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This image shows a freshly baked Cinna-Bun Cake in a square baking dish, perfectly golden brown with a visible cinnamon swirl, ready to be served.

Cinna-Bun Cake Recipe

This Cinna-Bun Cake combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the ease of a cake. A soft, buttery vanilla base is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked to perfection, and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 539 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer or hand beater
  • Spatula
  • Knife for swirling

Ingredients
  

Top Layer

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Bottom Layer

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1½ cup milk

Glaze

  • 5 tbsp milk
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
    This image shows an oven being preheated and a baking pan being greased with butter or cooking spray, ensuring the cake does not stick during baking.
  • In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of flour, milk, white sugar, eggs, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
    This image shows a mixing bowl filled with ingredients being whisked together to create the smooth and creamy bottom layer batter for the Cinna-Bun Cake.
  • Stir in ¼ cup of melted butter.
  • Pour the batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
    This image shows the smooth cake batter being poured evenly into a greased baking pan, preparing it for the cinnamon swirl topping.
  • In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter in the pan.
    This image shows spoonfuls of a rich, cinnamon-sugar mixture being dropped onto the cake batter, adding layers of flavor and sweetness.
  • Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
    This image shows a knife or skewer swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect that enhances the cake’s flavor.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
  • While the cake is baking, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
    This image shows a small bowl of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract being whisked together to create a smooth and sweet glaze for drizzling over the cake.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before serving.
    This image shows a spoon drizzling a creamy vanilla glaze over the warm Cinna-Bun Cake, adding a glossy, sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • For extra cinnamon flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk.