This Cinna-Bun Cake is a fusion of the gooey deliciousness of cinnamon rolls and the simplicity of a moist cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave that warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness. The best part? It’s easy to bake right in your oven!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture evenly over the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
4. Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
5. Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
6. Glaze the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls and edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into squares and serve warm. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
Cooking Notes
- Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking to make this recipe lighter, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Consistency of Swirl: Ensure the cinnamon mixture is soft but not too runny to create perfect swirls.
- Make-Ahead: This cake can be prepared a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Variations
- Pecan Cinna-Bun Cake: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon swirl before baking for added crunch.
- Apple Cinna-Bun Cake: Add small diced apples to the batter or cinnamon swirl for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze once it sets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a cake mix as a shortcut?
Yes, you can use a boxed vanilla or yellow cake mix as the base. Prepare it according to the package instructions, then proceed with the cinnamon swirl and glaze.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine, creating a powdered sugar substitute.
