Homemade Cinnamon Cake: A Sweet, Easy-to-Make Breakfast and Dessert Delight

Classic Homemade Cinnamon Cake with Vanilla Glaze

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of a cinnamon cake baking in the oven. This delectable treat combines the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon with a tender, moist cake crumb and a sweet vanilla glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Cake

This irresistible cake captures all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without all the work! The buttery cake base is swirled with a brown sugar cinnamon mixture that creates pockets of gooey sweetness throughout. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

The best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal treat for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Perfect Occasions for Serving Cinnamon Cake

• Holiday mornings – Makes Christmas or Thanksgiving breakfast special
• Weekend brunch – Pair with coffee for a delightful treat
• Potlucks and gatherings – Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
• Afternoon tea – An elevated sweet to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cinnamon Cake

For the Cake Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the cake base.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are okay.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. For the cinnamon swirl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined and creamy.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
10. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the vanilla glaze.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate cinnamon cake experience.

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Cake Success

• Room temperature ingredients are key – especially the eggs and milk. They’ll incorporate more evenly into the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter – this can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Create beautiful swirls by using a light hand when marbling. Too much swirling can blend the cinnamon mixture too much into the batter.
• Check for doneness early – ovens vary, so start checking around 22 minutes to ensure you don’t overbake.
• Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk (for thinner) or powdered sugar (for thicker) to achieve your preferred texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This cinnamon cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

For make-ahead preparation, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them separately from the wet ingredients up to a day in advance. The cinnamon swirl mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/12 of cake):

• Calories: 539 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 83g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Sugar: 57g
• Fiber: 1g

Perfect Pairings for Your Cinnamon Cake

• A hot cup of coffee or espresso
• Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture

Whether you’re serving this cinnamon cake for a special breakfast, afternoon snack, or delightful dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The irresistible combination of warm cinnamon, moist cake, and sweet glaze creates a truly memorable treat that everyone will love!

Recipe inspired by Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake from Allrecipes.