• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • New Magazine!
  • Bread
  • Cookies
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

September 13, 2016 by Joy the Baker 36 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Remember a few years back when we started putting bacon on and in all of our desserts?  I think it came just after the Red Velvet and giant cupcake phase.  We needed a salty kick in the pants. See: Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies.

I think we’ve moved past the bacon-on-all-our-desserts trend,  but does that make it any less delicious?  Hardly.

We’re making a breakfast cake inspired by, but much more simple than a cinnamon roll.  Yellow cake with a cinnamon swirl, schmears of cream cheese frosting, crisp bacon bits and a drizzle of maple syrup. You’ve got the coffee going, right?  This is about to get good.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

We’ll start by making a single layer yellow cake.

This base cake is a very fine place to start a cake adventure: Everybody’s Birthday Cake.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Softened butter and granulated sugar are beaten together until light and fluffy, aerating the fat and sweetener to help bring lift to the cake.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Eggs are added, one at a time and beaten well to incorporate.

See that bacon waiting there?  Biding its time like a boss.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Remember all that time I spent trying to figure out if we really had to sift our flour and dry ingredients.

The answer is naaaah, not really… a whisk and a bowl will do the trick.  If your bowl already has butter, sugar and egg in it, a fine mesh strainer step over the butter mixture will do all fine and good.

Add the flour.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Add the leavening, a dash of cinnamon, a good pinch of salt.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

And shimmy shake of the strainer to help the dry ingredients rain down into the buttery mixture.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Buttermilk is added and the cake batter is brought together with a spatula.  It’s more gently on the dough and you can make sure you fully incorporate all the dry patches.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Thick cake batter, but totally spoonable + spreadable.

Oh! Maybe we were a little lazy in sifting the dry ingredients.  That’s because we spent all of our attention to detail in greasing the pan properly, cutting a parchment paper base liner, and re-greasing that to ensure that the cakes separates from the pan without a hitch.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

There’s more good news:  Sweet + Buttery Cinnamon Syrup!

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Stirred together and drizzled over the buttermilk cake batter.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Really get it all on there!  No need to be shy.

Next, use a butter knife to flip and swirl the batter over the syrup, incorporating it but leaving big flavorful streaks.

Into the oven it goes!

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Ok… a few more things.

What’s a cinnamon roll without Cream Cheese Frosting? Still a cinnamon roll, just not nearly as fantastic.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, pinch of salt, and vanilla extract.  Easy but you already know it!

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

The cake is cooked to soft and golden, cooled because only cooled cakes get to be frosted, then spread with cream cheese frosting.

Finally, because we’re dessert maniacs who still crave a bit of salt, we’ll add crumbled bacon.  I mean… this is breakfast afterall.

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

And one final drizzle of maple syrup.

Ultimate breakfast cake oh heeeey!

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Cake

★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Joy the Baker
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 28
  • Total Time: 48 minutes
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Syrup

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1?4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • splash of pure vanilla extract
  • 3 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 or 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. To make the cake, place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with a round of parchment paper, grease and flour. Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (you can also use a large bowl and electric hand beaters) cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stop the mixer and and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute between each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
  4. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients all at once to the butter and egg mixture and beat on low until just combined. Add the buttermilk and beat on low for 1 minute. Use a spatula to ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined and no dry pockets are hidden at the bottom of the bowl.
  5. To make the cinnamon syrup, stir together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until glossy and well combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Pour cinnamon syrup over the cake batter and use a butter knife to swirl into the cake, leaving large streaks in and on top of the cake.
  7. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until cooked through and the top springs back lightly when touch. Test the cake by inserted a skewer into the center of the cake. Cake is done when just a few crumbs are left on the skewer.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan completely. Invert onto a wire rack or serving plate.
  9. To make cream cheese frosting, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
  10. Frost with cream cheese frosting, sprinkle with bacon and drizzle with maple syrup.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Cakes, Holiday, Recipes, Winter Baking

Previous Post: «
Next Post: Let It Be Sunday! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy

    September 14, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Your kitchen is gorgeous!!! and the cake… nom nom

    Amy | http://www.yankified.com

    Reply
  2. Margo

    September 13, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Hmm do you think you could just double this for a 8″x13″ pan? I think I need to make a big one for a pot luck. What perfect timing!

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      September 28, 2016 at 8:53 am

      I think you could double it in a 9×13-inch pan certainly!

      Reply
  3. Brealyn Watson

    September 13, 2016 at 9:42 am

    As someone who loves baking and is still starting out, I so appreciate your detailed posts AND photos! This looks incredibly delicious.

    Reply
  4. Nancy Cook

    September 13, 2016 at 9:23 am

    Hi Joy, I’ve always had this question about cakes with fillings..is it ok to make the main batter and then make the cinnamon filling while the batter sits in the pan? I’ve always wondered if the baking powder/soda is reacting while my pokey self is making the stir in filling, which might affect how the cake rises. Or maybe I’m just nervous.

    Reply
  5. Considering The Radish

    September 13, 2016 at 8:57 am

    I think the trick with bacon in desserts is it needs to be paired with the right partners. Maple syrup and cream cheese? Yes, absolutely. I bet this cake would be a hit for a brunch dessert.

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      September 13, 2016 at 11:51 am

      The right partners indeed!

      Reply
  6. Charlotte

    September 13, 2016 at 8:35 am

    I’m going on a crafting weekend getaway with some friends and I am the one making Saturday’s breakfast. This looks like just the thing for me to make for the girls. Score! P.S. I love all of your recipes!

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      September 13, 2016 at 11:52 am

      That makes me really happy! I hope y’all enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Abby

    September 13, 2016 at 8:31 am

    I know what my weekend plans are now! Imagine this + a big cup of milky coffee + the crossword puzzle. So perfect!

    Reply
  8. searedandshameless

    September 13, 2016 at 7:44 am

    I will literally eat anything with maple syrup in it! Looks amazing!

    https://www.searedandshameless.com

    Reply
  9. Tori

    September 13, 2016 at 6:31 am

    Gasp! This is so beyond all my hopes and dreams in a cake that I can hardly stand it! Just YES!

    Reply
  10. peppermintdolly

    September 13, 2016 at 5:38 am

    Ah here now – oh my good grief that looks amazing!! AH-MAZING!!

    Rxx
    http://www.peppermintdolly.com

    Reply
  11. rebecca | DisplacedHousewife

    September 13, 2016 at 5:21 am

    I’m always up for cake for breakfast. This looks delicious and yes…bacon is always necessary.

    Reply
  12. Oceana | Maps & Mandalas

    September 13, 2016 at 4:48 am

    I don’t think it’s ever time to let bacon fade away from desserts! Maple bacon has to be my favourite flavour combo ever :)

    Reply
  13. mary beth

    September 13, 2016 at 4:38 am

    This looks delish, i’ve been wanting to make “coconut bacon” (for the first time) for a while and this is the perfect opportunity to try it! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  14. Miranda | Miranda's Notebook

    September 13, 2016 at 3:23 am

    I’ve always been a bit nervous about the bacon + baked goods trend, but I think this recipe post may have won me over!! xxx

    Reply
  15. clee

    September 13, 2016 at 2:27 am

    oh my gosh. i need to make this as soon as humanly possible.

    Reply
Newer Comments »
Comments Page 1 of 2
1 2 Next »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Cakes

strawberry sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.
My Favorite Super Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake

It would seem I’ve landed on baking these to get us through these summer days – small batch and EASY.  That’s my level in the kitchen these days.  I’m either making just two giant cookies, one cinnamon roll, or the actual best coconut sheet cake with cake mix. Since we’ve mirrored each other in the…

Read More

Slice of coconut cake on small white plate with coffee.
My favorite Coconut Cake is actually made with cake mix

The rule is – on your birthday you can have absolutely any cake you want.  It’s one of those inalienable rights.  I have to fess up to something.  As a constant baker, cookbook author, and butter enthusiast my favorite birthday cake is actually…. anything made with cake mix.  I know, I know. You can fuss…

Read More

A slice of lemon blueberry gooey butter cake held on a cake slicer.
Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

What if I told you there’s a cake that tastes like buttery baked cake AND cake batter at the same time?  These are dreams appropriately named Gooey Butter Cake. I didn’t have nearly enough early exposure to the concept of a Gooey Butter Cake save for all the batches of blondie brownies I under-baked due…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Jump to Recipe

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Jump to Recipe

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

Jump to Recipe

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

Jump to Recipe

Joy the baker with dyed bandana around neck

HOW TO MAKE DYED BANDANAS

as seen in JtB Magazine!

Jump to Recipe
joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

JOY @ WILLIAMS SONOMA

Jump to Recipe

SHOP THE CAKE LINE OF CAKE MIXES!

DRAKE ON CAKE

Jump to Recipe

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

Check it out on Instagram

Drake on cake instagram.

 

FAVORITE FRUIT RECIPES

Baked peach scones stacked with butter.

Easy Peaches and Cream Scones

Gluten-Free Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins

strawberry sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.

My Favorite Super Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake

POPULAR CAKES

strawberry sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.

My Favorite Super Easy Strawberry Sheet Cake

Slice of coconut cake on small white plate with coffee.

My favorite Coconut Cake is actually made with cake mix

A slice of lemon blueberry gooey butter cake held on a cake slicer.

Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker and author of books and magazines
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
💁🏻‍♀️Classes with me @thebakehousenola
🍰 Products with @williamssonoma

joythebaker
If the question is, what am I baking this weekend? If the question is, what am I baking this weekend? The answer is: 🍋🫐 Gooey Butter Cake.
He has no idea how swoony I get when he saves me a He has no idea how swoony I get when he saves me a seat at breakfast or moves me to the inside of the sidewalk for safety. What a thrill to have absolutely no chill whatsoever. Happy August, friends. I hope you’re hydrated and in stupid love.
Your weekend baking sorted! 🫠 Just add peanut b Your weekend baking sorted! 🫠 Just add peanut butter and marshmallows to the grocery list. ⁣
⁣
Also, if you snuck some 🍫🍫 in with the marshmallow you’d have a lil peanut butter cookie s’more and no one would be mad. ⁣
⁣
Recipe linked in the profile! xo.
Our no-bake, 🍒🍋 dreams come true thanks to @ Our no-bake, 🍒🍋 dreams come true thanks to @theboywhobakes! ⁣
⁣
This perfect summer recipe is linked in the profile! xo
🤝🫠💓🍅 to July 2022. 🤝🫠💓🍅 to July 2022.
Just when you thought Peanut Butter Cookies couldn Just when you thought Peanut Butter Cookies couldn’t get any better - add a marshmallow, 🫠. Recipe inspired by @thecozyplum and linked in the profile! xo
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up