Cinnamon Cake Recipe: Delicious & Easy!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 40 views

Hey guys! Who doesn't love a warm, comforting slice of cinnamon cake? This delicious treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. And the best part? It's super easy to make! I'm going to walk you through my favorite cinnamon cake recipe, complete with tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing cake!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Cake

This isn't just any cake, guys. This is the cinnamon cake. Let's dive into why you're going to be obsessed:

Incredibly Moist: The combination of ingredients like sour cream or yogurt ensures that this cake stays moist for days. No dry, crumbly cake here!
Perfectly Spiced: The cinnamon swirl is the star of the show, adding a warm, comforting flavor that's just irresistible. We're talking the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is foolproof. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this. It's all about simple steps and straightforward instructions.
Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or dress it up with a glaze or frosting. It's fantastic for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy weekend at home, this cake is always a hit. Everyone loves it!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious cinnamon cake:

For the Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. This forms the base of our cake, providing structure and texture. Make sure to measure it accurately!
Sugar: 2 cups. Adds sweetness and helps to keep the cake moist. You can use granulated sugar for this recipe.
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon. This is our leavening agent, helping the cake to rise and become light and fluffy.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Works with the baking powder to give the cake an extra lift.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: 2 large. They bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
Milk: 1 cup. Adds moisture to the cake batter. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
Vegetable Oil: 1 cup. Keeps the cake moist and tender. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: 1 cup. This is the secret ingredient that makes the cake incredibly moist. Use full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt for the best results.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor to the swirl. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons. The star of the swirl! Use good-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Helps to bind the cinnamon and sugar together, preventing the swirl from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Butter: 1/4 cup, melted. Adds richness and flavor to the swirl, helping it to spread evenly throughout the cake.

For the Glaze (Optional):

Powdered Sugar: 2 cups. Forms the base of our glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
Milk: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture to the glaze, allowing it to drizzle easily over the cake.
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding a touch of warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing cinnamon cake:

Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure it comes out easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream or yogurt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly mixture. This is what will create that delicious cinnamon swirl in our cake.
Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter over the swirl.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from sticking and allow it to cool evenly.
Glaze (Optional): While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. It's delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Cake

Want to take your cinnamon cake to the next level? Here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking, and level off dry ingredients with a knife.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and don't worry about a few lumps.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even bake.
Grease and Flour the Pan: This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure it comes out cleanly. You can also use baking spray with flour.
Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing or frosting. This will prevent the glaze from melting and ensure a neat finish.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to get creative with your cinnamon cake? Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cinnamon swirl for a nutty crunch.
Add Fruit: Add chopped apples, blueberries, or cranberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a hint of coffee flavor.
Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the glaze for extra warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm slices of cinnamon cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
Dessert: Enjoy it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Snack: Pack a slice in your lunchbox or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk.
Special Occasions: Bake it for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. It's always a crowd-pleaser!

Storage Instructions

To keep your cinnamon cake fresh and moist, follow these storage instructions:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

So there you have it – my go-to cinnamon cake recipe that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's easy, moist, and bursting with that warm cinnamon flavor we all crave. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is totally doable. Get in the kitchen, bake up a storm, and enjoy every delicious bite! Happy baking, guys!