Cinna-bun Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia and Comfort
Every bite of this Cinna-bun Cake is a journey back in time — straight to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. It’s where cinnamon swirled through the air, butter sizzled on the stove, and laughter echoed off the walls. This beloved family recipe has been passed down through generations, and now I’m sharing it with you. It combines the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the soft, moist texture of a cake — all finished with a vanilla glaze that soaks into every bite.
Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because you need something warm and comforting, this cake is bound to become a staple in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinna-bun Cake from Scratch
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Eggs
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Swirled Cinnamon Topping
In another bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, thick paste.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon topping all over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the topping through the batter, creating delicious cinnamon ribbons.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the top should look delightfully swirled and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top. It will soak into the cake and add that signature gooey, sweet finish.
Let it cool slightly to allow the glaze to set, then slice and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinna-bun Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and more even baking.
- Want extra gooeyness? Add a bit more brown sugar and cinnamon to the topping.
- This cake stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- It’s easier than making traditional cinnamon rolls — no yeast, no rising, no kneading.
- Perfect for brunch, potlucks, holidays, or a cozy night in.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe).
Pin or Save for Later!
Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board or bookmark it. You’ll want it on hand whenever that cinnamon craving strikes.Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
