Rating: 3.42
(39)

Cinnamon Brunch Cake

April 20, 2026

Cinnamon brunch cake is a comforting and inviting baked treat that perfectly suits relaxed mornings and casual gatherings. With its soft texture and warm spice, it sits between a traditional cake and a coffee cake, making it ideal for brunch tables, family breakfasts, or leisurely weekends. Its aroma alone can set a cozy and welcoming mood.

The defining feature of this cake is its rich cinnamon flavor, which is often layered throughout the batter or swirled into the center. As it bakes, the cinnamon releases a warm, fragrant scent that fills the kitchen and enhances the overall experience. The cake itself is typically moist and tender, with a light crumb that melts easily with each bite.

Many versions include a crumb topping made from butter, sugar, and flour, sometimes mixed with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts. This topping adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake. A light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar is often added on top, giving a subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.

Cinnamon brunch cake is highly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. It can be served alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a cup of coffee or tea, making it suitable for both simple and more elaborate brunch spreads. It can also be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on preference.

Another reason for its popularity is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it can be made without much effort, yet still delivers impressive results. It also stores well, allowing it to be enjoyed over several days while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Beyond its taste, cinnamon brunch cake brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. It is a dish that encourages sharing and slowing down, making it a timeless addition to any brunch occasion.

Cinnamon Brunch Cake
Cinnamon Brunch Cake
3.42 from 39 votes
This Cinnamon Brunch Cake is a deliciously spiced cake that makes a perfect treat for any brunch gathering. It’s moist, tender, and flavored with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar, topped with a crumbly streusel.
Servings 8 slices
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Mix the remaining sugar (1/4 cup) with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the pan.
  • Carefully spread the remaining batter over the sugar mixture, and sprinkle the top with the remaining cinnamon.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.2mg
Calories: 270kcal
Meal Type: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, brunch, cinnamon
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Deliciously soft and sweet Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, combining the flavors of a classic carrot cake with a traditional cinnamon roll.
Check out this recipe
Easy Lemon Cake
Easy Lemon Cake
This simple yet delightful cake offers a burst of citrus flavor paired with a moist, tender crumb, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
A delightful dessert combining layers of fresh strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy whipped topping into a delicious trifle.
Check out this recipe
Coconut Milk Cake
Coconut Milk Cake
This is a delightful and moist Coconut Milk Cake, perfect for coconut lovers. It has a rich coconut flavor and is unbelievably easy to prepare. Ideal as a dessert or an afternoon snack!
Check out this recipe
Dundee Cake
Dundee Cake
Dundee Cake is a classic Scottish fruit cake made with almonds and often associated with festive occasions. It is known for its rich flavor and moist texture with a beautiful topping of whole almonds.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Indulgent and luscious Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with a rich chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet raspberry topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Basque cheesecake
Basque Cheesecake
Basque Cheesecake, with its charred top and creamy interior, is a crustless cheesecake that is simple to make and impressively delicious. Originating from the Basque region of Spain, this dessert is known for its unique flavor and texture.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Mirror Glaze
Chocolate Mirror Glazed Cake
A delicious and stunning chocolate mirror glazed cake that will impress your guests!
Check out this recipe
Matcha Cake
Matcha Cake
A delightful and flavorful cake infused with the unique taste of matcha green tea. Perfect for serving on special occasions or as a sweet treat.
Check out this recipe
Honey Cake
Honey Cake
A beautifully moist and fragrant honey cake perfect for tea time or dessert.
Check out this recipe
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar bo.fisher1977 says:

    4 stars
    Wow, the cinnamon flavor is just right! Perfect for breakfast with coffee.

  2. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

    5 stars
    This cake was amazing! So fluffy and tasty. My family loved it!

  3. User avatar halflife4 says:

    1 star
    I think I put too much salt… tasted funny. 😅 Next time I’ll be careful.

    1. User avatar loyd.schneider says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! Just make sure to taste as you go next time. 😊

    2. User avatar robert.hansen1 says:

      2 stars
      Too much salt? Everyone knows that can ruin a cake. You should use less next time!

  4. User avatar betty.weimann4 says:

    5 stars
    This cake is so good! I made it for my family brunch and everyone loved it.

    1. 5 stars
      I’m glad to hear that! It’s always nice when a recipe turns out well for everyone. I’ll have to try it myself!

    2. User avatar william.rosenbaum10 says:

      2 stars
      Really? I tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. I think it should have less sugar.

  5. User avatar foster.fritsch says:

    3 stars
    This cake is delicious and easy to make! But where’s the icing? Can it just be a bit sweet? 🤔

  6. 2 stars
    I don’t know, it wasn’t all that special. Just tasted like any other cinnamon cake. Maybe I did something wrong.

  7. User avatar marlena.bailey1972 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Everyone should try this, best cake evah!

  8. User avatar mitchel.thiel1 says:

    4 stars
    Cinnamon and sugar? Yes please! This recipe is a winner!

  9. 3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it turned out dry. Maybe I overbaked it?

  10. User avatar georgene.lowe86 says:

    5 stars
    This cake is amazing! So fluffy and delicious, can’t believe how easy it was to make! 🍰

  11. User avatar Issac Grimes says:

    1 star
    Idk how this got such high ratings. It’s just a cake, nothing special about it.

  12. 5 stars
    Who knew brunch could be so good?! Thanks for this! ❤️

  13. User avatar Future Trunks says:

    2 stars
    Easy recipe! But my cake came out too dry 😕. Anyone else have this problem??

    1. User avatar hiram.schroeder30 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! I think it might be the baking time. Maybe try reducing it a bit next time?

    2. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

      2 stars
      Dry? Really? Mine was perfect! You sure you followed the instructions right?

  14. User avatar Lunkwill and Fook says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical at first but tried it and wow! The cinnamon sugar layer is to die for! Definitely making this again.

    1. User avatar tenisha.schamberger says:

      4 stars
      OMG, I can’t believe you liked it! I was worried it would be too sweet. I might give it a try now!

  15. User avatar melissa.ledner2000 says:

    1 star
    Can you really call it a brunch cake if you don’t put cream cheese icing? Just sayin’.

  16. User avatar Barry Manilow says:

    3 stars
    The 350 degrees seems off, my oven never works well below 400. Just a heads up!

    1. User avatar floyd.grimes78 says:

      4 stars
      I think recipes usually say 350 for a reason! It should be fine, just give it a try.

  17. User avatar Hotblack Desiato says:

    2 stars
    Not bad, but I think I expected more. Just tastes like cake…

    1. User avatar lucky777 says:

      3 stars
      I totally get what you mean! I was expecting a burst of cinnamon flavor, but it was just… cake. Not bad, but not amazing either.

    2. 2 stars
      What did you expect? It’s just cake! Sometimes ya gotta appreciate the simple things, you know?

  18. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

    4 stars
    My kids loved this! Perfect for our Sunday breakfast. Thanks! 🙌

  19. User avatar jacob.bode0 says:

    5 stars
    YUM! 😋 I made this for my friends and they devoured it in minutes!

  20. 4 stars
    I’m not great at baking, but this seemed pretty easy. Will try it out!

    1. User avatar chery.monahan says:

      3 stars
      Seems a bit too easy, are you sure it will taste good? I usually struggle with cakes. But good luck! 🍰

    2. User avatar gema.cremin74 says:

      5 stars
      You got this! Baking is all about having fun. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out! 😄

  21. 3 stars
    Cinnamon brunch? Sounds kinda weird. I was expecting more spices. Not bad tho.

  22. User avatar lynette.watsica73 says:

    2 stars
    Cinnamon is overrated. This cake is ok but not the best.

  23. User avatar sabina.thompson73 says:

    5 stars
    Followed the recipe exactly and it came out perfect! This is a keeper!

  24. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    SO GOOD! I added nuts and some chocolate chips too and it was heavenly! 🎉

  25. User avatar shelley.mcdermott36 says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have buttermilk so I used regular milk. It was okay but I think it could have been better. Anyone know if that’s the reason?

    1. User avatar lourie.stark says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, buttermilk adds that tangy flavor and moisture. Regular milk just ain’t the same. Might wanna try it again with buttermilk!

    2. User avatar madelene.king says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, it should still be decent with regular milk. Cake is cake, right? 🤷‍♂️

3.42 from 39 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 116
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: