Nothing says cozy vibes more than indulging in a slice of cinnamon cake with some coffee or hot chocolate. While pumpkin spice may get all the attention during fall, cinnamon cakes are the true OG when it comes to a dessert with sweetness and spice (and everything nice). If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls, you're in for a treat with a recipe that will surely warm you up.
How to Make Cinnamon Cake From Scratch
As it turns out, cinnamon cake is really easy to bake. Make this your go-to recipe for your next holiday gathering or whenever you can't get your hands on some cinnamon rolls. Serving size is 12.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cups vegetable oil
- ¼ cup applesauce
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions for Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and applesauce.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour into the prepared cake pans. For 9x13 inch pans, bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes or 25 to 35 minutes for the round pans.
- Cool on a wire rack. Frost with a cream cheese frosting or the suggested frosting recipe below when the cake is cooled.
Instructions for Frosting
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
- Allow the butter and brown sugar mixture to sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a separate saucepan or the microwave.
- Whisk the milk into the slightly cooled brown sugar/butter mixture.
- Add a pinch of salt and stir in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches the right consistency.
- Spread on cooled cake.
Try adding some diced apples, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to your batter. This gives your cake an extra sweet surprise.
Serve It Up
Serve your cinnamon cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous side of whipped cream. The creamy and spicy pairing makes for an indulging treat for your taste buds. If you're not a fan of cream, sprinkle some of your favorite nuts on your cake for some crunch.
Cozy Up With a Slice of Cinnamon Cake
While pumpkin spice may be seasonal, you can enjoy cinnamon cake all year long. Whip up this moist cinnamon cake recipe whenever you're craving something that comforts the soul (and belly). This cake will surely satisfy your cinnamon cravings and will be a family favorite.
