This soft, buttery cinnamon cake is swirled with brown sugar goodness and finished with a silky cream cheese glaze. It’s like a cinnamon roll in cake form — no yeast or rising time required!
📋 Recipe Card
Yield: 12–15 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Best For: Brunch, holidays, potlucks, or cozy mornings
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp flour (helps swirl stay defined)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add in milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
2️⃣ Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until crumbly.
Drop spoonfuls evenly over the cake batter.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter (don’t fully mix).
3️⃣ Bake the Cake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
4️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until the glaze is pourable but not too runny.
Drizzle glaze evenly over the warm cake and spread lightly with a spatula.
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
Add spice: A touch of nutmeg (½ tsp) in the swirl gives depth and warmth.
Make ahead: Bake the cake the night before and glaze just before serving.
Serve warm: Heat individual slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
Texture boosters: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or apples to the swirl for extra crunch or fruitiness.
❓FAQs
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes or muffins?
Yes! Bake in muffin tins for 18–22 minutes. Swirl in less filling to avoid overflow.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and store at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze slices (unglazed) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Cake delivers all the comfort of a homemade cinnamon roll, but in easy one-bowl cake form. A perfect morning treat or crowd-pleasing dessert!