Craving something sweet, warm, and ridiculously easy to make? This Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the perfect dessert, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor. It’s gooey, buttery, and filled with all the cinnamon goodness of classic cinnamon rolls PLUS coffee cake. Yum!

Close up of cinnamon roll dump cake piece on plate.

When the craving for something sweet hits, but I don’t have time for complicated baking, this cinnamon roll dump cake is my go-to solution. It’s become a family favorite for weekend brunches. If you want to try a few more fabulous dessert recipes, don’t miss my Golden Oreo Cake With White Chocolate Ganache or my easy Fresh Peach Pie Bars.

Off-center shot of cinnamon roll dump cake piece on plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 4 ingredients and minimal prep.
No need to make dough from scratch – cinnamon rolls do the work!
A rich, gooey texture with crispy edges.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime.
Easily customizable with mix-ins and toppings.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Rolls: Cinnamon rolls serve as the base of this dump cake, creating a soft, doughy texture with layers of cinnamon sugar throughout. Unlike traditional cake batter, the pre-made rolls provide a ready-to-go structure with an extra boost of sweetness and warmth. As they bake, they puff up slightly while staying gooey in the center, mimicking the texture of a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll.
Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and cake mix. Melting it before layering ensures that it seeps into the dough, creating a luscious, slightly creamy texture throughout the cake. The mild acidity from the cream cheese also prevents the dessert from being overwhelmingly sweet, giving it a more balanced flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Mix: This mix plays a dual role: flavor booster and structure builder. It acts as the dry ingredient base that absorbs moisture from the butter and frosting, binding the cinnamon rolls together into a cake-like consistency. The cinnamon swirl mix included in the box intensifies the spice profile, making every bite extra warm and fragrant.
Unsalted Butter: Let’s face it. Everything’s better with butter. Thin slices of butter melt into the cake mix, ensuring that it turns golden brown and slightly crisp on top. The fat from the butter helps create a moist texture while enhancing the richness of the cinnamon and sugar flavors. Using unsalted butter allows for better control over the sweetness and salt balance, so the final result isn’t too salty or overpowering.

Substitutions and Additions

Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Extra Spice: A sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for extra indulgence.
Swap The Frosting: Use vanilla or maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cinnamon rolls on wooden chopping board.

2. Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the two packages of cinnamon rolls and set the icing containers aside for later use.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
Spread the cut pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring there are no large gaps.

3. Melt the Cream Cheese Frosting

Take your 16-ounce container of cream cheese frosting and remove the foil wrapper from the top.
Place the entire container in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Be careful not to overheat it – you want it melted but not bubbling hot.

Cream cheese icing covering cinnamon roll pieces in baking dish.

4. Add the Frosting Layer

Pour the melted cream cheese frosting over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Use a spatula to spread it to the edges and into any gaps between the cinnamon roll pieces.
This layer adds moisture and creates a rich, gooey middle section in your dump cake.

Coffee cake mix and cream cheese icing covering cinnamon roll pieces in baking dish.

5. Add the Cake Mix Layer

Open the cinnamon swirl coffee cake mix and set aside the cinnamon topping packet.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the cinnamon roll layer, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Do not mix or stir—this is what gives the cake its signature “dump cake” texture.

Butter pieces, coffee cake mix and cream cheese icing covering cinnamon roll pieces in baking dish.

6. Layer the Butter on Top

Take the ¾ cup of unsalted butter and slice it into thin, even pieces.
Arrange the butter slices across the top of the cake mix, ensuring they are evenly spaced. This allows the butter to melt and absorb into the dry mix, creating a rich, golden crust.

Cinnamon roll dump cake in baking dish, ready to go into the oven.

7. Add the Cinnamon Topping

Open the reserved cinnamon topping packet from the cake mix box.
Sprinkle it evenly over the butter slices and cake mix to add extra cinnamon flavor.

8. Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown and crisp.
- A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cinnamon roll dump cake in baking dish, fresh out of the oven.

9. Cool and Add the Final Icing Drizzle

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the cake in a zigzag pattern for the perfect finishing touch.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice into squares and serve warm.

Tips and Notes

Use Room Temperature Butter: This allows for for easier slicing and even melting.
Don’t Overbake: The center should be soft but set.
For Extra Gooeyness: Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking to trap moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Enjoy alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days if you want it to last longer.
Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per slice to soften.

Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

Craving something sweet, warm, and ridiculously easy to make? This Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake is the perfect dessert, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor. It's gooey, buttery, and filled with all the cinnamon goodness of classic cinnamon rolls PLUS coffee cake. Yum!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

2 packages cinnamon rolls 8 count
16 ounce container cream cheese frosting
21.5 ounce package cinnamon swirl coffee cake mix
¾ cup unsalted butter thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the two packages of cinnamon rolls and set the icing containers aside for later use.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
Spread the cut pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring there are no large gaps.

Melt the Cream Cheese Frosting

Take your 16-ounce container of cream cheese frosting and remove the foil wrapper from the top.
Place the entire container in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Be careful not to overheat it – you want it melted but not bubbling hot.

Add the Frosting Layer

Pour the melted cream cheese frosting over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Use a spatula to spread it to the edges and into any gaps between the cinnamon roll pieces.
This layer adds moisture and creates a rich, gooey middle section in your dump cake.

Add the Cake Mix Layer

Open the cinnamon swirl coffee cake mix and set aside the cinnamon topping packet.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the cinnamon roll layer, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Do not mix or stir – this is what gives the cake its signature "dump cake" texture.

Layer the Butter on Top

Take the ¾ cup of unsalted butter and slice it into thin, even pieces.
Arrange the butter slices across the top of the cake mix, ensuring they are evenly spaced. This allows the butter to melt and absorb into the dry mix, creating a rich, golden crust.

Add the Cinnamon Topping

Open the reserved cinnamon topping packet from the cake mix box.
Sprinkle it evenly over the butter slices and cake mix to add extra cinnamon flavor.

Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until:
The top is golden brown and crisp.
A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Add the Final Icing Drizzle

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the cake in a zigzag pattern for the perfect finishing touch.