The Cinna-bun Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, transforming it into a sumptuous cake form. This dessert is characterized by its soft, tender crumb that embodies the essence of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. The cake batter is typically made using standard ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, which are combined to create a smooth, rich mixture. The key feature of this cake is the cinnamon swirl, a delectable blend of ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, which is generously swirled throughout the batter before baking.
Once baked, the Cinna-bun Cake presents a golden-brown exterior with an enticing aroma of cinnamon and butter. The swirls create a beautiful marbled effect throughout the cake, with each slice revealing the intricate layers of cinnamon sugar. The texture is moist and fluffy, similar to a classic butter cake but with the added warmth and spice of cinnamon.
To elevate the experience, a creamy glaze is often drizzled over the top of the cake. This glaze, usually a simple mixture of powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream, seeps into the nooks and crannies of the cake, adding a sweet, velvety contrast to the spiced cake.
The Cinna-bun Cake is often enjoyed as a dessert, a special breakfast treat, or a comforting snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a popular choice for brunch gatherings or afternoon tea. The cake’s allure lies not just in its delicious flavor but also in the nostalgic comfort it evokes, reminiscent of a cozy morning with a homemade cinnamon roll.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Topping:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
How To Make Cinna-bun Cake
- Pre-heat oven to 350F.
- Prepare a 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan by spraying with non-stick cooking oil or, if you prefer, coat the pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, mix all of the base ingredients, with the exception of the butter, together until thoroughly combined.
- Add the melted butter last and pour into the prepared pan; set aside,
To prepare the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix all of the topping ingredients together; mix well to combine.
To assemble the cake for baking:
- Drop topping, by teaspoonful over the base, as evenly as you can, over the entire base.
- Use a butter knife and swirl the topping into the base.
- Place into the pre-heated oven and bake for 28 – 30 minutes.
To prepare and use the glaze:
- While the cake is baking, using a small bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing all ingredients until completed combined; set aside.
- Remove cake from oven and glaze the cake while still warm.