Cinna Bun Cake in the Oven

Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven

Introduction

Cinna-bun cake is a delightful fusion of the classic cinnamon roll and the simplicity of a cake. Imagine the sweet, warm aroma of cinnamon swirling through your home as a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake bakes to perfection in the oven. This cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack. The gooey cinnamon swirl, balanced with a fluffy cake base and drizzled with a luscious glaze, mimics the flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll, but with far less effort.

History of Cinna-Bun Cake

The Cinna-bun cake draws inspiration from the beloved cinnamon roll, also known as “kanelbullar” in Sweden, where these spiced buns have been enjoyed for centuries. Cinnamon rolls are thought to have originated in Sweden in the 18th century, and the Swedes even celebrate “Kanelbullens dag” or Cinnamon Roll Day every October 4th. These rolls, made with soft dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with pearl sugar or icing, became popular across Europe and later made their way to America, where they evolved into the gooey, frosted version we know today.

In the United States, cinnamon rolls became a bakery staple, particularly popularized by brands like Cinnabon, which introduced the iconic large, heavily glazed cinnamon rolls in 1985. These sticky, indulgent buns quickly gained a following and became synonymous with special breakfasts and indulgent snacks.

The Cinna-bun cake is a more recent creation, developed by home bakers seeking a simpler way to enjoy the flavors of a cinnamon roll without the time-consuming process of rolling, rising, and baking yeast dough. By transforming the cinnamon roll into a cake, bakers could replicate the rich, gooey cinnamon flavor with far less effort, making it accessible for any level of home baker. The cake version keeps the essence of cinnamon buns—sweet, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon—while offering the convenience of a one-pan dessert.

Cinnamon rolls, or “buns,” trace their origins back to Sweden, where they are called “kanelbullar.” These delightful treats have been enjoyed since the 18th century in northern Europe, but their influence quickly spread worldwide. The American version, often heavily glazed with icing, became a beloved indulgence, particularly in bakeries like Cinnabon. By transforming the cinnamon bun into a cake form, we retain all the cinnamon sugar magic while making the preparation easier and more accessible for home bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined. Lastly, pour in the melted butter and stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a spoon or spatula to drop dollops of this cinnamon mixture all over the top of the cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when touched.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; adjust the consistency with a little more milk if necessary.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is done and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let it soak in and settle before slicing and serving.

Methods for Making Cinna-Bun Cake

1. Mixing the Cake Batter:

Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to avoid over-mixing. Pour in the melted butter last to ensure the batter remains smooth and lump-free. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so fold the ingredients until just combined.

2. Creating the Cinnamon Swirl:

Cinnamon Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of flour. The flour helps thicken the mixture slightly, ensuring it stays swirled throughout the batter instead of sinking to the bottom.
Swirl Technique: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture on top of the cake batter. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cake batter, moving in circular or zigzag motions. This creates pockets of cinnamon throughout the cake for an even flavor distribution.

3. Baking the Cake:

Temperature and Timing: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake and reduce the gooeyness of the cinnamon swirl.
Cooling: Let the cake cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze. It should still be warm when you drizzle the glaze on top, allowing the glaze to soak into the cake.

4. Making the Glaze:

Glaze Consistency: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Application: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. It will melt into the cake, creating a glossy finish and adding moisture and sweetness.

5. Serving and Storing:

Serving: Slice the cake into squares and serve warm. The cake is at its best when served fresh out of the oven or reheated slightly to enjoy the gooey cinnamon swirl.
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore the warmth and gooey texture.

The key to making the perfect Cinna-bun cake lies in balancing the flavors and textures. The cake should be soft and tender, while the cinnamon swirl should provide a rich, sweet, and slightly gooey contrast. Make sure to use room-temperature butter for the swirl so it blends easily, and don’t rush the swirling process to ensure even distribution. For the glaze, sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth finish.

Benefits of Cinna Bun Cake

Comfort and Satisfaction: Cinna-bun cake provides the warmth and comfort of a classic cinnamon roll but with less effort. It’s an indulgent treat that satisfies sweet cravings and offers a delightful, nostalgic flavor.
Cinnamon’s Health Benefits: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. It has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and boost brain function.
Customizable Recipe: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit various dietary needs. Substitute whole wheat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free alternative to make it healthier. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a more wholesome version.
Versatile Serving Option: The cake is versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It can be served warm with coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for gatherings, brunches, or family meals.
Boosts Energy: The combination of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provides a quick energy boost, making this cake an excellent pick-me-up during sluggish moments.
Mood Enhancer: The aroma of baking cinnamon and sugar is known to evoke feelings of comfort and happiness, making this cake not just a treat for the taste buds, but also for the soul.
Easier Than Cinnamon Rolls: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast, kneading, and rising time, this cake simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the same flavors in a fraction of the time.
Portion Control: Baking the cinnamon bun in cake form makes it easier to portion out servings, allowing you to indulge without overdoing it.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a large family or taking a dessert to a gathering, this cake is sure to impress with its classic, familiar flavors.
Calcium and Protein: The milk and butter used in the cake contribute to the calcium and protein content, which supports bone health and muscle function.

This Cinna-bun cake isn’t just a treat for the tastebuds; it’s a cozy, feel-good recipe. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support heart health and regulate blood sugar. The recipe can also be adapted by using alternative flours or sugars for a more health-conscious version.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)

Based on 12 servings:

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: 70mg
Iron: 2mg

This nutritional breakdown reflects a typical slice of Cinna-bun Cake, considering standard ingredients. If you make substitutions (such as using whole wheat flour or low-fat milk), these values will change accordingly.

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 5g

Formation of the Cake

Formation of Cinna-Bun Cake

The formation of a Cinna-bun cake involves the seamless layering of flavors and textures to replicate the essence of a cinnamon roll, but in cake form. Here’s how the magic comes together:

Base Cake Batter:
The cake begins with a simple, fluffy batter made from flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter. This forms the foundation of the cake, providing a soft and tender texture that’s crucial for soaking up the gooey cinnamon swirl.
Cinnamon Swirl:
The heart of this cake lies in the cinnamon swirl, made from softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of flour. Dollops of this mixture are dropped onto the batter and swirled throughout with a knife. This creates the signature cinnamon bun experience by forming pockets of sweet, spiced goodness that infuse the cake as it bakes.
Baking Process:
As the cake bakes, the cinnamon-sugar mixture melts and forms caramel-like swirls throughout the fluffy cake, which causes an irresistible marbled effect. The butter ensures that the swirl stays gooey while the cake itself bakes to a light, golden perfection.
Glaze:
After baking, the final touch is a silky glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This is poured over the still-warm cake, allowing it to seep into the cracks and crevices, adding moisture and sweetness.
Final Texture:
Once fully formed, the cake boasts a perfect balance between soft, fluffy layers and the rich, gooey cinnamon swirl. The glaze adds a glossy finish that not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall flavor.

The result is a cake that perfectly mimics the experience of biting into a freshly baked cinnamon bun but with the ease of cutting and serving it like a cake.

The formation of this cake starts with a light, airy base made from basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. What sets this cake apart is the cinnamon swirl, which seeps through the cake during baking, creating a marbled effect of sweetness in every bite. The final touch of the glaze locks in moisture and flavor, creating an irresistible finish.

Conclusion

Cinna-bun cake is a hybrid dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of cake baking. It’s perfect for family gatherings, lazy weekend mornings, or any time you need a sweet fix. This cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its gooey, cinnamon-filled center and sweet vanilla glaze.

For the Lovers of Cinnamon Rolls

If you adore cinnamon rolls, this cake is for you. The cinnamon swirl gives you that iconic, sweet spice taste in a much more convenient form. No kneading or rolling is required—just mix, bake, and enjoy. For those who love their cinnamon rolls drenched in icing, the glaze on this cake is the perfect match.