Cinnamon Bun Cake

Discover the Delightful Cinnamon Bun Cake

If you’re a fan of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon buns, you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Bun Cake recipe. Imagine a soft, fluffy cake infused with swirls of buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, all topped off with a luscious glaze. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or to impress guests at your next brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake captures the essence of a classic cinnamon bun but in a cake form that’s easy to make. The rich cinnamon flavor combined with the moist cake texture is irresistible. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to use a boxed cake mix if you’re short on time or prefer convenience.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or stand-up mixer
• 9×13 inch baking pan or bundt pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Knife for swirling

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 4 T butter, melted
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 T flour
• 1 T cinnamon
• 2/3 cups nuts (optional)

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 T milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Slowly stir in the melted butter until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
4. In another bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, additional flour, cinnamon, and nuts until well combined.
5. Drop this cinnamon mixture by the tablespoon over the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixture through the cake.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter.
• Adjust the glaze to your liking by adding more or less milk for desired consistency.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a quicker version, you can use a white or yellow boxed cake mix. Simply follow the box instructions for the batter and proceed with the cinnamon swirl and glaze as instructed. Adding a cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze can also give it a tangy twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Please be aware that the nutritional content will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. Typically, a slice of this cake is rich in carbohydrates and sugars due to the cake and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13 pan?
Yes, many have successfully used a bundt pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely, it can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container and glaze it just before serving for freshness.

What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
If your glaze is too thick, simply add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Bun Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give this recipe a try and experience the wonderful blend of flavors for yourself. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!