Craving cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience for a complicated recipe? This cinnamon roll recipe with cake mix is the ultimate solution! Using cake mix as the base, this recipe simplifies the traditional process, resulting in light, fluffy, and delicious cinnamon rolls without the hassle of making dough from scratch. It’s perfect for a quick and easy breakfast treat, brunch gathering, or even a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. In just a few steps, you can whip up these delightful cinnamon rolls, which taste like they came straight from a bakery. Best of all, this cinnamon roll recipe with cake mix cuts down prep time while still delivering that classic, rich cinnamon flavor you love.
Ready to give your weekend breakfast a sweet upgrade? This cinnamon roll recipe with cake mix is not only simple but also versatile, making it the perfect go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients FOR cinnamon roll recipe with cake mix
For the cinnamon rolls:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- For the cinnamon-sugar filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

Execution
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates the yeast is activated. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, all-purpose flour, and salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick.
- Step 3: Spread the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to cover every corner for maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
- Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 12-15 rolls depending on the thickness.
- Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again
- Place the cut cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as you want them to stay soft and fluffy.
- Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Step 8: Frost and Serve
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Serve warm and enjoy the fluffy, gooey goodness of these cinnamon rolls made with cake mix.

Tips for the Recipe:
About: cinnamon roll recipe with cake mix
- Use Warm Water for Yeast Activation
- Make sure the water is between 105°F and 110°F to activate the yeast properly. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
- Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Environment
- For the best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cold, you can turn on your oven to
- Use Softened Butter, Not Melted
For the filling, softened butter is key. This ensures that the cinnamon-sugar mixture stays in place when you roll up the dough. If the butter is melted, the filling can ooze out and cause a mess. - Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls during baking. Overbaking can result in dry rolls, and you want them to remain soft and pillowy. As soon as they are lightly golden on top, they’re ready. - Customize Your Frosting
For a lighter frosting, reduce the amount of cream cheese and add more powdered sugar and milk. If you prefer a tangier flavor, keep the frosting thick with extra cream cheese. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for an added flavor boost. - Try Different Cake Mix Flavors
While yellow cake mix is a classic option, you can experiment with different flavors like vanilla, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix. This can add a unique twist to your cinnamon rolls and make them even more irresistible.
For more delicious recipes, check out our All Recipes page!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay updated with our latest content !