There is something irresistibly cozy and warm about the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe that instantly makes any day feel special. This cake perfectly captures the beloved flavors of cinnamon buns in a tender, moist cake form, complete with a luscious cinnamon swirl and a rich brown sugar glaze that melts on your tongue. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with happiness, making it a perfect treat for brunch, dessert, or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful cake. Each component plays a crucial role: the flour builds structure, the cinnamon filling brings that iconic flavor, and the glaze adds irresistible sweetness and moisture. Together, they create a harmonious blend that honors the classic cinnamon bun spirit.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cake.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the batter for a balanced flavor.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy without heaviness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 3/4 cup milk: Brings moisture that keeps the cake wonderfully soft.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and richness, boosting moistness and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute to structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Used in the filling for that deep molasses sweetness synonymous with cinnamon buns.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the cinnamon filling into a luscious paste.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its signature flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Creates a creamy texture in the cinnamon swirl.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for glaze): A rich sweetness that transforms the glaze into an ooey-gooey topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds luxurious creaminess and shine to the glaze.
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze): Ensures the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the glaze flavors.
How to Make Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and will release perfectly when it’s ready, giving you a neat, bakery-worthy slice every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mixture that acts as the foundation of the cake’s texture, ensuring it rises nicely and tastes just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and flavor complexity, making the cake tender and delicious.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix here—the key to a light crumb is to keep the batter a bit lumpy. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, creating the perfect canvas for your cinnamon swirl.
Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then, mix in the softened butter until you get a paste-like consistency. This rich filling is what infuses the cake with the unmistakable cinnamon bun flavor we all love.
Step 6: Apply the Filling
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter, creating those beautiful, gooey swirls that make each bite a little slice of heaven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an aroma that’s equal parts comforting and mouth-watering.
Step 8: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the cake bakes, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and turns glossy. This glaze is the crowning glory for your cake.
Step 9: Drizzle and Cool
As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze over it. Let it sit for a few minutes so the glaze seeps into every nook and cranny, making the cake even more moist and flavorful before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cinna Bun Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Cinna Bun Cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an elegant touch. Toasted pecans or pecan pralines sprinkled over the top also add a lovely crunch and depth to each bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside fresh fruit slices or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to elevate your cinnamon bun experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the cake into neat squares and serve on a wooden board with small jars of extra glaze or cream cheese frosting for dipping. You can also layer the cake into a trifle with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced fruits to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Cinna Bun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration will keep it fresh for up to five days while maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either as a whole or in slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy that cinnamon bun magic anytime you want, even on hectic days.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Adding a little extra drizzle of glaze after reheating brings back that fresh-from-the-oven experience perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for the right texture in the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe. However, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the amount if you want a heartier flavor, just be aware it might make the cake slightly denser.
Is sour cream necessary for this cake?
Sour cream is key for adding moistness and a subtle tang that balances the sweet cinnamon flavors. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar results.
How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl doesn’t sink to the bottom?
Dropping the filling by spoonfuls and swirling gently on top of the batter encourages the swirl to stay nicely distributed rather than sinking. The batter’s thickness also supports the filling in staying suspended during baking.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins make great mix-ins for the filling, adding extra texture and flavor that complement the cinnamon beautifully. Just fold them into the filling before dropping it onto the batter.
Is the brown sugar glaze essential?
The brown sugar glaze is what makes the Cinna Bun Cake Recipe truly shine by adding richness and a shiny, sweet finish. While you can eat the cake without it, the glaze elevates the overall experience and makes it exceptionally indulgent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines the comfort of cinnamon buns with the ease of a cake, this Cinna Bun Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s warm, flavorful, and downright addictive — perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself on any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-swirled bite!
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
This Cinna Bun Cake is a delightful twist on a classic cinnamon roll, baking all the warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavors into a moist, tender cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it features a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and a rich brown sugar glaze that drizzles decadently over each slice. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this cake brings comforting cinnamon bun goodness without the fuss of individual rolls.
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
Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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 all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix milk, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Make Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix in softened butter until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Add Filling to Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling over the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine brown sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake comes out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze over the hot cake. Allow the glaze to soak in and the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- The cinnamon filling can be swirled more or less depending on your preference for cinnamon intensity.
- Use unsalted butter in all steps for best control over the saltiness.
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting it completely into the cake.
- This cake is best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
