Go Back
To make a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Cake, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup buttermilk - 3 large eggs - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - 1 cup brown sugar, packed For the creamy frosting, you will need: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency) You can swap some ingredients based on your needs: - For all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Substitute buttermilk with regular milk, adding a splash of vinegar for tang. - Use margarine instead of butter if you want a dairy-free option. - For a lower sugar version, try using a sugar substitute in the cake. These tips help you customize your cake while keeping it tasty. You can find the full recipe linked above to guide you through each step. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and buttermilk. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the cake rise well. Next, grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step prevents the cake from sticking. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one by one. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, add the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate this with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mix. Mix until just combined. Now, prepare the cinnamon swirl. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Then, pour the rest of the batter on top. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the batter. Be careful not to mix it too much. Bake your cake in the preheated oven. It should take about 25-30 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the softened butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Keep mixing until it becomes airy and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. If your frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Mix until you reach your desired consistency. Once your cake is cool, frost the top generously with the cream cheese frosting. For the full recipe, you can refer to the full recipe section. To get that beautiful cinnamon swirl, follow these steps. First, pour half of your cake batter into the pan. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Then, pour the rest of the batter over this layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon mix. Use a knife to gently swirl. Just go in circles to mix, but don’t blend it fully. You want to see those lovely swirls! Baking is a science, so precision is key. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Check if your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix well. Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. A kitchen scale can help if you have one. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This can take 25 to 30 minutes. For a smooth cream cheese frosting, start with soft cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid lumps. If your frosting gets too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. This helps you get the right spreadable texture. To frost the cake, start in the center and work your way out. This makes it easy to cover the whole top. You can also use a spatula for nice edges. Now, enjoy your beautiful cake! {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in your Cinnamon Swirl Cake to keep things fresh. Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl: Add a half cup of cocoa powder to the flour. This gives a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. - Nutmeg Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg with your cinnamon for a warm, spicy kick. - Fruit Additions: Consider folding in some chopped apples or pears for a fruity touch. They add moisture and a sweet surprise. If you need to adjust for dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This keeps the cake soft and fluffy. - Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for moisture. - Lower Sugar: Cut down on sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. When it comes to serving your cake, think about what makes it shine: - Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors meld beautifully. - Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries on the side. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. - Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delightful addition. The cold creaminess contrasts well with the warm cake. For a full recipe, you can refer to the complete instructions above. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your Cinnamon Swirl Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will keep it moist and tasty. Place the container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, try refrigerating it. Just remember to let it come to room temp before serving again. You can freeze this cake for later! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm up your cake, do it gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep it moist. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheat. Just warm a piece for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your cake with fresh frosting for that delightful taste! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Cinnamon Swirl Cake stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to one week. Freezing is also an option. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Bake it, cool it, and wrap it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it. Just thaw it before serving. Prepare the cream cheese frosting on the day you plan to eat it for the best taste. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create an acidic milk that works well in the recipe. You can also use yogurt or sour cream mixed with water. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients list. In this blog, we explored how to make a delicious Cinnamon Swirl Cake. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step baking, and tips for success. I shared ways to customize the cake and how to store it properly. Remember, small changes can lead to big flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and variations. Enjoy baking this treat and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cinnamon Swirl Cake Delight with this easy recipe that combines moist cake and creamy frosting for a dessert everyone will love! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a stunning treat perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking this delightful cake today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup buttermilk

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 cup brown sugar, packed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

    Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

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

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

          Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. This will be used for the swirl.

            Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter without fully mixing it in.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

                Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powder sugar and mix until airy. Add vanilla and beat until creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.

                  Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, frost the top generously with the cream cheese frosting.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: Cut into squares or rectangles and place on a decorative platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of frosting on top for an elegant touch.