Buttery Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Sink your fork into sheer comfort with this Buttery Cinnamon Cake, a homey dessert that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sweet spice and melted butter. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, tender crumb and a ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirling through the golden cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply want to brighten an ordinary afternoon, this cake is the kind of treat that never fails to delight and, let’s be honest, rarely lasts more than a day!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about Buttery Cinnamon Cake is just how wonderfully simple and classic the ingredients are. Each one has a distinct role—some bring moisture, others offer lift and structure, and a few impart that signature heavenly flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter guarantees a tender, rich crumb and brings luxurious flavor—don’t rush the creaming step!
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that beautifully golden, slightly crisp top.
• Large Eggs: Lend structure, richness, and tenderness, making each slice sturdy yet meltingly soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the cake’s overall flavor profile and enhances the cozy cinnamon notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake—be sure to measure correctly for the perfect crumb.
• Baking Powder: Offers reliable rise and keeps the cake light as air.
• Salt: Just a pinch elevates the sweetness and spices, making all the flavors pop.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show—warming, fragrant, and simply essential to the Buttery Cinnamon Cake experience.
• Whole Milk: Moistens the batter resulting in a supple, delightfully tender cake.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A blend of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for that iconic marbled swirl and sweet crunch.

How to Make Buttery Cinnamon Cake

Step 1: Preparation and Pan Greasing

Begin by setting the stage for success: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan—taking the time to butter it well means easy cake release and gorgeous golden edges. This is the moment when anticipation truly starts to build.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale, light, and incredibly fluffy. This step is key for that signature Buttery Cinnamon Cake texture, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft while still holding together beautifully.

Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to thoroughly blend and create a smooth batter. Stir in that splash of vanilla extract—it’s a small addition, but it boosts the cake’s warmth and sweetness in a way you’ll notice with every bite.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This not only evenly disperses the leaveners and spices but ensures that the deep flavor of cinnamon unfurls through every bite. Dry mixing is a baker’s secret to avoiding any surprise pockets of flour or spice.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry with Milk

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour. This gentle incorporation keeps the Buttery Cinnamon Cake batter tender. Don’t overmix—just enough to edge all the flour in, so your cake stays soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Preparing and Swirling the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients: more granulated sugar, extra cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it in ever-so-lightly, creating lovely marbled ribbons that promise a burst of sweet spice in every forkful.

Step 7: Baking and Cooling

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes (patience is your friend), then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling. The warm, fragrant scent will try your willpower!

How to Serve Buttery Cinnamon Cake

Garnishes

A Buttery Cinnamon Cake is already a stunner, but why not take it up a notch? Finish each slice with a cloud of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of simple glaze. Sometimes, just a dusting of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar is all it takes to make the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This cake is the perfect partner to a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit or a tangy fruit compote—the brightness balances the cake’s rich, buttery notes. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try it alongside yogurt or creamy mascarpone for a decadent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Cut the Buttery Cinnamon Cake into petite squares for sweet party bites, or layer cubes with custard and fruit in a trifle dish. You can even bake the batter in mini loaf pans for giftable treats that friends and family will be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Buttery Cinnamon Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, keep it in the fridge—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming or serving as you like.

Reheating

To refresh that just-baked warmth, microwave individual slices of Buttery Cinnamon Cake for about 15–20 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until gently warmed through. This brings the butter and cinnamon aroma right back to life!

FAQs

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality dairy-free butter and swap the whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk. The result will still be deliciously soft and satisfying, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper molasses notes and extra moisture. The cake will be a bit richer and have a slightly darker color.

How do I adjust for high-altitude baking?

If you’re baking Buttery Cinnamon Cake at high altitude, try increasing the oven temperature by 15°F, reducing the baking powder slightly, and adding a tablespoon or two more flour. Check for doneness a few minutes early.

What’s the best pan to use?

This recipe works well in either a 9-inch round or square cake pan. You can also use a springform pan for easy release, or bake in mini pans—just keep an eye on the bake time since smaller cakes will cook faster.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Certainly! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The texture and flavor of the Buttery Cinnamon Cake hold up beautifully, making it a wonderful choice for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, I can’t recommend this Buttery Cinnamon Cake enough—it’s cozy, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!

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