Cinnamon Roll Birthday Cake

This cinnamon roll birthday cake recipe by Candice of Cacao Sweets and Treats is the best of both dessert worlds. Our only regret is that we didn’t know about this sooner! You’ll love making the sweet mini rolls, topping them with cream cheese frosting, and piling them high for the world (or maybe just your birthday guests) to see. The hardest part of the day will be not sneaking a roll or two before it’s serving time! Here’s what Candice has to say:

“It always shocks me when someone tells me they don’t like cake or cupcakes (isn’t that crazy?!), but I have the perfect birthday treat: a Cinnamon Roll Birthday Cake! Store bought or homemade, just top them with sprinkles and a few candles, place on a beautiful stand, and voila! You’ve made the best birthday un-cake ever!”

CINNAMON ROLL BIRTHDAY CAKE

(makes 25-30 minis)

CINNAMON ROLLS:

—1 package instant yeast

—1 cup whole milk

—1/2 cup butter, divided

—1/4 tsp salt

—3 cups all purpose flour

—1/2 tbsp cinnamon

—1/4 cup + 1 tbsp sugar, divided

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING GLAZE:

—4 tbsp butter, softened

—2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

—4 ounces cream cheese, softened

—1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

CINNAMON ROLLS:

1. Heat milk and 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan (or in the microwave for 1 minute) until warm and melted, making sure not to scald or boil.

2. Transfer mixture to stand mixer bowl and sprinkle yeast over the top. Follow with 1 tbsp sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes or until frothy.

3. Add salt and flour. Mix with dough hook until smooth.

4. Let rest in an oiled bowl for 1 hour.

5. Roll dough on lightly floured counter to 10″ by 7″ rectangle.

6. Soften remaining butter and spread evenly over the dough.

7. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar. Sprinkle over the dough evenly.

8. Cut dough lengthwise in half so that you now have 2 – 10″ by 3.5″ rectangles.

9. Roll each rectangle tightly pinching the seam shut.

10. Cut the logs into 1″ pieces and place side by side on a parchment lined tray.

11. Let rise, covered, for 1 hour.

12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

13. Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles (frosting recipe below).

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING GLAZE:

1. Combine all ingredients in stand mixer and whip on low speed until powdered sugar is combined. Raise the speed to medium/high and whip until light and fluffy. When ready, top rolls with frosting.

2. Pick your favorite cake stand and start stacking the cinnamon rolls into a pyramid. Place candles or flags, as shown.