There are few things in life that bring me as much joy as cinnamon buns. Soft, sweet, swirled with spice—they’ve long held the crown as one of my absolute favorite desserts. But as much as I love them, there are evenings when I crave that same comforting flavor without the effort of kneading, proofing, and rolling dough.
Last night was one of those evenings. The solution? A cinnamon swirl cake that captures all the nostalgia of a bun in a fraction of the time. Warm, fragrant, and finished with a drizzle of cinnamon glaze, it’s one of those bakes that instantly makes the house feel cozier. Honestly, it might just be climbing to the top of my all-time favorite baking list.
So if you’re in the mood for something equal parts simple and indulgent, this is the recipe to bookmark.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake is how straightforward the ingredients are—most of them you probably already have in your kitchen.
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the swirl:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- About 1 ½ tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven. Set it to 170°C (340°F) and grease your favorite cake pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the butter with white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one blends in before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry. Add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is what keeps the cake soft.
- Assemble the swirl. Pour half of the batter into the cake pan and smooth it out. Mix the swirl ingredients together in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, spreading gently to cover.
- Bake. Place in the oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Make the glaze. Stir the powdered sugar with just enough milk to create a thick glaze, then whisk in the cinnamon. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
The Result
This cake is everything you want from a cozy bake. The crumb is tender, the swirl adds just the right amount of spice and sweetness, and the glaze ties it all together with a little extra indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that works just as well as an afternoon treat with tea as it does as a special weekend breakfast.
Unlike cinnamon buns, which demand patience and planning, this cake comes together in under an hour (not counting bake time) and gives you instant gratification. It’s the shortcut version that doesn’t feel like one at all.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sour cream magic. The sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist, adding richness without heaviness.
- The swirl factor. A simple blend of sugars and cinnamon transforms the cake into something layered and special, with every bite offering a little surprise.
- The finishing touch. That glaze—just sweet enough with a hint of cinnamon—elevates the cake from “nice” to “irresistible.”
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the cooling. Letting the cake sit for 15 minutes makes it easier to remove from the pan and keeps it from breaking apart.
- Use fresh cinnamon. Spices lose their punch over time. If yours has been sitting in the cupboard for a while, consider replacing it for maximum flavor.
- Play with the shape. This recipe works beautifully in a loaf tin, bundt pan, or even as muffins if you adjust the baking time.
Serving Ideas
While the cake is wonderful on its own, you can easily dress it up. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or alongside your morning coffee for a sweet start to the day. Personally, I love sneaking a slice late at night—it tastes even better when you don’t have to share.
A Little Cinnamon Comfort
There’s something almost magical about cinnamon. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it has that nostalgic power to transport you straight to childhood kitchens and family gatherings. This cake captures all of that in an easy, foolproof recipe.
So the next time you’re craving the comfort of a cinnamon bun but want something quicker, give this swirl cake a try. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make your Monday (or any day) feel a little brighter.
