If your hubby loves honey buns, this Cinnamon Roll Swirl Cake is about to become his new favorite treat. It’s an indulgent, ooey-gooey, cinnamon-filled masterpiece that’s super easy to make and will definitely satisfy those sweet cravings. Think of it like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a cake—sweet, buttery, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1 cup butter, softened (almost melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Stir together until well combined.
- Add the milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix everything together until smooth and well incorporated. The batter will be somewhat thick, and that’s totally okay.
2. Prepare the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is mixed into a thick, sugary paste. This topping will create the swirl effect, so don’t worry if it’s a bit chunky—it’s going to melt and swirl beautifully in the oven.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Spoon the topping mixture over the batter in dollops or spoonfuls. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it’s spread out in a somewhat even layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the topping into the batter. Don’t overmix; the goal is to create those beautiful cinnamon ribbons running through the cake.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
- Keep an eye on it towards the end; every oven is different, so if it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. You can add a little more milk if it’s too thick or a little more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
6. Finish the Cake:
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes (about 5–10 minutes). Then, pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake. The glaze will melt into the cake, creating a sweet, decadent topping.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into it (though it’s delicious warm too!). You’ll get that perfect blend of soft, fluffy cake with cinnamon swirls and a sweet glaze—just like a cinnamon roll, but in cake form!
Q&A
Q: Can I make this in advance?
- A: Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead! It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze can be added just before serving. If you’re serving it later, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back the warmth.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
- A: Absolutely! This cake freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or store the whole cake in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, just let it sit at room temperature for an hour or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
Q: Can I make this without the glaze?
- A: While the glaze adds a nice sweet finishing touch, you can absolutely skip it if you want. The cinnamon swirl topping is flavorful on its own, so if you want a slightly lighter treat, it’s still delicious without the extra sweetness.
Q: Can I adjust the sweetness?
- A: If you want to reduce the sweetness, cut down on the brown sugar in the topping or glaze. You can also use less butter in the topping if you’re looking for a less rich version. But I’d recommend trying the full version first—it’s meant to be indulgent!
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Perfect for Honey Bun Lovers: If your hubby loves honey buns, this cake is a total upgrade! It’s sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and swirled with buttery goodness, making it the ultimate treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you don’t need any fancy baking skills to make this. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a dessert for a family gathering, or a special treat to enjoy with coffee, this cake hits the spot every time.
- Guaranteed to Impress: With its beautiful swirl and sweet glaze, it looks as amazing as it tastes. Guests will be asking for the recipe!
This Cinnamon Roll Swirl Cake is perfect for when you want something that’s both comforting and a little bit indulgent. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery—if not better. Enjoy! 🍰🍩