Introduction
“This cake is so super moist and gooey—it’s better than any cinnamon roll I’ve ever had!” That’s what you’ll be saying after one bite of this Cinnamon Swirl Cake. It’s made with a tender buttermilk batter and layered with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon swirl that melts into pockets of caramelized goodness. No yeast, no waiting—just mix, bake, and enjoy a slice of comfort in less than an hour.
Why I Love This Recipe
- No-fuss alternative to cinnamon rolls—same flavor, less effort
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Buttermilk and melted butter create the perfect moist texture
- It stays soft for days (if it even lasts that long)
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Buttermilk: Essential for flavor and texture. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
- Brown Sugar: Use dark for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Swirl Add-Ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Optional Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze on top adds sweetness and shine.
Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Stir in melted butter until well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour remaining batter on top and swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
5. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Swirl just enough to blend—don’t mix the layers completely.
- Let the cake rest 10–15 minutes after baking to set the swirl before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Perfect with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced hot chocolate.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
- Can be frozen (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love gooey, cozy, crowd-pleasing desserts, check these out:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot)
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form
- These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me (and I’ve Made Them 100 Times)
- This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings
Final Thoughts
This Super Moist Cinnamon Swirl Cake is pure comfort—no kneading, no waiting, and absolutely no leftovers. It’s everything you love about a cinnamon roll baked into a cake you can enjoy any day of the week. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Tried it? Share your slice and follow for more classic, crave-worthy bakes.
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