Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened (1½ sticks)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare your baking dish and preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, preferably one with flour in it (like Baker’s Joy), which helps prevent sticking even more.
2. Mix the cake batter
In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add in the eggs, vanilla, and milk, and mix on low until just combined. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while the mixer is running. Make sure not to overmix here—just mix until everything is incorporated.
Overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want it to be light and fluffy. So as soon as everything looks smooth, stop mixing.
3. Pour batter into the baking dish
Once your batter is ready, pour it into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Make the cinnamon filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. It should come together into a spreadable, slightly grainy paste.
5. Swirl the cinnamon filling into the cake
Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon filling all over the top of the cake batter. Then, using a butter knife, swirl the filling into the batter by dragging the knife through both layers to create a marble effect. Don’t overdo it; a few swirls are enough to get that beautiful cinnamon pattern.
6. Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. In my oven, 40 minutes was perfect, but keep an eye on it around the 35-minute mark. You want the top to be golden brown and the cake to be fully set.
7. Make the glaze
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking: more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk if you prefer it a bit thinner.
8. Glaze the cake and serve
Pour the glaze over the warm cake, letting it seep into the swirls and crevices. You can serve this cake warm for extra gooeyness or let it cool completely if you want neater slices.
Notes
This cake looks beautiful with its cinnamon swirls and glaze drizzles. For a cozy presentation, serve it directly from the baking dish, family-style, and let everyone cut their own slice. If you’re serving at a brunch or special gathering, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top for a polished look.
To take it up a notch, garnish with a few fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. And if you want to get extra fancy, a small dollop of whipped cream on each slice never hurts!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert