Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cake
Fluffy swirls of cinnamon, pockets of melty chocolate chip goodness, and a cake that doubles as dessert or sweet breakfast treat—this Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cake is pure homemade joy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour swap half for whole wheat for nuttiness
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free, if you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon plus extra for swirl
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%, or almond milk for dairy-free
- 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil for a vegan twist
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (Madagascar for richest flavor)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (dark, milk, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar for that cinnamon roll swirl
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan (or line with parchment).
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly blended—no clumps allowed!
- Crack eggs into a measuring cup, add milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture looks silky.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry. Stir gently with a silicone spatula until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss brown sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls of the sugar mix over batter. Drag a knife or skewer in lazy “S” shapes to swirl.
- Scatter mini chocolate chips evenly over the top, gently pressing a few into the surface.
- Slide into the oven and bake 30–35 minutes. A toothpick inserted at center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake rest 10 minutes in the pan—this sets the swirl. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
I’ve tested this cake with all-purpose and whole wheat flour—both work, but whole wheat gives a cozy, earthy note. If your batter feels too thick, stir in a splash more milk—humidity can affect flour absorption. For an extra gooey center, press a handful of chips into the middle after 20 minutes of baking. My favorite pan: a nonstick Nordic Ware baking dish. It browns evenly and releases slices like a dream.