There’s something about the aroma of cinnamon and butter melting together that makes a kitchen feel like home. This Ultimate Cinna-Bun Cake is everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—gooey swirls, warm spices, and a vanilla-sweet glaze—but in an effortless, no-knead, no-rise cake form.
It’s soft, buttery, and unapologetically indulgent, perfect for cozy mornings or when that cinnamon craving hits hard. What makes this recipe a must-try? It delivers all the nostalgia of homemade cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time—no waiting for dough to rise, no rolling, no fuss.
Instead, you get a tender, vanilla-scented cake with a caramelized cinnamon-sugar swirl running through every bite. And that glaze? It melts right into the cake, creating a sticky, bakery-style finish.
If you love crowd-pleasing comfort food, this pairs beautifully with hot chocolate or Cowboy Cookies for an over-the-top dessert spread. This cake is trending for a reason—it’s a stress-free way to satisfy cinnamon roll cravings, especially when time is tight.
In fact, Google searches for “cinnamon roll hack” have skyrocketed by over 30% this year! So, whether you’re baking for Sunday brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a slow morning with coffee, this cake is about to be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again!
- The Ultimate Shortcut – No yeast, no waiting, no rolling—just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s everything you love about cinnamon rolls without the work.
- Insanely Gooey & Buttery – The brown sugar-cinnamon swirl melts into the cake, creating pockets of caramelized goodness in every bite.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert – Pair it with coffee for a cozy morning or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert.
- Customizable & Foolproof – Want extra cinnamon? A little nutmeg? A drizzle of caramel? Go for it! This cake is impossible to mess up.
Ultimate Cinna-Bun Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
Bottom Layer:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter melted
Top Layer:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to make the topping. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Once the cake is done, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 539kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 83g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Sugar | 57g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
Tips for the Ultimate Cinna-Bun Cake!
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – Cold eggs or milk can prevent the batter from mixing smoothly. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before baking for the best texture.
- Don’t Over-Swirl the Topping – You want those beautiful pockets of buttery cinnamon sugar throughout the cake. A few gentle swirls with a knife will do—overmixing will blend it in too much.
- For a Stickier, More Gooey Cake – Swap half the brown sugar in the topping for dark brown sugar or even a touch of honey. This deepens the caramel flavor and makes the top extra luscious.
- Boost the Butter Flavor – For an ultra-rich taste, use European-style butter (like Kerrygold). It has a higher fat content, which makes the cake even more indulgent.
- Pair It with the Right Drink – While coffee is an obvious match, try it with chai tea or a vanilla latte—the spices complement the cake beautifully.
- Make It Extra Special – If you’re serving this for brunch or a holiday, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glaze. It enhances the sweetness and makes every bite pop.
- Freeze for Later – This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Just warm them up in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Want a Deeper Cinnamon Flavor? – Toast the cinnamon in a dry pan for a minute before mixing it into the topping. This releases its natural oils and makes it extra fragrant.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
