If you’re in the mood for something that’s both comforting and decadent, this cherry pecan cinnamon roll cake will hit the spot. With a delicious blend of sweet cinnamon, dried cherries, and crunchy pecans, it’s an irresistible twist on a classic cinnamon roll. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma, making it hard to resist. Topped with a simple, sweet glaze, it’s perfect for brunch, a special dessert, or just a treat anytime. The versatility of this cake will have you reaching for a second slice!
Ingredients for Cherry Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake
For the Cake:
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3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
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1 cup (200 grams) sugar
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3/4 cup (100 grams) dried cherries
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3/4 cup (90 grams) chopped pecans
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1/2 cup (115 grams) butter, melted
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4 teaspoons (16 grams) baking powder
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2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) salt
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2 large eggs
For the Topping:
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1 cup (230 grams) butter, softened
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1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
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2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon (8 grams) cinnamon
For the Glaze:
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2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
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5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) milk
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1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
How to Make Cherry Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the cake except for the melted butter. Mix them well until fully combined.
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Add the Butter: Slowly stir in the melted butter, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the batter.
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Fold in the Cherries and Pecans: Gently fold in the dried cherries and chopped pecans. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage to maintain a light texture in the cake.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients—softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the topping evenly over the batter.
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Swirl the Topping: Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t worry about perfection; the swirls will give the cake its signature look and texture.
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28-32 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling slightly, mix the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
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Glaze and Serve: Pour the glaze over the warm cake, letting it soak in and create a sweet finishing touch.
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Enjoy!: Slice up and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, cinnamon-spiced cake, cherries, pecans, and a rich glaze!
This cherry pecan cinnamon roll cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The juicy cherries and crunchy pecans elevate the classic cinnamon roll, and the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you make it for brunch, dessert, or just to treat yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for any occasion, so don’t hesitate to bake it again and again!