cinnamon cake

Cinnamon cake is a delicious and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s typically a moist and tender cake infused with cinnamon flavor and often topped with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting. Here’s a basic recipe for a simple cinnamon cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan or a similar-sized round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. Set it aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Layer the Cake:
   • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
   • Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
   • Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon swirl layer.
5. Swirl the Batter:
   • Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter. Don’t overmix; you want a marbled effect.
6. Bake:
   • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Make the Glaze (optional):
   • While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
8. Cool and Glaze:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • If you’re using the glaze, drizzle it over the cooled cake.

Slice and serve your homemade cinnamon cake and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.