Cinna-bun Cake is a delicious, gooey dessert inspired by the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. This cake is much easier to make than individual buns, but still delivers the same warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, sugar, and a rich glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
Cinnamon rolls, also known as “buns,” have roots in European baking traditions, particularly from Sweden (“kanelbulle”) and Denmark. In the United States, they have become a popular breakfast or brunch item, often enjoyed with coffee. The concept of a cinnamon roll-inspired cake takes the same beloved flavors and simplifies the process, making it more accessible and perfect for sharing. The Cinna-bun Cake embodies the cozy, sweet, and indulgent qualities associated with cinnamon rolls, making it ideal for special occasions or holiday mornings.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups milk
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp flour
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Use cream cheese in the glaze for a richer, tangier topping.
Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries in the cinnamon swirl for added sweetness.
Tips for Success:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a better rise in the cake.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a tough, dense cake.
Swirl for Best Effect: When adding the cinnamon swirl, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter for the signature “cinnamon roll” effect without overmixing.
Test for Doneness: Since this cake is rich and moist, test it by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not raw batter.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the cake batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
3. Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
Pour the glaze over the warm cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon to coat the top.
5. Serve:
Slice the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze in every bite.
Description:
Cinna-bun Cake is a tender, buttery cake with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar running through it. The cinnamon mixture seeps into the cake during baking, creating pockets of gooey, caramelized goodness. The vanilla glaze drizzled on top adds the perfect amount of sweetness and completes the “cinnamon roll” experience in cake form. It’s soft, fragrant, and indulgent—everything you love about a cinnamon roll, but in a simpler, more shareable form.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
Calories: 400
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Sugars: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
CONCLUSION:
Cinna-bun Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. The soft, moist cake combined with the cinnamon-sugar swirl and sweet glaze creates a dessert that is as satisfying as a homemade cinnamon roll, but much easier to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table.
Recommendation:
For a complete cinnamon roll experience, pair this cake with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also an excellent dish to bring to holiday breakfasts, potlucks, or weekend brunches. For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence:
To make this recipe a bit lighter, consider using whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour for added fiber, and substitute some of the butter with applesauce for moisture with fewer calories. You can also reduce the sugar slightly, or use a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia. For the glaze, a lower-fat milk or non-dairy option works well without sacrificing flavor.