Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bun Cake
If you love the taste of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, but don’t want the hassle of making dough from scratch, this Cinnamon Bun Cake Recipe is the perfect solution! Imagine the softness of a cake with the rich, swirled cinnamon flavor of a cinnamon bun, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. This cake is incredibly easy to make, requires no yeast, and delivers the same warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in half the time!
This homemade cinnamon bun cake is perfect for:
✔ Breakfast or Brunch – A sweet start to the day!
✔ Afternoon Snack – Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
✔ Dessert – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
✔ Holiday Baking – A festive treat for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering.
Now, let’s get started with this easy and delicious cinnamon bun cake recipe that will have your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Bun Cake
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Bun Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the melted butter, mixing just until smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
- Spoon dollops of the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (if too thick) or more powdered sugar (if too thin).
Step 6: Glaze and Serve the Cake
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm cake.
- Slice and serve while still warm for the best gooey cinnamon bun experience!
How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Cake
✔ Enjoy it Warm – This cake is best served fresh out of the oven when the glaze melts into the cake.
✔ Pair with Coffee or Tea – The cinnamon and sugar flavors complement a warm beverage.
✔ Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – Adds extra indulgence for dessert.
✔ Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bun Cake
🔥 Use Fresh Cinnamon – High-quality cinnamon makes a huge difference in flavor!
🔥 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.
🔥 Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture Gently – Too much mixing will blend the layers instead of creating beautiful swirls.
🔥 Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Glazing – This helps the glaze set perfectly.
Cinnamon Bun Cake Variations
🍫 Chocolate Cinnamon Bun Cake – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolaty twist.
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Bun Cake – Mix in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for a fruity touch.
🥜 Pecan Cinnamon Bun Cake – Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
☕ Coffee-Infused Cinnamon Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the cinnamon flavor.
How to Store Cinnamon Bun Cake
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when covered properly.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Cinnamon Bun Cake vs. Classic Cinnamon Rolls
| Feature | Cinnamon Bun Cake | Classic Cinnamon Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, moist cake with swirls | Fluffy yeast-based rolls |
| Baking Time | 30-35 minutes | 2+ hours (including rise time) |
| Topping | Vanilla glaze | Cream cheese frosting |
| Ease of Preparation | Quick & easy, no yeast | Requires kneading and proofing |
If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have time for yeast dough, this Cinnamon Bun Cake is a fantastic alternative!
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the cake will have a softer, more delicate crumb.
🔹 Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Simply bake the cake, store it, and glaze it before serving for the freshest taste.
🔹 What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
You can use two 8-inch square pans or a bundt pan with slight adjustments to baking time.
🔹 Can I add cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla glaze?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting makes this cake even richer and more decadent.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Cinnamon Bun Cake!
This Cinnamon Bun Cake Recipe is the perfect combination of cinnamon rolls and cake, making it an easy, homemade treat that everyone will love! Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this sweet, gooey, cinnamon-filled cake is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
So grab your ingredients and start baking this warm, comforting cinnamon bun cake today!
