Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe

Sweet Spiral Magic: Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Delight Cake Recipe

Warm, gooey cinnamon swirls dance through this delectable cinnamon swirl delight cake that promises pure comfort in every bite.

Soft layers of tender cake intertwine with rich, sweet ribbons of cinnamon and sugar.

Each slice tells a story of homemade goodness and nostalgic memories.

The aroma fills your kitchen with warmth, beckoning everyone near.

Buttery, moist, and utterly irresistible, this cake transforms an ordinary afternoon into a special moment.

Perfect for weekend baking or surprising someone with a heartfelt treat.

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 13

Cinnamon Swirl Cake Ingredients

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the cake, selecting fresh, unbleached flour ensures a lighter texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, moist crumb with delightful caramelization during baking.
  • Baking Powder: The magical rising agent that helps the cake achieve its fluffy, light consistency.
  • Salt: Subtle enhancer that balances and brightens all the sweet flavors in the cake.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding powerhouse that adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and softness, room temperature milk blends more smoothly.
  • Melted Butter: Provides luxurious richness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth and warmth to the entire dessert.
For Cinnamon Swirl Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like, deep sweetness with a hint of molasses complexity.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warming spice that adds a nostalgic, comforting aroma and rich flavor profile.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the swirl mixture for perfect distribution.
  • Additional Melted Butter: Helps bind the topping and create a luscious, gooey texture.
For Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, silky finishing layer with beautiful white drizzle.
  • Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a final aromatic touch to complete the dessert.

Equipment for Cinnamon Swirl Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing cinnamon topping and glaze.
  • 9×13 inch baking pan: Ideal size for even cake baking and spreading.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Helps blend ingredients without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Knife: Used for creating the signature swirl effect in the cake.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading batter evenly and scraping bowls.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Cake Easily

  • Oven Warmup

Invite your oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating a welcoming environment for your delightful cake. Gently coat a rectangular baking pan with a protective layer to ensure smooth cake release.

  • Batter Harmony

Gather your ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, transforming them into a silky, lump-free dance of flavors. Whisk the components until they sing together in perfect culinary unity.

  • Canvas Preparation

Pour the velvety batter into your prepared pan, spreading it with care to create an even landscape for the upcoming flavor adventure.

  • Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a separate small vessel, craft a tantalizing mixture of rich, warm spices and sweet undertones. This will become the beautiful marbled pattern that gives your cake its signature charm.

  • Artistic Swirling

Generously sprinkle the cinnamon mixture across the batter’s surface. With a gentle knife, create mesmerizing swirls that will become delicious pockets of flavor.

  • Baking Journey

Slide the pan into the waiting oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a testing probe emerges clean and the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.

  • Sweet Finale

While the cake rests warmly, craft a silky glaze that will crown your creation. Drizzle this liquid gold across the surface, watching it settle into a tempting sheen.

Add-On Ideas for Cinnamon Swirl Cake

  • Replace regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk for unique flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Add extra ground cinnamon or mix in warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex taste experience.
  • Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the topping before baking to add crunch and depth.
  • Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent variation.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Cake with Confidence

  • Pair with Warm Beverage: Serve this cinnamon swirl cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat that enhances the cake's warm spices.
  • Create a Dessert Platter: Slice the cake into neat squares and arrange on a beautiful serving plate with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant presentation.
  • Breakfast Indulgence: Transform this cake into a delightful morning meal by cutting smaller portions and serving with a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for a balanced start to the day.
  • Perfect Party Dessert: Cut into bite-sized pieces for potlucks, brunch gatherings, or afternoon tea, making it an easy-to-share sweet that will impress friends and family.

How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Cake

  • Slice and Serve Smart: Cut cake into individual portions using a sharp knife. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
  • Refrigerate for Freshness: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain moisture and prevents the cake from drying out quickly.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
  • Room Temperature Revival: Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This step helps restore the cake's soft, tender crumb and enhances its delicious cinnamon flavor.
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Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon swirl delight cake brings classic comfort with layers of warm spice and sweet crumb. Delicate ribbons of cinnamon weave through moist cake, inviting bakers to savor each richly flavored slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (710 ml) flour
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup (113 g) melted butter
  • 4 tsps baking powder
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (230 g) melted butter
  • 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps flour
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 5 tbsps (75 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Batter Creation: Blend melted butter, eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and milk until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency with no lumps.
  3. Batter Distribution: Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform surface using a flat spatula.
  4. Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon to form a crumbly, aromatic blend.
  5. Swirling Technique: Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the batter, then use a knife to create intricate, meandering patterns that weave through the cake’s surface.
  6. Baking Process: Centrally place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown edge and a clean toothpick test.
  7. Glaze Finishing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a silky, pourable glaze that will cascade over the warm cake.
  8. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, then lavishly drizzle the glaze, permitting it to set into a glossy, tempting surface.

Notes

  • Butter Boost: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better cake texture, ensuring more even incorporation of ingredients.
  • Swirl Technique: Create cinnamon swirls gently with a knife, making figure-eight motions to achieve beautiful, distinct marbling without overmixing.
  • Moisture Magic: Check cake doneness early to prevent dryness; start testing at 25 minutes to maintain the cake’s incredible soft and tender crumb.
  • Glaze Game: Let cake cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, absorbed topping and maintain the glossy, picture-perfect finish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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