Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven is everything you love about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll—reimagined as a soft, fluffy sheet cake that’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. With its buttery cinnamon swirl and sweet vanilla glaze, this cake delivers all the flavor of classic cinnamon buns without the need for yeast or rising time. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and makes a beautiful addition to any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake captures the essence of cinnamon buns in a quicker, easier format. There’s no kneading, rolling, or proofing—just mix, swirl, and bake. The rich cinnamon topping melts into the soft vanilla-scented cake, creating irresistible layers of sweetness. Topped with a creamy glaze that soaks into every bite, this treat is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy mornings at home.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake
1 cup sugar
1 ½ cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup melted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup softened butter
For the Glaze
5 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
directions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Fold in the melted butter until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Make and Apply Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the topping gently into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake
Bake the cake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare and Apply Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm to allow it to soak in slightly.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12–15 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace part of the milk in the glaze with softened cream cheese for a richer finish.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the topping for deeper spice notes.
Maple Version: Substitute half the powdered sugar with maple syrup in the glaze for a maple-infused flavor.
Individual Servings: Bake the batter in muffin tins for cinnamon bun cupcakes.
storage/reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 10 minutes. The glaze may soak further into the cake over time, making it even more moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to swirl the topping?
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the topping into the batter—avoid overmixing to preserve the marble effect.
Can I freeze Cinna-Bun Cake?
Yes, cool the cake completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What type of butter is best for this recipe?
Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce or omit added salt in the batter.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, especially in the glaze, but keep in mind this will affect the overall sweetness and texture.
What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour is ideal. Using cake flour may make the texture too soft, while bread flour will be too dense.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. For example, using a smaller, deeper dish will require more baking time.
Is it necessary to let the cake cool before glazing?
Let the cake cool slightly so it’s not piping hot, but still warm enough for the glaze to melt into the top layer.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Yes, adding ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter can give it a nice fruity touch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. Ensure the glaze is also adjusted using non-dairy milk.
Conclusion
Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that captures all the beloved flavors of a cinnamon roll without the extra effort. With its tender crumb, buttery cinnamon topping, and sweet vanilla glaze, this cake is guaranteed to impress whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Simple
Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven delivers all the gooey, sweet, cinnamon-swirled flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy, crowd-pleasing cake form. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something warm and sugary!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 cup sugar
-
1 1/2 cups milk
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
4 teaspoons baking powder
-
3 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 cup melted butter
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
-
1 cup brown sugar
-
2 tablespoons flour
-
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
-
1 cup softened butter
For the Glaze:
-
5 tablespoons milk
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. -
Prepare Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in melted butter. Pour batter into prepared pan. -
Make and Apply Topping:
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of topping over batter and swirl gently with a butter knife. -
Bake:
Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Prepare and Apply Glaze:
While cake bakes, whisk milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Once cake is done and slightly cooled, drizzle glaze evenly over top.
Notes
-
For extra decadence, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
-
Serve warm for the best cinnamon roll experience.
-
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *