Have you ever walked into a bakery and been mesmerized by the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon swirling through the air? That's exactly what your kitchen will smell like when you bake this cinnamon cake recipe. Making this delicious treat at home is not only more economical than buying from a bakery, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the sweetness to your preference. 

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 3 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

    • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Glaze:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons milk
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

This timeline makes the recipe perfect for weekend brunch preparation or an after-dinner dessert project. The hands-on prep is minimal, giving you time to relax while the oven works its magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later—this step prevents sticking and ensures clean slices.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake for consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a lighter texture in your finished cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. This cinnamon cake recipe technique prevents overmixing and maintains tenderness.

Step 5: Create the Cinnamon Swirl In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over it, then top with remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 32-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched. Following this best homemade cinnamon cake recipe ensures perfect doneness every time.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm cake for a beautiful finish.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 285
    • Protein: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 45g
    • Fat: 10g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Calcium: 6% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and vegan butter. Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the cinnamon flavor depth.

Flavor Variations: Try adding ½ cup of raisins or diced apples to the batter for extra moisture and texture. Replace half the cinnamon with cardamom for a Middle Eastern twist.

Meal Prep Tip: This cake actually improves after 24 hours as flavors meld together. Bake it a day ahead for gatherings.

Beginner Advice: Room temperature ingredients are crucial—they blend more smoothly and create better texture. Don't skip this step!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: This develops gluten, making your cake tough and dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined—a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Opening the Oven Door Too Early: This causes temperature fluctuations and can make your cake sink in the middle. Wait until at least 25 minutes before checking.

Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and milk won't incorporate properly, leading to an uneven crumb structure. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Skipping the Swirl: Don't just layer the cinnamon mixture—use a knife or skewer to create beautiful marble patterns that distribute flavor throughout.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your finished cinnamon cake recipe at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cake remains moist when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a cake keeper. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week—though the texture may become slightly denser.

Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The best homemade cinnamon cake recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or satisfying sudden sweet cravings. For best results, freeze without the glaze and add it fresh after thawing.