If you have a sweet tooth that craves layers of warm cinnamon and rich buttery goodness, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe. This dessert marries the soft, chewy texture of a cinnamon roll with the luscious, gooey center of a butter cake, all drenched in an irresistibly decadent sticky toffee buttercream that floods every bite with depth and sweetness. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for brunch, a special celebration, or anytime you just want to treat yourself with something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look familiar, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this cake unforgettable. From the basic pantry staples to the cream cheese and brown sugar that bring the gooey and toffee elements to life, everything combines to create magic.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the cake’s soft yet structured crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop beautifully.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake its gentle rise and fluffiness.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and that classic cinnamon roll aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: For moistness and that buttery taste.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Responsible for the luscious gooey filling layer.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy texture to the filling and frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the filling and frosting.
- 1 large egg: Helps create a rich, cohesive gooey filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Essential for that velvety sticky toffee buttercream flood.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (additional): For the perfect buttercream consistency.
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed: Brings deep caramel notes to the toffee buttercream.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (extra): Enhances the flavor of the toffee buttercream.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the toffee flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Cake Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This is the foundation where the magic happens, so a well-prepared pan is key.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This dry mix is what will give your cake that beautiful crumb and signature cinnamon flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the eggs and add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and uniform; this mix should glide easily into your prepared pan, promising a moist and tender cake base.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your baking dish and spread it out evenly. This layer forms the delicious bottom half of the cake—dense enough to support the gooey topping but still tender when baked.
Step 5: Prepare the Gooey Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth—no lumps, just silky goodness. This creates the indulgent thickness you’ll find in every bite.
Step 6: Finish the Gooey Filling Mix
Incorporate powdered sugar, the large egg, and vanilla extract, beating until everything melds into a smooth, luscious filling. This layer is what transforms an ordinary cake into that perfect gooey butter sensation.
Step 7: Add the Filling to the Cake
Gently pour the cream cheese filling over the cinnamon cake batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Resist the urge to mix; the contrast between layers is what makes this cake special.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and firm up, though the center will still have that slight jiggle indicating gooey perfection. This balance is the hallmark of the Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let your cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial before adding the sticky toffee buttercream; it ensures your frosting doesn’t melt away and retains its luscious texture.
Step 10: Make the Sticky Toffee Buttercream
On medium heat, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir constantly until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly—this bubbling toffee base is where the irresistibility begins.
Step 11: Flavor the Toffee Buttercream
Remove the pan from heat, stirring in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This infusion enhances the toffee’s richness and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 12: Finish the Buttercream
Once your mixture cools to room temperature, beat in powdered sugar until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable frosting. For perfect consistency, add more heavy cream if needed—it should flood over your cake luxuriously but hold its shape.
Step 13: Assemble and Frost
Generously spread the sticky toffee buttercream all over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle slightly over the edges for that “flood” effect. This decadent crowning touch is what completes the Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe experience.
Step 14: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy
Cut into squares, serve with a warm cup of coffee, and delight in the gooey, cinnamon-spiced, and toffee-sweet bite that will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans adds a beautiful finishing touch to this cake. The nuts provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft, gooey texture, while a hint of ground cinnamon enhances those warm spice notes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to cut through its richness. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrusy fruit compote that complements the buttery sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with additional buttercream drizzle for a charming single-serve presentation. Or layer pieces with fresh fruit and cream in a trifle for an impressive dessert display that shows off all the layers and textures of the Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor each indulgent bite over multiple days.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncut cake before frosting by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then frost with the sticky toffee buttercream fresh. This method helps preserve the gooey texture and fresh flavor.
Reheating
For the best experience, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that soft, gooey sensation, but avoid overheating as it may melt the buttercream excessively.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, and you’ll still enjoy the same gooey and flavorful experience.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the gooey filling?
Cream cheese is essential for the rich, velvety texture and slight tang that balance the sweetness. Substituting it will alter the texture and flavor significantly.
How thick should the sticky toffee buttercream be?
The buttercream should be spreadable but thick enough to hold some shape. If it feels too runny, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too stiff, add small amounts of heavy cream until just right.
Can this cake be made ahead for parties?
Definitely! It can be baked a day in advance, refrigerated, and frosted on the day of your event for the freshest taste and best texture.
What’s the best way to achieve the gooey center?
Bake just until the center is set but still slightly jiggles when shaken. Overbaking will dry out the gooey layer, so keep an eye towards the end of baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake with Sticky Toffee Buttercream Flood Recipe is truly a celebration of textures and flavors that feels both familiar and indulgently new. From the warm cinnamon aroma to the luscious buttercream flood, every bite feels like a cozy hug. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with loved ones, and make it your new go-to sweet treat. Happy baking!
