If you adore the warm, nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls but crave something even simpler, you’ll fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake. Imagine all the gooey, spiced joy of a classic cinnamon roll transformed into a fuss-free dessert you can whip up in under an hour. It’s perfect for cozy mornings, impromptu gatherings, or any time you want a crowd-pleaser without the hassle. The blend of buttery cinnamon rolls, tender cake, and sweet drizzle creates a mouthwatering treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples come together to make Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake absolutely unforgettable. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden crust. Here’s how your shopping list sets the stage for greatness:
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, with icing): These are the shortcut star, filling the cake with gooey goodness and infusing every bite with cinnamon-sugar delight.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box): Adds a fluffy, sweet layer and helps everything bind together beautifully in the oven.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Gives moisture and richness, creating that classic “dump cake” melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll crave.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): For an extra pop of spice, this doubles down on warming flavors and intensifies the cinnamon roll vibes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. This keeps all those sweet rolls from sticking and makes for easy serving (and easier cleanup!).
Step 2: Chop and Layer Cinnamon Rolls
Open your cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Cut each unbaked roll into quarters so you have irresistible little pillows of dough. Spread these evenly across the greased baking dish—no need to get too precise, just make sure there’s a good layer covering the bottom.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix and Cinnamon
Grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cut-up cinnamon rolls. Don’t mix—just allow it to blanket the dough. Dust the top with the teaspoon of cinnamon too. This crucial step adds richness and warmth to your Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake, giving it that extra cinnamon kick.
Step 4: Pour on the Butter
Take your melted butter and drizzle it slowly and evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible, so everything bakes up golden and delectable. Some dry spots are normal—they’ll moisten up as the cake bakes—but an even pour helps things along.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Icing
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a little gooeyness is good!). Once baked, grab those reserved icing packets and drizzle them luxuriously over the warm cake. This finishing touch makes your Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake totally irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with an extra flourish! Try dusting the finished cake with a bit of powdered sugar, a light sprinkle of chopped pecans, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast of warm cake and cool cream is just divine.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake for brunch or as part of a dessert spread, balance the sweetness with fresh fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or even crispy bacon strips. These accents complement the cake’s richness and round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve up individual scoops in pretty ramekins, or offer the whole tray family-style for digging in together. For celebrations, garnish with colorful sprinkles or drizzle with caramel sauce. Some adventurous friends even love it with a dash of espresso powder in the icing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making that next-day bite extra delicious.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake freezes beautifully. Slice cooled cake into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then stash in a freezer-safe container for up to three months for instant coziness on demand.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds or pop a slice in a low oven for a few minutes until heated through. The icing will stay luscious, and the rolls return to their soft, gooey glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix keeps things classic, try cinnamon, spice, or even butter pecan cake mix for a tasty twist on traditional Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake.
Do I have to use store-bought cinnamon rolls?
Store-bought keeps things easy, but homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully if you’re feeling extra ambitious. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces before layering.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything except the icing up to one day ahead. Keep covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when ready. Drizzle icing after baking for the best texture.
Is this recipe good for potlucks or parties?
This is honestly one of the best crowd-pleasing desserts for gatherings. It transports well, stays tasty at room temperature, and its ooey-gooey center ensures rave reviews every time.
How sweet is the finished cake?
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is indulgently sweet, but you can tone it down by serving with unsweetened whipped cream or plain yogurt. The cinnamon spice keeps things balanced.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy bakes with maximum comfort and flavor, this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is calling your name. It’s perfect for every baker—newcomers and seasoned pros alike—so why not gather your ingredients and share a pan with your favorite people soon?
Print
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50m
- Yield: 10
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy dessert recipe that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with a cake mix, finished with a sweet icing drizzle.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
Cake Mix Topping:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F: Get the oven ready for baking.
- Cut cinnamon rolls: Quarter the cinnamon rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cake mix + cinnamon: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix and cinnamon over the cinnamon rolls in the dish.
- Pour melted butter: Evenly pour the melted butter over the top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes: Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Drizzle with icing: Once baked, drizzle the cake with the included icing for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 40m
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sugar: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Sodium: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Fat: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Trans Fat: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Fiber: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Protein: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
- Cholesterol: Varies based on brand and specific ingredients
