Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (equivalent to 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a baking pan measuring 9×13 inches, with oil or cooking spray
- In a mixing bowl combine the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder.
- Add the milk, eggs and vanilla to the ingredients and mix until you have a batter.
- Gently incorporate the butter into the mixture before pouring it into the pan.
- In a bowl combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts (if desired) for the filling.
- Evenly distribute spoonfuls of the filling mixture over the cake batter.
- Use a knife to swirl and create marbling patterns throughout the batter.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking sugar, milk and vanilla until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Once you remove the cake from the oven drizzle the glaze over it while it’s still warm.
- Allow some time for the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy either warm or at room temperature.
Variations
This cinnamon swirl cake is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. For a fruity twist, try adding diced apples or mashed bananas to the batter, or layer thin apple slices between the cinnamon swirl for an apple cinnamon version.
Chocolate lovers can mix cocoa powder into the filling or sprinkle chocolate chips over the batter before swirling. If you prefer a richer texture, substitute buttermilk for regular milk or add a cream cheese swirl by blending softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla before layering it with the cinnamon mixture.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with oats or shredded coconut for added texture. If you enjoy a stronger spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling.
For a festive touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Tips
To ensure the best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing—this helps create a smoother batter and even baking.
When swirling the cinnamon filling, avoid overmixing, as this can muddy the marbled effect; a few gentle figure-eight motions with a knife will create beautiful swirls without blending the layers too much.
For an extra-moist cake, check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. If the edges brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil.
When applying the glaze, let the cake cool slightly so it soaks in just enough without making the cake soggy. For a thicker glaze, use less milk, or thin it with a bit more milk if you prefer a lighter drizzle.
How to Store
This cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to prevent the glaze from melting, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
To maintain freshness, avoid storing the cake in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can dry it out. If the cake loses moisture, a quick microwave zap (about 10 seconds) can revive its softness.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them just before baking.
Conclusion
This cinnamon swirl cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Its tender crumb, buttery cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze make it irresistible, while the easy preparation ensures it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or as a treat at gatherings, it’s sure to earn compliments.
With endless variations and simple storage options, this cake is as practical as it is delicious. Experiment with different add-ins or toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the comforting aroma as it bakes. No matter how you serve it, this cinnamon swirl cake is a timeless favorite that never disappoints. Happy baking!