Craving the flavors of a cinnamon roll but don’t want to deal with the hassle of rolling out dough? This Cinna-Bun Cake is the perfect solution! Combining the soft, moist texture of a cake with the sweet, spiced goodness of a cinnamon roll, this dessert is easy to make and utterly delicious. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this delightful cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 3 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add Melted Butter: Gradually stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Mix Topping Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add Topping to Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife 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 comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze over the warm cake, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter for the topping is softened but not melted to achieve the right consistency.
- Swirling the Topping: Don’t over-swirl the topping into the batter; you want to see distinct swirls of cinnamon throughout the cake.
- Serving: This cake is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake and add the glaze ahead of time. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave if desired.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for the topping, but the flavor will be slightly different. Brown sugar gives a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
Q: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Cinna-Bun Cake, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour (adjust quantity as needed).
- Sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia in place of the sugar and brown sugar.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or another low-carb milk alternative.
- Glaze: Make the glaze with powdered erythritol and almond milk.
This Cinna-Bun Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures all the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a simple cake form. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious combination of cinnamon and sweetness!
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