings.
• After-Dinner Dessert: Serve it with whipped cream or custard for an elevated plated dessert.

Tips for Success

While the recipe is quite forgiving and simple, a few tips will help you make the most out of this delightful cake:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and a consistent bake.
• Let It Cool Before Glazing: Applying the cream cheese glaze to a hot cake will cause it to melt and run off. Let the cake cool slightly for the perfect drizzle.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. The cake actually gets more flavorful after a day as the spices settle.

Possible Variations to Try

Once you’ve tried the original, you can get creative with your own twists on this recipe:

• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the cream cheese glaze with a maple syrup glaze for a different take.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Instead of just a glaze, add a cream cheese swirl inside the cake for a richer bite.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Cupcake Version: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individually portioned cinnamon roll cupcakes.

Healthier Modifications

Although this cake is meant to be a treat, you can make it slightly more wholesome with a few changes:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour Mix: If making a cake from scratch, sub part of the flour with whole wheat.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut back a bit on the sugar in the swirl or glaze for a less sweet version.
• Swap Oil for Applesauce: Replace some or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and add natural sweetness.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese in the glaze for a lighter option.

Cultural and Historical Influence

Cinnamon rolls and pumpkin desserts both have deep roots in comfort baking. Cinnamon rolls date back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar,” traditionally served during fika (a coffee and cake break). Pumpkin, on the other hand, has long been a staple in Native American and colonial cooking. The fusion of these two beloved traditions into a modern, American-style cake reflects the growing trend of hybrid recipes that simplify classic comfort foods without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion: A Cake That Checks All the Boxes

The Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is everything a seasonal dessert should be simple to make, beautifully spiced, moist and comforting, and irresistibly sweet. Whether you’re looking for a new fall tradition, a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, or just a way to make your kitchen smell like a dream, this cake will not disappoint.

Its appeal lies not only in the nostalgic flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon but also in the ease of preparation and the sheer delight it brings to every bite. If you only bake one pumpkin dessert this season, let it be this one.

This cake reminds us why baking is such a joy in the colder months because sometimes, all it takes is one warm, spiced slice to bring comfort and connection to the table.