There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen. It wraps around you like a warm hug, bringing back memories of weekend mornings, slow breakfasts, and shared smiles over fresh-baked treats. If you’ve ever wished you could get the comforting joy of a cinnamon roll without the hassle of dough rising and yeast proofing, then this is your moment. Cinna-bun Cake is everything you love about a cinnamon bun—soft, sweet, and swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar—but in an easy-to-make cake form.
Ingredients
Cake Batter Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter
Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Write your step-by-step recipe here...
Tips for the Best Cinna-bun Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
- Don’t overmix your batter—keep it tender.
- For a gooier center, slightly underbake the cake (start checking at 33 minutes).
- Customize with chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or your favorite mix-ins.
Delicious Variations
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples to the batter or swirl.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for maple extract.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee at brunch.
- Enjoy as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.
- Perfect for potlucks, holiday breakfasts, or cozy weekends.
Storage Tips
- Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days if using the cream cheese glaze.
- Microwave individual slices for 15 seconds to restore gooey texture.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the batter and cinnamon swirl the night before. Bake it fresh the next day.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze slices (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum included.
Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Definitely. A simple powdered sugar glaze or no glaze at all still tastes great!
Final Thoughts
This cake delivers all the flavor of a cinnamon roll with none of the hassle. It’s cozy, gooey, and guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!