Cinnamon Cake Recipe: Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen? Cinnamon cake is like a warm hug baked into a dessert. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday must-have, or your go-to baking project on a rainy day, this cinnamon cake recipe is foolproof, flavorful, and full of soul. We’re breaking it down step by step—from ingredients to glaze—so you can nail it the first time, every time.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cinnamon Cake
Let’s be real—cinnamon is one of those spices that instantly brings warmth and joy. Now imagine that wrapped up in a buttery, moist cake. Yep, that’s what this recipe delivers. You get layers of flavor, a hint of spice, and the kind of crumb that practically melts in your mouth. It’s not just a cake—it’s a moment. This cinnamon cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, making it irresistible whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Not to mention, it’s super versatile. Want to keep it simple? Done. Want to fancy it up with a glaze or streusel? Go for it. It’s one of those cakes that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen—only now, you’re the baker.
Perfect Occasions for Cinnamon Cake
Still wondering when to whip this up? Honestly—anytime is the right time. But here are a few perfect occasions:
- Holiday mornings – Especially during fall or winter.
- Family gatherings – It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Office potlucks – Easy to slice, serve, and impress.
- Lazy Sundays – Because you deserve something warm and sweet.
- Bake sales or brunches – It holds up well and looks beautiful.
You can even make mini versions for gifting! The cinnamon cake is that flexible. You just need the right recipe—and we’ve got you covered.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get down to the good stuff. Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything ready. No one wants to find out halfway through that they’re out of flour or eggs.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or more if you’re a spice lover)
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup sour cream – For even more moisture.
- ½ tsp nutmeg – A little extra spice kick.
- ¼ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon – For a cinnamon swirl layer.
Simple, pantry-friendly, and all-natural. Let’s turn these ingredients into magic.
Kitchen Equipment Required
You don’t need a bakery’s worth of gadgets to nail this cake. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Mixing bowls (at least 2 large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans
- Wire rack for cooling
- Toothpick (for the doneness test)
- Optional: Whisk, sieve for dry ingredients
No fancy tools, no stress.
How to Choose the Right Cinnamon
Not all cinnamons are created equal. Here’s the lowdown:
- Ceylon Cinnamon – Mild, sweet, perfect for delicate desserts.
- Cassia Cinnamon – Bold, spicy, more common in U.S. kitchens.
For this recipe, Cassia is ideal because it holds its flavor even after baking. But if you want a more refined flavor, go for Ceylon. Just make sure your cinnamon is fresh. Old spice = weak flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Cake
Let’s go through this one step at a time so you can enjoy the process—and end up with a deliciously moist cake.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy release. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first distributes the leavening agents and spices evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This step traps air, creating a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add two eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for aroma and depth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients and ¾ cup of milk alternately, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until smooth.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (Optional)
Combine ¼ cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. You’ll use this to create a sweet swirl inside the cake.
Step 7: Assemble and Layer the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife for that signature pattern.
Step 8: Bake It to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 9: Cooling Time – Don’t Skip It
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack. Cooling sets the structure and makes slicing easier. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm!
How to Make the Cinnamon Glaze (Optional but Delicious)
Want to level up your cinnamon cake? This glaze is quick, easy, and adds a sweet, spiced kick right on top.
Cinnamon Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for thickness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if you want a thinner consistency.
- Once your cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
It hardens slightly for that perfect crackle when you bite in, while still being soft enough to melt on your tongue. This glaze is also fantastic on cinnamon muffins or coffee cakes—keep it in your back pocket!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this has its pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid so your cake turns out bakery-perfect:
- Overmixing the batter: Leads to a dense, rubbery cake.
- Skipping the cooling time: Results in a collapsed or soggy cake.
- Using cold butter or eggs: Prevents proper creaming and blending.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour; don’t scoop!
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye near the end of the bake time. Dry cinnamon cake is a tragedy.
Stick to the guide, and you’ll sidestep these common baking blunders easily.
Tips for a Moist and Fluffy Cinnamon Cake
Moisture and fluffiness come down to the little details. Here’s how to make sure your cinnamon cake is the softest, most delicious it can be:
- Use room temperature ingredients – They blend more smoothly.
- Add sour cream or yogurt – Moisture booster without making the cake too wet.
- Don’t skip the milk or buttermilk – It adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Check your baking powder – Expired leavening won’t do the job.
- Let the batter rest – Letting it sit for 5–10 minutes before baking allows the flour to hydrate fully.
Also, always store your cake properly to maintain that moisture (we’ll talk about that next!).
Best Toppings for Cinnamon Cake
Want to add a little flair to your finished creation? Here are some topping ideas to take it from simple to stunning:
- Cinnamon Glaze – Sweet, spicy, and classic.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Rich and tangy contrast to the cinnamon.
- Whipped Cream and Berries – Light, fresh, and perfect for summer.
- Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts) – For a crunchy texture.
- Caramel Drizzle – Pairs like a dream with cinnamon.
Toppings don’t just add flavor—they turn your cake into a show-stopper. Feel free to experiment!
How to Store and Reheat Your Cake
Cinnamon cake stores beautifully if done right. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Short-Term Storage:
- Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Lasts up to 5-6 days in the fridge (especially if it has frosting).
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds for that “just-baked” feel.
- If reheating a larger portion, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Covering the cake properly prevents it from drying out, so always use plastic wrap, foil, or airtight containers.
Can You Freeze Cinnamon Cake?
Absolutely. Cinnamon cake freezes well and still tastes amazing when thawed properly.
How to Freeze:
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil.
- Label and date it.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Thaw:
- Move to the fridge overnight.
- Then bring to room temperature before serving.
- Glaze or frost after thawing, not before freezing.
Perfect for make-ahead baking or keeping leftovers from going to waste.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well With Cinnamon Cake?
Cinnamon cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right drink or dish can elevate it even more.
Here are some fan-favorite combinations:
- Coffee or espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
- Hot apple cider – Especially during fall.
- Vanilla ice cream – Classic combo that never fails.
- Chai latte – Spice meets spice.
- Maple syrup drizzle – A breakfast cake dream.
You can even serve it as part of a brunch spread with fruits, muffins, and eggs for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
FAQs about Cinnamon Cake Recipe
1. Can I make this cinnamon cake without eggs?
Yes! You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg as a substitute. It may slightly alter the flavor and texture but still tastes great.
2. What’s the best type of milk to use?
Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can also use buttermilk for tanginess or almond/oat milk for dairy-free versions.
3. Can I add fruits to this cake?
Definitely! Apples, raisins, or even pears pair beautifully with cinnamon. Just be sure to coat them lightly in flour before mixing into the batter to prevent sinking.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Add 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease it well with butter or non-stick spray, and dust with flour or use parchment paper. Also, allow the cake to cool before attempting to remove it.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a homemade cinnamon cake. It’s not flashy. It’s not over-complicated. But it delivers big-time comfort and flavor. Every slice is like a warm hug that reminds you of family, holidays, or peaceful Sunday mornings.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve got everything you need to bake a perfect cinnamon cake every single time. From the fluffy texture to the gooey swirl and sweet glaze, this is the kind of cake people will ask you for again and again.
So tie on that apron, preheat the oven, and treat yourself—you’ve earned it.
