Delve into the aromatic allure of cinnamon with this Swirled Cinnamon Delight Cake. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Cinnabon rolls, this cake combines buttery sweetness with the spicy warmth of cinnamon, all drizzled with a creamy glaze.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups whole milk

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

4 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling:

1 cup butter (2 sticks), room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

Optional: 2/3 cup nuts (e.g. walnuts or pecans)

For the Glaze:

2 cups icing sugar

4-5 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Setting the Stage: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with your choice of oil or a non-stick spray.

Cake Base Prep: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the milk, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Gently blend in the melted butter, then transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish.

Creating the Swirl: In a separate bowl, blend together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optionally, nuts. Drop dollops of this mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to create swirling patterns, ensuring the cinnamon mixture is marbled throughout.

Baking: Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center; it should come out mostly clean.

Glazing the Delight: While the cake bakes, craft your glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla until you reach a silky, pourable consistency. Once the cake emerges from the oven, generously drizzle this glaze over the top while it’s still warm.

Serving Note: Let the cake sit for a few moments to cool slightly. This Swirled Cinnamon Delight Cake can be enjoyed warm, letting the flavors meld, or allowed to cool to room temperature for a more settled taste.