Cinnamon: Enriching Recipes with the Warmth of Spice

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of butter, softened
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, 1 cup of milk, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and eggs together. Blend for 30 seconds on low speed, and then for 3 minutes on medium speed.
  3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  4. Mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar together in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pan.
  5. Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
  6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the batter.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. While the cake is cooling, mix together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture.
  • Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Instead of a traditional cake, make cinnamon muffins by dividing the batter into muffin cups and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • Add diced apples or raisins to the batter for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Create a cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a spicier flavor profile.
  • Make a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the batter before baking for a crunchy texture.
  • For a more indulgent treat, serve the cinnamon cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
  • Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice to customize the flavor.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our cinnamon cake recipe! This delightfully sweet and spicy cake is a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a moist and fluffy cake that's layered with a cinnamon-sugar mix and topped with a vanilla glaze. The baking process fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon. Once completed, you'll have a deliciously sweet and slightly spicy cake that melts in your mouth. It's a straightforward recipe that even beginners can tackle with ease. So, let's start baking this cinnamon delight!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cake may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, the taste and texture of the cake may be slightly different compared to using butter.
  3. Can I use a different pan size? It is recommended to use a 9x13 inch baking pan for this recipe. Using a different pan size may alter the baking time and result in a different texture or thickness of the cake.
  4. Can I omit the glaze? Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet cake. The cinnamon flavor will still shine through without the glaze.
  5. Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before pouring it into the baking pan to add some extra texture and flavor to the cake.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Electric Mixer - A handheld or stand mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
  • 9x13 inch Baking Pan - A rectangular baking pan to bake the cinnamon cake.
  • Toothpick - To check if the cake is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
  • Small Bowl - For mixing the cinnamon and brown sugar together.
  • Whisk - To blend the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
  • Cooling Rack - To place the cake on while it cools down before adding the glaze.

Origin stories

Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients of this recipe, has a history as rich and layered as the cake itself! This aromatic spice was highly treasured in the ancient world, with records of its usage in Egypt as early as 2000 BC. It was so valued that it was considered a suitable gift for monarchs and deities. For centuries, the source of cinnamon was kept secret by Arab traders who controlled the spice trade, spinning fantastic tales about battling winged creatures to obtain it. The true source, the bark of the Cinnamomum tree, was not discovered by Europeans until the 16th century with the exploration of the East. Today, we no longer have to battle mythical creatures to enjoy the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon, but the spice’s fascinating story of trade, treachery, and secrecy adds an extra dash of interest to every bite of our delicious cinnamon cake.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.