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Close up of cinnamon roll dump cake piece on plate.

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
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 9x13-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.

Serve and Enjoy!

  • Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

    • Use Room Temperature Butter:  Room temperature butter allows 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.