Cinna Bun Cake Recipe is a soft, buttery cake with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar swirl and a smooth vanilla glaze. I was inspired to make this recipe by the familiar flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, combined with the ease of a homemade cake.
I love how the cinnamon topping adds sweetness and a little spice to every slice. In this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe, I’ll show you step by step how to prepare the batter, create the cinnamon swirl, bake the cake, and finish it with a delicious glaze.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today?
You should try this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe because it brings the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy homemade dessert.
The soft Cinna Bun Cake, buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, and creamy vanilla glaze create a delicious combination in every bite. I love how the ingredients are familiar and easy to find at most grocery stores.
You don’t need special baking skills to make it, and the straightforward steps make this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe a great choice for weekend baking or sharing with family and friends.
How To Prepare Cinna Bun Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- 9 × 13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula & whisk
Ingredients
For The Cake Batter
- 3 cups (360 g) All-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons (16 g) Baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) Salt
- 2 large eggs (without shells)
- 1½ cups (360 g) Milk
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) Vanilla extract
- ½ cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For The Cinnamon Topping
- ¾ cup (170 g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) Light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) Ground cinnamon
For The Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups (240 g) Powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons (75 g) Milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Vanilla extract
How to Make Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until evenly distributed and free of large lumps.
Step 3
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined, avoiding overmixing.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a thick, soft cinnamon-sugar mixture forms that can be spooned over the cake batter.
Step 5
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon topping over the surface, then gently swirl it through the batter with a knife to create a cinnamon-roll effect.
Step 6
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, without wet batter.
Step 7
While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a little extra milk if needed, keeping the glaze thick enough to coat the cake.
Step 8
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10–15 minutes. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cake, allow it to settle, then cut into 12 portions and serve.
Nutrition Facts Of Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 570 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 84 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Sugar | 56 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
About This Dish
Cinna Bun Cake Recipe stands out for its rich cinnamon flavor, buttery texture, and sweet brown sugar swirl topped with creamy vanilla glaze.
Cinna Bun Cake main specialty is the soft, moist cake combined with the warm, comforting taste of classic cinnamon rolls. I love how the simple ingredients create such a delicious homemade dessert.
The cinnamon topping adds a sweet, slightly spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk. This cake is a wonderful choice for breakfast, brunch, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or sharing with friends.
Tips And Tricks For Perfecting This Cake
1. Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the cake dense and dry instead of soft and tender.
2. Use room-temperature eggs and milk to help the batter mix evenly. Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
3. Mix the cake batter gently until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leaving the finished cake tough rather than fluffy.
4. Distribute the cinnamon topping evenly over the batter for a sweet brown sugar swirl in every slice. If the topping feels too firm, let it soften slightly before spooning it onto the cake.
5. Check the cake after 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion, avoiding thick pockets of cinnamon topping. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before drizzling the vanilla glaze so it doesn’t melt away completely.
How To Serve This Recipe
I love serving Cinna Bun Cake Recipe while it’s still a little warm, when the cinnamon topping is soft and the vanilla glaze melts into the cake.
A cup of hot coffee, tea, or cold milk makes a lovely match. If you like a little extra sweetness, drizzle some more glaze over the top before serving.
I enjoy having a slice for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or after dinner when I’m craving something sweet. Let the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe cool for a few minutes before cutting so the slices hold their shape.
How To Make This Cake Even More Delicious
1. Mix a little extra ground cinnamon into the batter if you enjoy a stronger cinnamon flavor. A small pinch of nutmeg also adds a warm, cozy taste.
2. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon topping for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, moist cake.
3. Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter in the cake batter for a deeper, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and brown sugar.
4. Make the vanilla glaze richer by replacing a tablespoon of milk with heavy cream. For a tangy twist, try a cream cheese glaze made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
5. Serve each slice slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I also recommend adding a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top just before serving for extra flavor and a lovely finish.
Storage & Make Ahead
To keep your Cinna Bun Cake Recipe soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Let the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe cool completely before covering it to prevent extra moisture from building up. If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Thaw a slice at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying Cinna Bun Cake Recipe. You can also bake the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe a day ahead and drizzle the vanilla glaze over it just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Cinna Bun Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature if your kitchen is cool. For the freshest taste, add the glaze shortly before serving.
How Do I Know When The Cake Is Fully Baked?
Start checking after 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the cake portion, avoiding thick cinnamon swirls. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead Of Unsalted Butter?
Yes, salted butter works well in this recipe. Reduce or omit the added salt in the cake batter to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I Make The Glaze Without Milk?
Yes, you can replace the milk with water or a suitable plant-based milk. Add the liquid gradually until the glaze reaches your preferred consistency.
Why Did My Cinnamon Cake Turn Out Dry?
Dry cake can result from adding too much flour, overmixing the batter, or baking it too long. Measure the flour carefully, mix just until combined, and begin checking for doneness at 35 minutes to help keep the cake soft and moist.
Conclusion
I hope this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe brings a little sweetness to your kitchen! With its soft texture, buttery cinnamon swirl, and sweet vanilla glaze, it’s a lovely treat to share with family and friends.
I’d love to hear how your Cinna Bun Cake turns out and what you serve alongside it. Save this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe for your next baking day, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your experience.
More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Sticky Toffee Apple Cake Recipe
Orange Pound Cake Recipe || Soft And Buttery
Red Velvet Cake Recipe || Everyone Loves It
Apple Knobby Cake Recipe | Soft And Moist
Old Fashioned Saltine Cracker Cake Recipe
Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9 × 13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula & whisk
Ingredients
For The Cake Batter
- 3 cups 360 g All-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200 g Granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons 16 g Baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon 1.5 g Salt
- 2 large eggs without shells
- 1½ cups 360 g Milk
- 2 teaspoons 10 g Vanilla extract
- ½ cup 113 g Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
For The Cinnamon Topping
- ¾ cup 170 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200 g Light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons 16 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon 8 g Ground cinnamon
For The Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups 240 g Powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons 75 g Milk
- 1 teaspoon 5 g Vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until evenly distributed and free of large lumps.
Step 3
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined, avoiding overmixing.
Step 4
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a thick, soft cinnamon-sugar mixture forms that can be spooned over the cake batter.
Step 5
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon topping over the surface, then gently swirl it through the batter with a knife to create a cinnamon-roll effect.
Step 6
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, without wet batter.
Step 7
- While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a little extra milk if needed, keeping the glaze thick enough to coat the cake.
Step 8
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10–15 minutes. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cake, allow it to settle, then cut into 12 portions and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 570 kcal | Carbohydrates: 84 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 24 g | Sugar: 56 g | Fiber: 1 g
1 thought on “Cinna Bun Cake Recipe | Soft & Buttery”