Cinnabun Cake
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
Directions:
•Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9 x 13 baking pan (buttered).
•Mix all of the base ingredients together, with the exception of the butter. Add the melted butter last, and then pour into your prepared pan,
•Mix all of the topping ingredients together in a separate bowl. Mix well. Drop by teaspoonful over the base, as evenly as you can over the entire base. Take a butter knife and swirl the topping into the base. Pop into the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes.
•While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze and set aside.
•Remove from oven and glaze the cake while still warm.
If you've ever enjoyed the sweet, aromatic flavor of cinnamon rolls and wanted to have something similar but in cake form, this Cinnabun Cake recipe is a fantastic option to try at home. I’ve made this cake a few times, and what I love the most is how the cinnamon brown sugar topping swirled into the cake batter creates little pockets of gooey sweetness. The texture comes out wonderfully moist because of the melted butter in the base and the richness of the glaze. One tip I found helpful is to make sure to soften the butter for the topping well enough so it mixes easily with the brown sugar and flour, resulting in a consistent crumbly topping that bakes nicely. Also, when swirling the topping into the base mixture, use a gentle swirling motion with a butter knife to avoid fully blending it in—this keeps the signature cinnabun effect. While the cake is baking, preparing the glaze ahead is crucial. It’s important to get the powdered sugar whisked perfectly with milk and vanilla so it spreads smoothly without being too runny or too thick. Applying the glaze while the cake is still warm helps it soak in a bit, enhancing the overall flavor. This recipe is very versatile. You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch or sprinkle some cinnamon powder over the glaze for a finishing touch. It’s perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—simple ingredients but big on flavor. Overall, the combination of the flour, sugar, baking powder, and spice in the base with the cinnamon-rich topping and sweet glaze makes for a delightful homemade cake reminiscent of classic cinnabon flavors. It’s a recipe I recommend to anyone looking for a comforting and easy baked good to impress their family or guests.
