If you are searching for the perfect treat to warm your kitchen and delight your taste buds, look no further than this Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe. Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with just the right amount of cinnamon and a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. This cake beautifully balances sweetness and spice, making it an irresistible comfort dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe, it will quickly become one of your most loved baked gems.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this comforting cake. Each component plays a special role, from the fluffy texture contributed by the baking powder to the rich depth of flavor from the sour cream, making your cake perfectly soft and flavorful.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to your cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives your cake the lift and lightness it needs.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream for additional rise and tenderness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warm, cozy notes throughout.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and buttery goodness.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic lift to the batter.
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- ½ cup whole milk: Balances the batter’s consistency for a soft crumb.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar topping, adding a crunchy sweet layer.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Paired with sugar for the perfect topping spice dusting.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the topping to create a golden, buttery finish.
How to Make Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed so your cake will rise consistently and have that lovely cinnamon flavor throughout.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets in the batter, giving your cake a soft, tender texture that’s unbelievably buttery.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Incorporating the eggs slowly helps maintain the batter’s smoothness while the vanilla brings a fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Dairy
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk mixture in two parts. Mixing just until combined avoids overworking the batter, which keeps the cake delightfully tender instead of dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Batter in the Pan
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined pan, smoothing out the top for an even bake. This sets the stage for a beautifully uniform cake every time.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter, then drizzle the melted butter generously on top. This topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft cake beneath.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is cooked through but still wonderfully moist.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and allows the texture to set perfectly.
How to Serve Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is incredible on its own, but topping it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate it to dessert star status. Fresh berries also add a refreshing burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy experience. If you want to take it further, a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely contrast between warm cake and cool creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the cake into small squares and serving it on a dessert platter for a party. You can also layer pieces of the cake with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream to make a stunning trifle, giving an extra wow factor to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness. If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the fridge is a safe bet to prevent spoilage, but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to enjoy later without any loss of flavor or moisture.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and buttery aroma you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream in this cake?
Yes! Plain yogurt works just as well as sour cream and keeps the cake moist and tender. Choose full-fat yogurt for the best richness.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend with similar protein content to replicate the texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins complement the cinnamon flavors beautifully. Fold them in right before pouring the batter into the pan.
What pan size is best for baking this cake?
A 9×9-inch square pan or an 8-inch round pan works perfectly, giving you a nice thickness that bakes evenly every time.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
When stored properly, this cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe is truly a delightful classic that’s easy to whip up and hard to resist. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, its tender crumb and rich cinnamon aroma offer a cozy hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to bring this warm, buttery joy to your home kitchen—once you try it, it’s sure to become your go-to comfort cake.
Print
Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Buttery Cinnamon Cake is a moist, tender cake infused with warm cinnamon flavor and a rich buttery topping. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, it features a soft crumb with a delightful cinnamon sugar topping drizzled with melted butter, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- ½ cup whole milk
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until combined evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternating between the dry flour mixture and the wet sour cream mixed with milk, add them to the creamed mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure moistness.
- Prepare the Pan and Pour Batter: Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan.
- Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cinnamon sugar topping, which will create a rich, buttery crust once baked.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use sour cream or plain yogurt interchangeably for moisture and slight tang.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
- The cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet and crunchy texture that complements the soft cake.
