If you love the flavors of cinnamon buns but want the simplicity of a cake, this Cinna-bun Cake is the perfect recipe for you. With a moist cake base, a rich cinnamon-sugar topping, and a sweet glaze, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it combines the best of both worlds. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 large eggs, 8 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Mix Batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Combine Topping Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon until well combined.
- Add Topping to Cake:
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Finish the Cake
- Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Serve:
- Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Cinna-bun Cake!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Mixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Topping Variations: For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
Variations
Gluten-Free Version
To make this cake gluten-free:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Low-Sugar Version
For a lower sugar version:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter by half and use a sugar substitute in the glaze.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container and glaze it just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing and serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of milk? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk, including almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, as a substitute for regular milk.
Q: What can I serve with Cinna-bun Cake? A: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Cinna-bun Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the flavors of cinnamon buns and the simplicity of a cake. With its moist texture, rich cinnamon topping, and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with your family and friends!
