INGREDIENTS
Cake Batter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla
- Mix until smooth and lump-free (do not overmix)
- Pour batter evenly into prepared baking dish
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon
- Stir in melted butter until thick and smooth
4. Create the Swirl
- Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter
(Don’t over-swirl — big cinnamon ribbons are best!)
5. Bake**
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes
- Cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean
- Top should be golden and slightly cracked
- Make the Glaze**
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
- Pour glaze over the warm cake so it melts into every swirl
TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS
- Use room temperature ingredients for the softest texture
- For extra gooeyness, add 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream to the cinnamon swirl
- Love crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking
SERVING IDEAS
- Serve warm with coffee or tea
-
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert 🍨
- Tastes even better the next day — just reheat slightly
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CAKE
No yeast, no rising
Tastes just like cinnamon rolls
Feeds a crowd
Cozy, nostalgic, and irresistible