Cinna-bun Cake

Cinna-bun Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon buns with the ease of a cake. With a tender, buttery base, a rich cinnamon sugar topping, and a sweet glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and learn how to make Cinna-bun Cake step-by-step.

Ingredients

Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour Batter:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Topping Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and smooth.
2. Add Topping to Batter:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix Glaze Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Glaze the Cake:
   • Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-y goodness!

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Swirling the Topping: Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter gently, ensuring it creates a nice marbled effect without mixing it completely.
• Butter: Ensure the butter for the topping is softened to make it easier to mix and spread.

Variations

Cream Cheese Glaze

• Add Cream Cheese:
  • Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a rich and tangy cream cheese glaze.

Nutty Cinna-bun Cake

• Add Nuts:
  • Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Apple Cinna-bun Cake

• Add Apples:
  • Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

With Beverages

• With Coffee:
  • Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a perfect breakfast treat.
• With Milk:
  • Enjoy with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.

With Ice Cream

• With Vanilla Ice Cream:
  • Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave before serving if desired.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar? A: You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour? A: Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version. The texture may be a bit denser.

Cinna-bun Cake is a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, buttery base, rich cinnamon sugar topping, and sweet glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Cinna-bun Cake is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful cake with your family and friends!