Cinnamon Cake Recipe – Buttery, Soft & Perfect for Coffee Breaks

Why Buttery Cinnamon Cake Is the Ultimate Cozy Bake

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon and butter wafting through the house—it’s the aroma of comfort, of childhood memories, of something special baking in the oven. Buttery Cinnamon Cake is the kind of recipe that wraps you in a warm hug from the first bite. With its tender, buttery crumb and ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout, it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or served warm with a scoop of ice cream for dessert, this cake is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this cozy cake is sure to become a favorite.

What Is Buttery Cinnamon Cake?

Buttery Cinnamon Cake is a soft, moist cake with a rich, buttery base and a swirl or topping of cinnamon sugar that creates a beautiful marbled effect and irresistible flavor. It draws inspiration from classic coffee cakes, gooey cinnamon rolls, and old-fashioned spice cakes—bringing together the best of all three in one easy-to-make treat.

This cake is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, yet it delivers big on flavor and comfort. Whether baked in a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt mold, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s equally at home on a brunch table or as a cozy dessert. One slice is never enough.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy cinnamon-swirled cake:

 Dry Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

 Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

 Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)

 Spices:

• 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth

 Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Powdered sugar for dusting or a simple glaze

Tip: Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and better texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry & Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.

5. Layer & Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.

6. Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Finish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the crumb tender and soft.

Taste & Texture Profile

This cake is everything you want in a cozy bake:

• Texture: A buttery, tender crumb with a moist, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The cinnamon sugar swirl creates a slightly crisp top and a soft, marbled center.
• Flavor: Warm and spiced, with the comforting sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of butter. Optional nutmeg or cardamom adds a subtle depth.
• Aroma: Irresistibly fragrant—like a cinnamon roll and vanilla cake had a delicious baby.

It’s the kind of cake that tastes like home, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a warm drink and a good book.