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.
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
Wow, the cinnamon flavor is just right! Perfect for breakfast with coffee.
This cake was amazing! So fluffy and tasty. My family loved it!
I think I put too much salt… tasted funny. 😅 Next time I’ll be careful.
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! Just make sure to taste as you go next time. 😊
Too much salt? Everyone knows that can ruin a cake. You should use less next time!
This cake is so good! I made it for my family brunch and everyone loved it.
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!
Really? I tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. I think it should have less sugar.
This cake is delicious and easy to make! But where’s the icing? Can it just be a bit sweet? 🤔
I don’t know, it wasn’t all that special. Just tasted like any other cinnamon cake. Maybe I did something wrong.
Yum! Everyone should try this, best cake evah!
Cinnamon and sugar? Yes please! This recipe is a winner!
I followed the recipe but it turned out dry. Maybe I overbaked it?
Followed the steps exactly and it baked up nicely. Mine took closer to 52 minutes though, so keep an eye on the toothpick.
Super easy recipe. I’m not a great baker but this didn’t fight me. The top cinnamon came out pretty even too.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about doing the sugar/cinnamon/brown sugar layer inside like that. But it turned out gooey in the best way. Will make again.
So simple and delicious. Perfect for brunch! 🥳
Not bad! But I used salted butter by accident and it tasted a little off. Also I think I under-sprinkled the cinnamon layer—could be me though.
So easy. Smells like fall instantly. 10/10 would bake again 😄
Totally agree—this cake has that cozy cinnamon vibe right away 😄 Did you do the extra cinnamon on top too?
This is a very solid basic cake. I used regular milk because that’s what I had and it was okay, but I’m sure buttermilk makes it better. Texture improved after cooling completely.
The sugar-cinnamon swirl in the middle is such a good idea. Kinda caramelizes at the top and adds that crunch. Yum.
This cake is amazing! So fluffy and delicious, can’t believe how easy it was to make! 🍰
Honestly, mine came out dry after 45 minutes. I even checked with a toothpick, it was clean, but the center felt a little tough. Could be my oven runs hot. Also 1 cup sugar feels like a lot for my taste—maybe cut it next time.
Ugh, that sounds frustrating. If the toothpick was clean but the center was tough, I’d guess it was slightly underbaked or your oven runs hotter than you think. Do you happen to check with an oven thermometer? I’d try baking 5–10 min longer next time (or tent with foil if the top browns too fast).
Easy enough for a week day brunch. I was worried about the sugar topping sinking, but it caramelized nicely. Next time I’ll toast the cinnamon a few seconds.
Idk how this got such high ratings. It’s just a cake, nothing special about it.
Who knew brunch could be so good?! Thanks for this! ❤️
Easy steps, most of it is just mixing. I used salted butter by accident and reduced the salt slightly next time—lesson learned.
Love that it’s mostly mixing—those are my favorite kinds of recipes. Also, nice save on using salted butter. I always forget that kind of thing until it’s too late 😅
Easy recipe! But my cake came out too dry 😕. Anyone else have this problem??
I had the same issue! I think it might be the baking time. Maybe try reducing it a bit next time?
Dry? Really? Mine was perfect! You sure you followed the instructions right?
Is there a gluten-free alternative? I’m not sure this can work for me.
5 stars. My kid said it taste like cookies. Super simple and no complicated steps.
I was skeptical at first but tried it and wow! The cinnamon sugar layer is to die for! Definitely making this again.
OMG, I can’t believe you liked it! I was worried it would be too sweet. I might give it a try now!
Can you really call it a brunch cake if you don’t put cream cheese icing? Just sayin’.
Mine came out a bit dense in the middle even though I baked the full 45 mins. Still tasty, but I think my buttermilk was too cold.
The 350 degrees seems off, my oven never works well below 400. Just a heads up!
I think recipes usually say 350 for a reason! It should be fine, just give it a try.
Cinnamon makes everything better! Love this cake!
Not bad, but I think I expected more. Just tastes like cake…
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.
What did you expect? It’s just cake! Sometimes ya gotta appreciate the simple things, you know?
Honestly I made this for my potluck and it disappeared fast. People kept asking if it was some fancy cinnamon crumb cake.
My kids loved this! Perfect for our Sunday breakfast. Thanks! 🙌
Yum!
Looks so good!! 10/10
This doesnt seem right, I think 1 cup sugar is too much.
I think my buttermilk was old because the texture came out a little dense. Flavor is still good, but not as fluffy as I expected.
YUM! 😋 I made this for my friends and they devoured it in minutes!
I’m not great at baking, but this seemed pretty easy. Will try it out!
Seems a bit too easy, are you sure it will taste good? I usually struggle with cakes. But good luck! 🍰
You got this! Baking is all about having fun. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out! 😄