Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Best Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever Created

Sweet birthday cake cinnamon rolls convert ordinary mornings into celebratory moments of pure delight.

Soft, pillowy dough carries the nostalgic essence of childhood birthday parties and festive cheer.

These delectable treats blend the comforting warmth of traditional rolls with playful, sugary birthday cake flavors.

Sprinkles scattered across the surface add whimsy and color to each delightful spiral.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this crowd-pleasing breakfast sensation that feels like an instant party.

Creamy frosting and tender dough promise a breakfast experience that will make everyone at the table smile.

The magic happens when familiar breakfast comfort meets birthday excitement in one irresistible package.

Why Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Are a Fun Treat

  • Celebrate with Sweetness: Transform an ordinary birthday cake mix into delightful cinnamon rolls that bring instant party vibes to your breakfast or dessert table.
  • Playful Texture Explosion: Enjoy the soft, pillowy dough combined with crunchy rainbow sprinkles and rich cinnamon-sugar filling that creates a delightful multi-dimensional bite.
  • Quick and Easy Party Treat: Whip up these festive rolls in just over 2 hours with minimal baking skills, making them perfect for spontaneous celebrations or weekend morning surprises.

Ingredients Needed for Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Classic base for soft and sweet rolls with birthday cake flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.
Yeast and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating fluffy texture.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice characteristic of traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: Brings festive birthday cake color and fun texture to the filling.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy topping with light, tangy flavor perfect for birthday rolls.
  • Additional Candy Sprinkles: Extra decoration for a celebratory and colorful finish.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Shortening or Cooking Spray: Ensures rolls do not stick to the baking pan.

Instructions to Make Colorful Birthday Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pans

Generously coat a 13×9-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or shortening.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend:
  • Cake mix
  • 2 cups of flour

Add the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Gradually incorporate remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough becomes cohesive. The dough might not require all the flour.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm location. Allow dough to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Gently deflate the dough and reshape into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6: Add Delicious Filling

Brush the rolled dough with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with:
  • Cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Rainbow sprinkles

Step 7: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.

Step 8: Second Dough Rise

Place rolls in prepared pan(s). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Bake in the preheated oven:
  • 13×9-inch pan: 20-22 minutes
  • 9-inch round pans: 12-15 minutes

Bake until rolls turn golden brown.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Cool rolls for 5 minutes. Spread whipped cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Garnish with additional candy sprinkles. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Soft and Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

  • Choose Fresh Yeast: Select active dry yeast that is recently purchased and hasn't expired to ensure proper rising and soft texture.
  • Control Dough Consistency: Add flour gradually to prevent a dry or overly sticky dough, stopping when the mixture forms a smooth, elastic ball.
  • Roll Evenly: Use a ruler or measuring tape to create a uniform rectangle when rolling out dough, ensuring consistent roll size and baking.
  • Sprinkle Strategically: Distribute rainbow sprinkles and brown sugar evenly across the dough to guarantee a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Allow rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free area to help them expand and become light and fluffy before baking.

Keeping and Reheating Birthday Cake Rolls Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Wrap cooled cinnamon rolls individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of water to prevent drying out and restore softness.

Pairing Options for Birthday Cake Rolls

  • Pair with Birthday Cake Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, birthday cake flavor, and milk for a sweet, nostalgic companion that echoes the roll's playful sprinkle theme.
  • Match with Cold Brew Coffee: The rich, smooth coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, creating a balanced and refreshing taste experience perfect for brunch or dessert.
  • Complement with Champagne Cocktail: A light, bubbly cocktail with a hint of strawberry or vanilla liqueur will elevate the festive birthday cake flavor profile and add a celebratory touch.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Fruit Platter: Bright, tangy berries like strawberries and raspberries provide a fresh contrast to the rich, sweet cinnamon rolls, cleansing the palate between bites.

Birthday Cake Cinnamon Roll Flavor Ideas

  • Funfetti Adventure: Transform the rolls by using a white cake mix and adding extra colorful sprinkles throughout the dough for an even more festive birthday cake experience.
  • Chocolate Carnival: Replace the vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake mix and swap regular sprinkles for chocolate mini chips for a rich, decadent version of the classic rolls.
  • Gluten-Free Party: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and use gluten-free flour to create an inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy without compromising flavor.
  • Cream-Filled Celebration: After baking, carefully inject each roll with a small amount of vanilla pastry cream before frosting for an extra indulgent birthday cake-inspired surprise.
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Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent birthday cake cinnamon rolls blend nostalgic sweetness with classic breakfast comfort. Confetti sprinkles and cream cheese frosting create a playful twist that celebrates special mornings with delightful, festive flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ rainbow bit cake mix
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup light or dark brown sugar

Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) regular active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons rainbow candy sprinkles
  • 1 container Betty Crocker™ Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Additional candy sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water in a small container, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with 2 cups of flour, creating a preliminary dry mixture.
  3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend, using a wooden spoon to incorporate until a cohesive dough begins to form.
  4. Gradually introduce the remaining flour, quarter cup at a time, gently stirring between additions until the dough transforms into a smooth, elastic ball. Note that not all flour may be necessary.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and position in a warm, draft-free zone to rise until its volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
  6. Carefully deflate the risen dough by pressing down gently, then reshape into a compact ball.
  7. Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll the dough into a generous rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Generously brush the flattened dough with melted butter, ensuring even coverage.
  9. Distribute cinnamon, brown sugar, and vibrant rainbow sprinkles evenly across the buttered surface.
  10. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a compact log.
  11. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife.
  12. Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan(s), maintaining slight spacing between each piece.
  13. Cover with plastic wrap and allow a second rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  14. Bake until the rolls transform into a golden-brown hue: approximately 20-22 minutes in a 13×9-inch pan or 12-15 minutes in 9-inch round pans.
  15. Allow a brief 5-minute cooling period, then lavishly spread whipped cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
  16. Finish by scattering additional candy sprinkles across the top for a festive touch.
  17. Serve either warm or at comfortable room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Festive Twist: These birthday cake cinnamon rolls combine the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the playful excitement of a birthday celebration.
  • Rising Magic: Allow ample time for dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth.
  • Flour Finesse: Add flour gradually to achieve the perfect dough consistency, stopping when the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
  • Sprinkle Sensation: Rainbow sprinkles inside and on top create a whimsical, colorful treat that brings instant joy to any gathering.
  • Baking Brilliance: Watch rolls carefully during baking to achieve golden-brown perfection without overcooking.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these rolls warm for maximum flavor and soft texture, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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