Easy Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake: A Delicious Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat, but sometimes you crave that warm, gooey cinnamon flavor without the effort of making them from scratch. That’s where cinnamon roll dump cake comes in! This incredibly easy recipe delivers all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls with minimal effort. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on a cozy weekend. This recipe is so simple that even a beginner baker can create a masterpiece.

This dump cake variant swaps the usual cake mix with pre-made cinnamon rolls, which makes the prep time unbelievably short. The result is a moist, decadent cake with a delightful cinnamon swirl. It’s a dessert that everyone will rave about, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare. No kneading, no proofing, just pure cinnamon roll goodness.

Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe! I will cover:
* What is Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake?
* Why you’ll love it
* Ingredients you need
* Step-by-step Instructions
* Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
* Variations and Adaptations
* Serving Suggestions
* Storing Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

## What is Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake?

Dump cakes are known for their simplicity: you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. This cinnamon roll version uses canned cinnamon rolls as the base, topping them with a buttery, sugary mixture that creates a caramelized, cake-like texture. The beauty of a dump cake is in its ease and speed, making it a go-to dessert for busy individuals or anyone who wants a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing batter, this recipe cuts out the need for complex steps. It’s a great dessert to make with children, as they can easily help dump and spread the ingredients.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Incredibly Easy:** As mentioned, it’s a dump cake, meaning minimal effort and preparation.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, you can have this dessert ready in under an hour.
* **Delicious:** It captures the essence of cinnamon rolls in a moist and decadent cake form.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different toppings and additions.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** Perfect for novice bakers who want to impress without the stress.
* **Minimal Clean-Up:** Fewer dishes to wash compared to traditional baking recipes.

## Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful cinnamon roll dump cake:

* **2 cans (12.4 oz each) Cinnamon Rolls with Icing:** The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of cinnamon rolls. The regular size works best, but you can experiment with jumbo rolls.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted:** This adds richness and helps create the caramelized topping. You can also use salted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
* **1/2 cup Granulated Sugar:** Provides sweetness and contributes to the crispy top.
* **1/4 cup Heavy Cream:** Adds moisture and richness to the topping. Milk can be substituted if you don’t have heavy cream on hand.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors. If using salted butter, omit the salt.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), raisins, chocolate chips, caramel sauce.

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Cinnamon Rolls:** I usually use Pillsbury or Great Value brand. Regardless, make sure they have icing included, as this will be drizzled on at the end.
* **Butter:** Melt the butter completely, but be careful not to burn it.
* **Heavy Cream:** The higher fat content of heavy cream gives the cake a richer flavor and better texture. Milk will work, but the results may be slightly different.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cinnamon roll dump cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cake bakes evenly without burning the top.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove.

**Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls**

* Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Place the cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish, spacing them out as much as possible. They will expand during baking, so don’t worry if there are gaps.
* If the cinnamon rolls are tightly coiled, you can gently flatten them slightly to help them bake more evenly.

**Step 3: Prepare the Topping**

* In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. This mixture will create a delicious, caramelized topping.

**Step 4: Pour the Topping Over the Cinnamon Rolls**

* Evenly pour the butter mixture over the cinnamon rolls, making sure to coat each roll. This ensures they all bake properly and develop a golden-brown crust.

**Step 5: Bake the Cake**

* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through. The internal temperature of the cinnamon rolls should reach 200°F (93°C).
* To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cinnamon roll. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes.

**Step 6: Cool and Frost**

* Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly and prevents it from falling apart when you frost it.
* While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Snip the corner of the icing packets and drizzle the icing evenly over the warm cake.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Cut the cinnamon roll dump cake into squares and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your cinnamon roll dump cake turns out perfectly every time:

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through.
* **Use Fresh Cinnamon Rolls:** For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cinnamon rolls. Avoid using rolls that are close to their expiration date, as they may not rise as well.
* **Evenly Distribute the Topping:** Make sure to pour the butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls to ensure they all bake properly and develop a golden-brown crust.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allowing the cake to cool slightly before frosting prevents the icing from melting and running off.
* **Add Optional Toppings:** Get creative with toppings! Chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra flavor and texture.
* **Flattening the rolls:** if the cinnamon rolls are tightly coiled, gently flatten them slightly before baking. This helps them bake more evenly, reducing the risk of uncooked insides.
* **Spacing is Important:** Make sure the cinnamon rolls are spread out in the baking dish. This gives them room to expand and bake evenly. If they are packed too tightly, the center rolls may not cook through.
* **Check for Doneness:** Insert a toothpick into the center of one of the cinnamon rolls to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

## Variations and Adaptations

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations and adaptations you can try:

* **Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:** Add a layer of sliced apples to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for an extra touch of apple flavor.
* **Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:** Add a layer of caramel sauce to the bottom of the baking dish, then sprinkle with chopped pecans before adding the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top after baking.
* **Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon rolls before pouring the butter mixture over the top. The chocolate chips will melt and create a delicious chocolate-cinnamon swirl.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Instead of using the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, make a cream cheese frosting. Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread over the cooled cake.
* **Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:** Mix pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a little bit of brown sugar into the butter mixture for a seasonal twist. Top with chopped pecans for added flavor and texture.
* **Berries:** add berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a fruity explosion.
* **Different Extracts:** experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or orange.

## Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon roll dump cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

* **Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** The perfect complement to a cozy afternoon treat.
* **Drizzled with Caramel Sauce or Chocolate Sauce:** Adds extra richness and flavor.
* **Topped with Whipped Cream:** A light and airy topping that complements the cinnamon roll flavor.
* **Served with Fresh Berries:** Adds a touch of freshness and color.
* **As a Brunch Dish:** Cut into smaller squares and serve as part of a brunch spread.
* **As a Dessert for Parties:** Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

## Storing Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Here’s how to store your cinnamon roll dump cake to keep it fresh:

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm it up slightly before serving.
* **Freezer:** For even longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You may want to add fresh icing after thawing.

**Tips for Storing:**

* To prevent the cake from drying out, make sure it is properly sealed in an airtight container.
* If storing in the refrigerator, consider adding a piece of parchment paper or paper towel to the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
* When freezing, cut the cake into individual slices for easier thawing and serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about cinnamon roll dump cake:

**Q: Can I use different brands of cinnamon rolls?**

A: Yes, you can use any brand of cinnamon rolls you like. Just make sure they are the regular size, not the jumbo size, as the jumbo rolls may not bake evenly.

**Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**

A: Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream. However, the cake may not be as rich and moist. The higher fat content of heavy cream gives the cake a better texture and flavor.

**Q: Can I add nuts to the cake?**

A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cake. Sprinkle them over the cinnamon rolls before pouring the butter mixture over the top.

**Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and warm it up slightly before serving. Add the icing just before serving to prevent it from melting.

**Q: Why is my cake dry?**

A: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Make sure to keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through. Also, using fresh cinnamon rolls and heavy cream can help prevent the cake from drying out.

**Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?**

A: A 9×13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe. If you use a smaller dish, the cake may be thicker and require a longer baking time. If you use a larger dish, the cake may be thinner and require a shorter baking time. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

**Q: My topping is not golden brown. What do I do?**

A: If the topping is not golden brown after 30-35 minutes, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the middle.

**Q: Can I use sugar substitute for granulated sugar?**

A: While it is possible, the results might vary slightly. The granulated sugar helps in caramelization, so a sugar substitute might not give you the same golden-brown crust.

**Q: How can I prevent the cinnamon rolls from being doughy in the middle?**

A: Make sure to spread the cinnamon rolls evenly in the baking dish, giving them enough space to expand. Flattening the rolls slightly can also help. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, and check for doneness using a toothpick.

**Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of cinnamon rolls?**

A: While not traditionally a “cinnamon roll” dump cake, you can experiment with puff pastry! Roll out the puff pastry, spread cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, roll it up, slice it into rolls, and then follow the rest of the dump cake instructions. It will result in a flakier texture.

**Q: Can I add a glaze instead of the included icing?**

A: Absolutely! You can make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency. Feel free to add a touch of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.

## Conclusion

This cinnamon roll dump cake is a simple, quick, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon roll dump cake! It is truly a dump-and-done recipe that gives you cinnamon roll flavors in a shareable, easy-to-make format.

Enjoy this fantastic dessert with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us! Happy baking!