Recipe Time & Intensity
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Skill Intensity: Beginner-friendly (no yeast, no kneading)
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Slowly pour in the melted butter and continue mixing until the batter is creamy and lump-free.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until it forms a thick, smooth paste.
Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture over the cake batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix—you want distinct swirls for that classic cinnamon roll look.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes to prevent overbaking. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency if needed—add more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes. While still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
The glaze will melt slightly into the cake, creating a rich, gooey finish just like a cinnamon roll.
Slice into squares and serve warm for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch
- Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft and tender
- Use room temperature ingredients for better consistency
- Swirl gently to maintain visible cinnamon layers
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for milk
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
