Cinna-bun Cake in the oven!
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon buns baking in the oven, a scent that instantly transports many of us back to cherished family memories. My mom is the queen of cinnamon buns, and her recipe is unbeatable. Unfortunately, when those cravings hit and she’s not around to whip up a batch, I’ve had to get creative. Enter Cinna-bun Cake, a delightful alternative that brings all the flavors of cinnamon buns into a simple, easy-to-make cake form. Even our two-year-old loves it and affectionately calls it “Cinabun Cake.”
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This cake has quickly become a family favorite, so much so that my kids even request it for their birthdays. It might sound strange to some, given the absence of traditional birthday cake buttercream, but this cinnamon roll cake is so good, it doesn’t need any extra frills. It’s swirled with cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar, then topped with a luscious glaze. Trust me, this cake will soon become a staple in your home too.
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Ingredients for the Perfect Cinna-bun Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Base: | |
| Flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 4 teaspoons |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| For the Cinnamon Swirl: | |
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| For the Glaze: | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Milk | 5 tablespoons |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinna-bun Cake
1. Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until well combined. Finally, stir in the melted butter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
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2. Creating the Cinnamon Swirls
In another bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth. Drop this mixture by teaspoonfuls over the batter in the baking pan. Using a butter knife, swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter. Make sure to insert the knife only slightly into the batter to create a marbled effect without mixing the layers completely.
3. Baking the Cake
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden brown and the swirls will create delightful pockets of buttery cinnamon goodness.
4. Adding the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the swirls and crevices. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.
