If you have a sweet tooth that craves the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and just as delightful, this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a moist, tender cake swirled generously with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, crowned with a luscious brown sugar glaze that melts over every bite. It’s a celebration of everything that makes cinnamon buns irresistible, but baked to perfection in a single pan, making it perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week. Whether for a weekend brunch or an anytime treat, this cake brings warmth and cozy vibes to your table with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a cake with the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and that signature cinnamon punch. Each component plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe unforgettable.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cake.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the batter.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Provides the rise that keeps the cake tender and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the cinnamon notes.
- 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings richness and a slight tang to deepen the cake’s flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything and add to the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the overall warmth and sweetness of the cake.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses moistness while contributing to a golden color.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Central to the cinnamon swirl and the glaze, delivering caramel notes.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the cinnamon filling so it swirls beautifully.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this cake taste like a homemade cinnamon bun.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Blends into the filling making it creamy and luscious.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze and gives it a deep color.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds richness and helps the glaze set perfectly.
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze): Creates a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Enhances all the flavors and prevents the glaze from being too sweet.
How to Make Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake has a perfect non-stick surface to bake evenly and come out effortlessly when ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients first helps distribute the leavening and flavor evenly throughout the cake batter, resulting in a consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This mixture infuses the batter with moistness and depth, making each bite soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so a light touch keeps it tender. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan for a uniform bake.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Then, blend in the softened butter until it forms a spreadable paste. This filling is what transforms a simple cake batter into a swirl of warm, caramelized cinnamon sweetness you’ll love.
Step 6: Swirl in the Filling
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl it through the batter to create beautiful ribbons of cinnamon that bake into every slice.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for the perfect crumb and that irresistible cinnamon aroma to fill your kitchen.
Step 8: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by simmering brown sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan for 2 to 3 minutes. This rich, warm glaze adds an indulgent finishing touch, pulling all the flavors together.
Step 9: Glaze and Cool
Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the hot cake right after removing it from the oven. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the glaze seeps in, enhancing every bite with sticky, buttery sweetness before slicing.
How to Serve Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few dollops of whipped cream make perfect garnishes to complement the richness of the cake. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts for a bit of crunch and a delightful contrast to the soft texture.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, enhancing the cinnamon flavor and creating a cozy treat experience. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.
CCreative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into individual squares and drizzle additional glaze on each piece. You can plate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests and make dessert feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves moisture and keeps the cake soft and flavorful for your next indulgence.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe later, wrap it carefully in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain its delicious texture and taste.
Reheating
To revive the warm, gooey magic, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Adding a little extra glaze or butter before reheating can make every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this cake?
All-purpose flour works best for this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe because it provides the right amount of gluten for a tender crumb. Using whole wheat flour will make the cake denser and may alter the texture, but it can be tried if you prefer a heartier cake.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Yes, sour cream adds moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and enriches the texture. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, though it might slightly change the flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still have that comforting cinnamon flavor.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simmer it a little longer until it reduces and becomes more viscous. Be careful not to overcook, as it can harden once cooled. Adding a small pinch of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken it quickly if needed.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a wonderful crunch, while raisins bring bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the cinnamon perfectly. Mix them in with the filling before swirling it into the batter.
Final Thoughts
This Cinna Bun Cake Recipe has a special way of turning any day into a celebration with its warm, rich cinnamon swirls and luscious glaze. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for guests, and I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert or brunch staple that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Cinna Bun Cake, a delightful dessert that combines moist cake batter with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make cake delivers the taste of classic cinnamon buns in a convenient cake form.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and blend until it forms a paste.
- Add filling to batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake is hot out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to soak in and the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added texture.
- The glaze is best applied while the cake is still warm for optimal absorption.
- This cake is best served within 2 days but can be stored covered at room temperature.
