Introduction
Craving the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll but short on time? Look no further! This Cinna-bun Cake in the Oven recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a traditional cinnamon roll, but in an easy-to-bake cake form. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar!
The Ultimate Cinna-bun Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon filling. Top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve warm, if desired.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cinna-bun Cake
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Soften the Butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. The cake is ready when the skewer comes out clean.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Variations: Add chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling for extra flavor and texture.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Cinna-bun Cake is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling.
- Apple Cinnamon: Incorporate diced apples into the filling for a seasonal twist.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Served Warm with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
This Cinna-bun Cake in the Oven recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure comfort. Enjoy!
