Warm, gooey, and dripping with nostalgia, Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the quickest route to sweet breakfast bliss or an effortless dessert win. This irresistible treat combines all the cinnamon-swirled coziness of your favorite bakery rolls with the ease of “dump and bake” simplicity, so you get maximum payoff for minimum effort. Whether you’re serving a crowd on a lazy weekend, surprising your family after dinner, or just sneaking a decadent little slice for yourself, this cake is pure comfort—frosted and fragrant with cinnamon. If there’s a bake that guarantees rave reviews every single time, it’s this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the biggest charms of the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the incredibly short shopping list. Each ingredient is essential, playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or that signature cinnamon-sugar magic. Don’t skip a thing—these ingredients harmonize together in the loveliest way!
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, with icing): These serve as the pillowy, spiced base and provide the sweet icing topper for the final drizzle.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box): The secret shortcut that adds golden color and a soft, crumbly texture without fussing with flour or sugar.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Poured over everything, this makes the top gorgeous and crisp while keeping the inside perfectly moist.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): For an extra punch of warmth and the signature aroma that makes you want to breathe deep right at the oven door.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so that everything bakes evenly and with the perfect golden finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, which will keep your cinnamon rolls from sticking and help with easy scooping later.
Step 2: Cut Up the Cinnamon Rolls
Pop open those tubes of cinnamon rolls—it’s always a bit thrilling!—and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into quarters; the bite-sized pieces will spread the cinnamon flavor throughout the cake and give you the best gooey, chewy bites under the topping.
Step 3: Lay Out the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Scatter the cinnamon roll quarters evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. Don’t worry about perfection here! A little overlap is great—those layered pieces will bake into each other, adding to the delightful swirls and crannies in every helping.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix and Cinnamon
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Follow with an even dusting of that lovely ground cinnamon on top. This step builds flavor and texture, giving each scoop a mix of tender crumb and cinnamon swirl.
Step 5: Add Melted Butter
Carefully pour the melted butter all over the dry cake mix. Try to drizzle it as evenly as possible, so the entire cake bakes up rich and golden. The butter soaks down into the cake and cinnamon rolls, making sure nothing dries out and everything melds together in sweet, buttery harmony.
Step 6: Bake and Ice
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Once you pull it out, let it cool just slightly, then drizzle the reserved icing packets over the top. The result: sticky, melty, cinnamon-kissed perfection known as Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
Garnishes
This cake loves a little extra flair! Besides the sweet icing drizzle, you can sprinkle on toasted pecans or walnuts for nutty crunch, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of snowy charm. For even more indulgence, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns it into an ooey-gooey sundae situation.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake shines on its own, but if you want to round out a brunch or dessert spread, try pairing it with savory options like crispy bacon or scrambled eggs at breakfast. For dessert, fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side balance out the richness and keep things light and lovely.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, scoop generous portions into bowls straight from the pan for that homey vibe. Hosting a brunch? Try cutting the cake into tidy squares and arranging on a platter dusted with cinnamon sugar. In cute mason jars with a swirl of icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this treat transforms into an individual, Instagram-worthy showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any of your Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake left (it disappears fast!), cover the pan tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for the freshest flavor and texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual portions or the whole (cooled) cake tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge—no need to wait for a special occasion.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, microwave single servings for about 30 seconds, or rewarm a whole pan in the oven at 325°F until heated through. The icing melts slightly, the cinnamon rolls soften, and the aroma fills your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake?
Absolutely! White cake mix, spice cake, or even butter pecan cake mix all work deliciously and can add a fun twist on the classic. Try experimenting to find your favorite!
Do I need to prepare the cake mix or sprinkle it dry?
Just sprinkle the dry mix right from the box—no eggs, milk, or oil needed! The melted butter and roll icing provide all the moisture the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake needs.
How do I keep the top from getting too dry?
Make sure to pour the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix layer, covering as much as you can. This helps every bite stay moist and rich.
Can I add extras like nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips are fantastic add-ins. Sprinkle them over the cinnamon rolls before adding the cake mix for extra texture and flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?
Yes! Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is so simple that little hands can help with cutting the rolls, sprinkling the cake mix, and pouring (cooled) melted butter. It’s a great family baking project for all ages.
Final Thoughts
Even when time is short and your sweet tooth is strong, there’s always room for this easy masterpiece. Try Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake the next time you want to treat yourself and those you love—the results are joyfully messy, warmly spiced, and sure to become a favorite you’ll crave again and again!
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 and cake mix, topped with a sweet icing drizzle.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
Yellow Cake Mix:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Melted Butter:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Cinnamon Sprinkle:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix and cinnamon on top of the cinnamon rolls.
- Pour Butter: Evenly pour the melted butter over the mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle Icing: Once baked, drizzle the cinnamon rolls with the included icing.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 40m
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
