Looking for the perfect cozy bake? This simple easy cinnamon cake delivers warm flavor, soft texture, and that signature swirl without the fuss. Whether you’re craving something sweet for Sunday brunch or need a quick dessert for family night, this recipe comes together with everyday pantry staples. With hints of vanilla and rich buttery layers, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a hug in every bite. In this article, you’ll get the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to the most common cinnamon cake questions.
Cinnamon Cravings & Kitchen Memories
A Comfort Cake for Cold Days
I first made this cinnamon cake on a chilly Saturday in January. I remember the windows fogged up from the oven heat, my twins giggling over who got to lick the batter spoon, and the smell of cinnamon wrapping itself around our little kitchen. That day wasn’t planned for baking—but the craving hit, and I needed something warm, simple, and soul-soothing.
This simple easy cinnamon cake isn’t a flashy dessert. It doesn’t need layers of frosting or exotic ingredients. It shines in its simplicity: soft crumb, swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, and a subtle tang from sour milk that makes each bite melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake you pull out of the oven and just know it’s going to be devoured before it ever cools completely.
Sometimes, I think we forget that the best cakes don’t have to be complicated. There’s something nostalgic about this one. It reminds me of the cinnamon toast my grandmother used to make in the toaster oven—sweet, toasty, and a little crunchy on top.
And the best part? No fancy mixers, no special trips to the store. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry. Whether it’s your first time baking or your hundredth, this cinnamon cake will become your go-to whenever you need something warm, quick, and crowd-pleasing.
Why This Cinnamon Cake Works
It’s built on a tried-and-true batter method—creamed butter, sugar, eggs, and alternating dry and wet ingredients—that guarantees a tender cake with consistent results. The brown sugar-cinnamon layer melts inside the batter as it bakes, creating ribbons of flavor without extra effort. If you’ve ever wondered what the easiest cake to make is, this might be it.
The Best Easy Cinnamon Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup butter softened*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups all purpose flour or cake/pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour milk room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- *If using unsalted butter then add ½ teaspoon of salt.
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325F (160C). Grease and flour or spray an 8 inch / 20cm springform or regular cake pan.
- In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, set aside.
- In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar, approximately 2-3 minutes, then add the eggs, beat until fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour milk, ending with the sour milk to the creamed mixture. Add the vanilla and mix well.
- Spoon 1/3 of the batter into prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the cinnamon mixture. Spoon another 1/3 of the batter on top, then remaining cinnamon mixture, then top with the remaining batter. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Remove from oven and let cool 15-20 minutes in the pan then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
To make homemade pastry/cake flour – for every cup of all purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of corn starch. Be sure to sift the flour and cornstarch together a couple of times, this way it is sure to be properly combined and lump free. Cake flour in cakes will give you a very tender texture and fine crumb, it will also help the cake to rise.
For room temperature ingredients remove ingredients 45-60 minutes from the fridge before using.
To store the cake – as long as the cake is unfrosted it should be kept at room temperature. Keep it in a cake container or well wrapped. It will keep for up to 3 days. If you store it in the fridge, wrap tightly to keep it from drying out. It will keep for up to 5-6 days in the fridge.
To freeze the cake – be sure to cool the cake completely then wrap it tightly in either plastic wrap or foil, place it in a freeze safe bag. The cake will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to thaw place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator to thaw before serving. Nutrition
Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 515IU | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1.4mg
How to Make Simple Easy Cinnamon Cake
Gather Your Ingredients with Confidence
One reason I love this cake is how simple the ingredient list is. You’re likely to have everything on hand—even the sour milk is just regular milk with a splash of vinegar. That trick gives the cake its subtle tang and tender crumb. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brown sugar and cinnamon for the classic swirl
- Softened butter and granulated sugar for a rich base
- Eggs at room temperature, so your batter doesn’t split
- All-purpose flour or cake flour for structure
- Baking powder and baking soda for lift
- A touch of salt to balance the sweetness
- Homemade sour milk
- Vanilla extract for aroma and warmth
Before starting, set everything out on the counter and let your butter, eggs, and milk come to room temp. This small step helps everything mix together more smoothly, giving your cake that perfect texture you’re after.
Baking Steps Made Simple
Here’s where it all comes together. First, grease and flour your pan—an 8-inch springform or cake pan works best. Cream the butter and sugar until light, then beat in your eggs. Sift the dry ingredients and add them to the wet mix, alternating with the sour milk. This technique prevents overmixing and gives the cake a tender bite.
Layer one-third of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, repeat. This swirl doesn’t just add flavor—it makes every slice look beautiful. Once the top layer is smoothed out, into the oven it goes for 50–60 minutes at 325°F.
You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs. Let it rest in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to cool completely. This cake shines warm but holds its own at room temperature too.
Cinnamon Cake Tips, Swaps & Storage
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this simple easy cinnamon cake lies in its flexibility. Want to make it even more special? Try a few of these easy swaps and additions that keep things interesting:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar mixture for crunch.
- Stir in diced apples for an apple-cinnamon twist—great for fall.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour milk if that’s what you have on hand.
- Swap vanilla for almond extract for a slightly different, nutty note.
If you’re curious which is the most delicious cake in the world, I’d argue the most delicious cake is always the one that matches your cravings. And with this recipe, you get to decide.
This cake’s flavor also works beautifully as a base for mini loaves or muffins. Just reduce the bake time slightly and check early with a toothpick. It’s a great way to make grab-and-go snacks or holiday gifts that feel homemade and thoughtful.
How to Store It Like a Pro
This cinnamon cake holds up well for days—if it even lasts that long. If left unfrosted, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a longer shelf life, keep it in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for 5–6 days. You’ll still get that soft crumb, especially if you bring it to room temp before eating.
Freezing? Absolutely. Let the cake cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil and pop it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Whether it’s the first bite or the last, it’ll still taste like comfort.
FAQs About Simple Easy Cinnamon Cake
What is the easiest cake to make?
Honestly, this simple easy cinnamon cake might be the winner. It doesn’t require a mixer, fancy pans, or decorating skills. The ingredients are basic, the steps are straightforward, and the result tastes like you spent hours baking. The cinnamon swirl makes it feel special, yet it comes together in just a few bowls and bakes in under an hour. It’s forgiving, flexible, and perfect for beginners—or seasoned bakers who want something cozy and quick.
How to bake a cinnamon cake the right way?
Start with room-temperature ingredients. This helps the butter and eggs blend smoothly, creating that soft, moist texture. Always sift your flour with leaveners to avoid lumps and overmixing. When adding batter to your pan, layer carefully with cinnamon sugar to get those gorgeous flavor ribbons. Bake low and slow at 325°F. When the cake pulls slightly from the pan edges and a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs, it’s ready. Let it rest before removing from the pan to avoid breakage.
Which is the most delicious cake in the world?
That depends on who you ask, but for many, it’s the one that brings back the best memories. Cakes like this cinnamon one—simple, warm, and comforting—often top the list. It’s not about flashy layers or frosting; it’s about flavor, texture, and that unbeatable homemade aroma. Every bite is soft, spiced, and just sweet enough.
What is the easiest cake flavor to make?
Cinnamon is high on the list. Unlike fruit or chocolate cakes, it doesn’t rely on melting, chopping, or juicing ingredients. Cinnamon mixes right into the batter or sugar topping, no extra prep needed. That’s why this cake is such a success—even for first-time bakers. It’s flavorful, easy, and foolproof.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply satisfying about baking a cake that feels both nostalgic and new. This simple easy cinnamon cake delivers on both. From the buttery base to the sweet cinnamon swirl, every slice is soft, tender, and rich in homemade flavor. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with comfort.
Whether you’re sharing it with guests or sneaking a quiet slice with coffee, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. And that’s the beauty of simple baking—real ingredients, real joy, and no stress.
