These cinnamon roll mini cakes are soft, buttery, and swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. The perfect mashup of a cupcake and your favorite breakfast treat!
If a cinnamon roll and a cupcake had a baby, this would be it. These cinnamon roll mini cakes are baked with a plush vanilla base and a buttery brown sugar-cinnamon swirl nestled right in the center. Once cooled, they’re drizzled with a silky cream cheese glaze that melts into every crack and swirl.
They’re perfect for brunch, cozy mornings, or just whenever you want something warm, soft, and indulgent, but way easier than making actual cinnamon rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Mini Cakes
- Gooey cinnamon-sugar center in every bite
- No yeast, no waiting—ready in under an hour
- The cream cheese glaze melts beautifully into the top
- Easy to make and perfect for small-batch baking
- Taste just like a cinnamon roll, but with a cake-like twist
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – For richness in both the cupcake and the cinnamon swirl
- Brown sugar + cinnamon – The classic swirl duo
- Cream cheese – Makes a dreamy glaze with a little tang
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the warm, cozy flavors
- All-purpose flour + baking powder – A tender cupcake crumb without needing yeast
- Whole milk – Adds softness to the batter

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cakes
Don’t over-swirl the filling, just enough to create a ripple without sinking it
Use a thick batter to hold the swirl in place
Add a dot of cinnamon filling on top before baking for gooey visual flair
Make sure cakes are fully cool before glazing to avoid melting, or don’t for a melted glaze
Serve slightly warm for peak gooey magic
FAQ
Can I use this recipe to make a small cake or loaf?
Yes! Bake in a small loaf pan or double for a 6-inch round cake.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely—chopped toasted pecans or walnuts would be delish.
Can I make this ahead?
Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and glaze before serving. Store in the fridge and let them come to room temp before eating.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- You can freeze unglazed cupcakes and thaw them before adding glaze.

Ingredients
Yield: 6 Mini (Cup) Cakes
Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: ~45 hour
FOr the Mini Cake Batter
- 75g unsalted butter, softened (⅓ cup)
- 85g granulated sugar (7 tbsp)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 75ml whole milk (5 tbsp)
- 105g all-purpose flour (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon for extra warmth
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 40g light brown sugar (3 tbsp, packed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 20g unsalted butter, melted (1½ tbsp)
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 60g cream cheese, softened (2 oz)
- 20g unsalted butter, softened (1½ tbsp)
- 60–70g powdered sugar (½ to ⅔ cup)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for drizzling consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line a muffin tin with 6 cupcake liners.
- Make the cupcake batter:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in milk. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. Add dry to wet and mix until just combined.
- Make the swirl filling:
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt into a thick, grainy paste.
- Assemble:
- Spoon 1 tbsp batter into each liner.
- Add a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon filling in the center.
- Cover with more batter until ~¾ full.
- Drop a small dot of cinnamon filling on top and swirl just the surface with a toothpick.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick (inserted near the edge, not center) comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over cooled cupcakes.
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Notes
Test bake 1 cookie first to check your oven’s bake time and texture

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