Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake is a cozy treat that lets you enjoy all the cinnamon roll flavor without the gluten. It’s soft, gooey, and can easily be made dairy-free. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, simple steps, and answer a few common questions along the way.
Understanding Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
What is Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake is a soft, moist cake that mimics the flavor and texture of traditional cinnamon rolls without using any wheat-based flour. It features a thick, cinnamon-swirled batter and a sweet glaze on top, making it a perfect breakfast or dessert option for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
How It Differs from Traditional Cinnamon Rolls
Unlike classic cinnamon rolls that are shaped, rolled, and often require rising time, this cake version is mixed and baked in one pan with no kneading or yeast involved. It’s quicker, simpler, and just as satisfying.
Why Go Gluten Free?
People choose gluten free for many reasons. Some have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, while others simply feel better avoiding it. Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake is a way to enjoy a beloved flavor without the discomfort gluten can cause.
The Appeal of a Cake Version
Many find the cake version easier and more forgiving than traditional rolls. There’s no dough proofing or rolling out, and the end result still captures all the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of the real thing.
Best Occasions for Serving
This cake is great for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a warm cinnamon treat. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it perfect to prep ahead.
Gluten-Free Flour
Why Pillsbury Gluten-Free Flour is Recommended
This recipe uses Pillsbury Gluten-Free Flour, a trusted 1-to-1 flour blend that works well for baking cakes, muffins, and cinnamon-based treats. It’s made with rice flour, potato starch, and other carefully balanced ingredients that replicate the structure of traditional wheat flour.
Benefits of Using Pillsbury Gluten-Free
Pillsbury’s blend includes xanthan gum, which helps bind ingredients and adds elasticity to the batter. That means you don’t need to add extra unless your blend doesn’t include it. It’s also pre-measured for a one-to-one swap with traditional flour, so no complicated math or guesswork is needed.
Dairy-Free Baking Tips for This Recipe
Easy Swaps for a Dairy-Free Version
To make this cake dairy free, just swap the milk and butter. Swap regular milk with almond, cashew, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. For butter, Earth Balance or Smart Balance are great plant-based options.
No Texture Sacrifice
These swaps won’t change the texture. You’ll still get a soft, moist cake with all the rich, cinnamon flavor you love.
Dairy-Free Glaze
The glaze is easy to adapt too. Simply whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and your choice of plant-based milk until smooth. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for drizzling over your warm cake.
Storing and Freezing Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
How to Store Leftovers
Once the cake has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Storing it chilled helps preserve moisture, especially if you used a dairy-free glaze.
Best Way to Reheat
For that warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. If reheating from the fridge, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. This cake freezes beautifully. Cut the cake into individual pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Thaw and Serve
Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave frozen slices for 30–45 seconds until warm.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can also make the batter and topping ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge and bake fresh the next day. Just give the batter a good stir before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
What can I substitute for milk in cinnamon rolls?
You can substitute dairy milk with any plant-based milk of your choice. Almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk all work well in this recipe. They provide moisture and a neutral flavor, making them ideal for both the cake and glaze.
Do Pillsbury cinnamon rolls have dairy in them?
Yes, traditional Pillsbury cinnamon rolls do contain dairy. Ingredients like whey, butter, and milk derivatives are commonly found in the original versions. If you need a dairy-free option, making a homemade version like this one is a great alternative.
Is Funfetti gluten free cake mix dairy free?
Not all Funfetti cake mixes are gluten-free or dairy-free, so be sure to check the labels. Some contain wheat flour and milk-based ingredients. Always read the ingredient label carefully. If you’re looking for a guaranteed gluten and dairy-free dessert, homemade recipes like this cinnamon roll cake are your safest choice.
Are Pillsbury cinnamon rolls gluten free?
Standard Pillsbury cinnamon rolls contain gluten, so they’re not suitable for a gluten-free diet. They contain enriched wheat flour. Pillsbury currently doesn’t offer a certified gluten free cinnamon roll product, so baking your own with a gluten-free flour blend is the best alternative.
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Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cake
Moist, fluffy, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, this gluten free cinnamon roll cake is the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups gluten-free flour (recommended: Pillsbury Gluten-Free)
- 1 ½ teaspoons xanthan gum (omit if your flour already contains it)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- 1 ½ cups milk (for dairy-free: use almond, cashew, or coconut milk)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (dairy-free: use Earth Balance or Smart Balance)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (dairy-free: Earth Balance or Smart Balance)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk (use plant-based milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 glass baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if needed), salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix until fully combined. Then stir in the melted butter.
- The batter will be thick and sticky.
- Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cinnamon Topping
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon using a mixer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping across the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake the cake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness in the center and it should come out clean.
Make and Apply the Glaze
- While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Distribute the glaze evenly over the top of the cake.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the glaze to set for a minute or so before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 414Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 183mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 1gSugar: 39gProtein: 4g
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