Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Roll Cake at the Table

Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Rolls at the Table

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into a decadent from-scratch treat with this simple Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Rolls recipe! This crave-worthy creation combines the rich flavors of caramel and espresso with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls, resulting in a mouthwatering cake that’s reliable for any occasion.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a lazy weekend brunch or impressing guests at a special gathering, this simple recipe is sure to be a hit.

a skillet of caramel macchiato cinnamon roll cake with a cinnamon roll missing

Why We Love this Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Roll Cake

If you haven’t noticed, we’re huge fans of cinnamon roll recipes. In fact, they’re one of our go-to weekend breakfast options, and with recipes like Baklava Cinnamon Rolls and Cinnamon Bun Air Fryer French Toast, we’ve even been known to serve it as dessert! However, embracing the fall-inspired flavors of caramel macchiato, this cinnamon roll cake might be our finest version yet! It:

Is made with less than 10 ingredients.
Bakes in under an hour.
Drips with a sweet, gooey glaze.
Tastes just like your go-to coffee for a recipe you won’t be able to resist!

What Is a Caramel Macchiato?

If you’ve never had one, you’re gonna want to run to your local Starbucks. In Italian, macchiato means “spotted” or “stained.” So, the translation means spotted coffee. A dessert-style coffee drink, caramel macchiatos are made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, espresso, and caramel sauce. The espresso is poured on top of the milk, creating a dark mark (hence the name), and the caramel sauce is drizzled on top. Until mixed together, the different layers stay separated in pretty layers. However, once combined they create one incredible caffeinated drink!

The Minimal Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the name of the game in our homes. So, to save time, we used pre-made cinnamon roll dough for the quickest from-scratch cinnamon roll cake you’ll ever make! Don’t worry. Your guests will never know.

Cinnamon Rolls – We love Grand’s cinnamon rolls, but whatever you like finest can be used.
Unsalted Butter – This forms the base of the caramel sauce creating a smooth texture.
Brown Sugar – It’s important to use brown sugar instead of white sugar to create a tender caramel.
Vanilla Extract – Without this, your cinnamon roll cake won’t be nearly as flavorful.
Heavy Whipping Cream – This is our secret weapon for making a thick, caramel macchiato-inspired glaze.
Sea Salt – Just a small pinch goes a long way to enhance the rest of the ingredients and bring you that classic sweet and salty flavor.
Instant Espresso Powder– Technically optional, the espresso powder infuses the caramel sauce with the finest coffee taste. If you don’t have espresso powder on hand, feel free to use instant coffee granules instead.

brown sugar, a stick and a half of butter, cinnamon, and heavy cream being poured into a skillet

raw cinnamon rolls in a skillet with caramel sauce

How to Make the Finest Caramel Cinnamon Rolls Cake

Somewhat of a cross between cinnamon rolls and monkey bread, this cinnamon roll cake is made with layers of caramel sauce in a bundt pan! All you have to do is simmer the sauce and bake.

Preheat the oven.
Heat the butter, sugar, heavy cream, espresso powder, and vanilla on medium-high heat. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to form a from-scratch caramel sauce.
Pour ⅓ of the caramel sauce into the bottom of a bundt pan.
Layer the cinnamon rolls on top, alternating with the caramel, making sure to reserve some of the sauce.
Bake until golden brown and let cool. Then, invert the cinnamon roll cake onto a plate.
Warm the remaining caramel, and pour it on top.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

overhead image of a skillet of baked caramel macchiato cinnamon roll cake

Time-Saving & Baking Tips

If you want to make this cinnamon roll cake even easier to make, follow our tips below!

Use a Store-bought Caramel Sauce. To save time, you can easily purchase caramel from the store! Then, just stir in the espresso, and layer it in the pan.

No Bundt Pan? No Problem. If you don’t have a bundt pan on hand, don’t stress! Just use an 11×7 baking pan instead.

Slice the Cinnamon Rolls. For a cinnamon roll cake that’s reliable for sharing, try slicing the dough into bite-sized pieces before layering it in the pan.

a caramel macchiato cinnamon roll on a plate

Make Ahead Options

This Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Roll Cake will have you absolutely drooling as it bakes. So, the chance of leftovers is slim to none. However, if necessary, you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or, pop the cake in the freezer for up to 6 weeks! Then, let it thaw in the freezer and warm in the oven or microwave.

Common Questions about Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Rolls

Do I need a special type of coffee for the caramel macchiato drizzle?

We like to use espresso powder because it gives the cinnamon rolls plenty of bold coffee flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the cinnamon rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them in the morning for a tasty way to start the day.

Can I make these without coffee?

Yes, you can omit the coffee if you prefer. You can also substitute coffee extract.

Can I use different types of caramel sauce?

Absolutely! You can use a store-bought version or your own personal go-to recipe.

caramel sauce being drizzled over a caramel macchiato cinnamon roll on a plate

More Simple Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Looking for even more cinnamon roll recipes guaranteed to impress your guests? Try these fun variations!

Warm spices, crisp apples, and sweet icing combine to transform store-bought cinnamon roll dough into a truly memorable breakfast reliable for winter and fall with this Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Roll recipe!
This S’mores Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread combines two of the finest sweet treats into one incredible recipe.
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast utilizes pre-made dough to make a truly magnificent breakfast.
Gooey and sweet, these Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls are created with just 3 ingredients and are so super simple to make!
These Baklava Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are a soft, flaky pastry that’s swirled with sweet, nutty goodness and topped with a luscious glaze.

a caramel macchiato cinnamon toll on a plate with a bite missing

overhead image of caramel macchiato cinnamon roll cake in a skillet

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Cool Time: 10 mins
Total: 55 mins

Minimal ingredients create the standout Caramel Macchiato Cinnamon Roll Cake for an simple dessert that tastes just like your go-to drink! Email

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder add an extra 1 teaspoon for a stronger coffee flavor
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 packages Grand's cinnamon rolls (or cinnamon roll dough of choice)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a saucepan on medium-high heat, add butter, sugar, heavy cream, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Cut the cinnamon rolls in half or into bite-sized pieces. Pour about 1/3 of the caramel mixture at the bottom of a non-stick bundt pan. Arrange a layer of cinnamon rolls on top. Repeat until all of the cinnamon roll dough has been used, reserving some of the caramel sauce. 2 packages Grand's cinnamon rolls (or cinnamon roll dough of choice)
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Carefully invert on a plate. Warm the remaining caramel sauce in the microwave, ~20-30 seconds. Pour over the cinnamon rolls. Serve warm, and devour!