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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Mix Topping Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- 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
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake:
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
Step 5: Serve
- 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!
