Cinnamon Bun Cake Recipe

If you’re craving the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon buns but want the convenience of a cake, this Cinnamon Bun Cake is the perfect treat! It’s a moist, buttery cake with luscious layers of cinnamon sugar swirls, all topped with a creamy glaze. This recipe captures the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time, making it a go-to for busy mornings or sweet cravings.

Nutritional Benefits

Cinnamon: Packed with antioxidants, cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor, plus healthy fats that contribute to satiety.
Milk: Provides calcium and protein, enriching the cake’s texture.

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
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup butter, softened

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 🥣

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Make the Cinnamon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste.
Swirl It In: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create ribbons of deliciousness.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

Cool and Glaze: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies for that extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cinnamon Bun Cake warm for a cozy breakfast treat or dessert.
Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.
For an extra special treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Bun Cake delivers all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake format. The moist, tender cake base contrasts beautifully with the rich cinnamon swirls, while the sweet glaze ties everything together in a deliciously sticky bite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon buns without the wait!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12-15 slices