Every bite of this Cinna-bun Cake is a journey back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, and love was the secret ingredient.
This recipe, passed down through generations, carries the legacy of family gatherings, laughter, and the timeless joy of baking together.
Ingredients
For the cake:
3 C. All-purpose flour
1 C. Granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. Baking powder
1 ½ C. Milk
2 large eggs
8 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and melted
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
For the topping:
1 C. Butter softened
1 C. Brown sugar packed
3 Tbsp. All-purpose flour
3 tsp. Cinnamon
For the glaze:
2 C. Powdered sugar
⅓ C. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
How To Make Cinna-bun Cake In The Oven Recipe
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the cake and blend until smooth.
Spread the cake mix into the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
Add the ingredients for the topping into a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Drop the topping mixture by the spoonful on top of the cake mixture in the baking dish.
Use a butter knife to swirl the topping through the top layer of the cake mixture.
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes until a knife comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Mix the ingredients for the glaze together until smooth and pour over the warm cake.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Here are some variations and tips for making a Cinna-bun Cake in the Oven, which combines the flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-bake cake form:
Variations of Cinna-bun Cake:
Cream Cheese Swirl:
Add a cream cheese layer to the cake for a rich and tangy contrast.
Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then swirl it into the batter before baking.
Nut Topping:
For added crunch, mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and sprinkle them on top or in between layers.
Caramel or Toffee Cinna-bun Cake:
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake before baking for extra sweetness.
You can also fold toffee bits into the batter for a buttery crunch.
Apple Cinnamon Version:
Add diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist. Apples and cinnamon complement each other beautifully and add moisture to the cake.
Gluten-Free Version:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Ensure it’s one that’s suitable for baking to maintain a similar texture.
Vegan Cinna-bun Cake:
Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and swap the milk for a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk).
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to replace eggs.
Extra Cinnamon Glaze:
Double up on the glaze by making an extra batch and serving it warm on the side.
This works especially well if you want to drizzle more glaze after the cake has baked.
Spices Variation:
Besides cinnamon, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile.
Chocolate Cinna-bun Cake:
Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a chocolate-cinnamon flavor combination.
Tips for Perfect Cinna-bun Cake:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Ensure that your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before mixing the batter.
This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and creates a fluffier cake texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated.
Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
Check the Cake Early:
Start checking the cake 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time is up by inserting a toothpick into the center.
If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Prevent Cake from Drying Out:
If you find your cake drying out too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
This prevents the top from overbaking while the inside remains moist.
Make Ahead Tip:
You can prepare the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture the night before and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just assemble and pop it into the oven for a fresh, warm cake.
Glaze While Warm:
For the perfect icing consistency, drizzle the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm.
This helps the glaze melt into the cake, soaking in for extra moisture and sweetness.
Storing and Reheating:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make the cake soft and gooey again.
These variations and tips will help you customize your Cinna-bun Cake to suit any occasion, making it even more flavorful and indulgent!
To properly store your Cinna-bun Cake and keep it fresh, follow these tips:
At Room Temperature:
Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
Airtight Container: Store the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its moisture and keep it from drying out.
Storage Duration: The cake can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days.
In the Refrigerator:
Wrap Well: If you need to store the cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Storage Duration: It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds to restore the warm, gooey texture.
In the Freezer:
Flash Freeze: To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then slice it into portions. Place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Wrap and Store: Once frozen, wrap the slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Storage Duration: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw the cake slices at room temperature for a couple of hours, or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for about 30 seconds to enjoy a warm slice.
Additional Tip:
Glaze After Reheating: If you like your glaze fresh, consider adding the glaze after reheating the cake for a smoother and fresher finish.
By following these methods, you can enjoy your Cinna-bun Cake for days (or even weeks) while keeping its texture and flavor intact!