If you are craving a warm, sweet treat that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe is just what you need. It brilliantly combines the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the golden crumbly texture of cake mix, all topped with that irresistible drizzle of sweet icing. This quick and comforting dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or simply whenever your taste buds call for a little indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe is a breeze because it uses just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that classic cinnamon sweetness to your dessert.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing): These form the soft, buttery base packed with cinnamon flavor and come with icing for that final sweet touch.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: Adds a lovely light and crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the gooey cinnamon rolls.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: This provides richness and helps the cake mix bake into a golden, slightly crispy topping.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Boosts the warm spice notes and enhances the overall cinnamon goodness throughout the cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. This sets the stage for a smooth baking process and a perfect crust formation.
Step 2: Chop the Cinnamon Rolls
Take your two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Distribute them evenly across the greased baking dish. This step ensures every bite has that wonderful soft, cinnamon swirl you love.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix and Cinnamon
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls, followed by the teaspoon of cinnamon. This layering creates that fantastic contrast between soft dough and crumbly topping, infused with extra cinnamon flavor.
Step 4: Pour Melted Butter
Slowly and evenly pour the melted butter over the cake mix layer. The butter’s warmth helps the cake mix bake into a golden, slightly crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for that bubbly, golden top that signals it’s ready. Once done, allow it to cool just slightly before moving on.
Step 6: Drizzle with Icing
Finally, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll cans generously over the warm cake. This finishing touch adds a creamy sweetness and beautiful presentation that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dessert to a whole new level. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate look, or a few fresh berries to contrast the sweetness and add color.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance its warmth and sweetness. For coffee lovers, serving it alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or chai tea adds a comforting touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, rustic look. You could also layer it with vanilla pudding or custard to create an easy trifle variation that’s sure to impress family and friends at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it where it will stay moist and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dessert on hand for longer, freeze it after baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It freezes well for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm again, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the whole dish in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain moistness without drying out the top.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and possibly even richer flavors, just be sure they are fully baked before assembling the dump cake.
Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and choose a dairy-free cake mix. Also, opt for cinnamon rolls made without dairy ingredients.
Can I add fruit to the Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe?
Yes, fresh or frozen fruit like apples, pears, or berries make fantastic additions. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon roll base before adding the cake mix for a fruity surprise in every bite.
What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?
Don’t skip the melted butter layer and avoid overbaking. Covering the cake loosely with foil while baking can also help retain moisture if you notice the top browning too quickly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredients proportionally. Keep an eye on baking time as it may need a bit longer when cooking a thicker layer.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful shortcut to enjoying that cherished cinnamon roll flavor with the ease of a simple dump-and-bake strategy. Whether you’re making it for a family treat or bringing it to a party, it’s guaranteed to spread smiles and satisfaction. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
A quick and easy dessert combining the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the crumbly texture of cake mix, baked together and finished with a delicious icing drizzle for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you start baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. This creates a base layer of soft, sweet cinnamon roll bites.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cinnamon rolls, then dust the cinnamon on top for an extra warm spice flavor.
- Pour Butter: Drizzle the melted butter uniformly over the cake mix and cinnamon layers. This helps the cake mix crisp up and meld together during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are golden and the top is bubbly and cooked through.
- Drizzle Icing: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and drizzle the cinnamon rolls’ icing over the top while still warm to add sweetness and a glossy finish.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers for extra crunch.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of the original icing for a tangy twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of cake mix slightly.
- Make sure the butter is evenly distributed to avoid dry spots.
- This dessert is best served warm, either by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
