Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe
Oh, the Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe—this one holds a special place in my heart! It’s the perfect mix of cozy cinnamon goodness and just the right amount of sweetness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or a simple dessert to impress guests without the fuss, this snack cake works beautifully every single time.
I love that it’s not too heavy but still incredibly satisfying, and the cinnamon sugar topping brings such a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. If you enjoy recipes that feel homemade yet are a breeze to make, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe as much as I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all come together to create a moist, flavorful cake with a cinnamon sugar twist that’s irresistible. I always suggest grabbing the freshest spices and room temperature dairy for the best texture and flavor in your Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, so be sure to measure it properly—fluff it up and spoon it gently into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and airy.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice here! Freshly ground if possible, for that vibrant, warm flavor.
- Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist without adding a strong flavor.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- White sugar: Divided into batter and topping to sweeten perfectly.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel nuance and moisture.
- Large eggs: Bring the structure and richness—room temperature makes a big difference!
- Vanilla extract: Split between batter and frosting to layer the flavor.
- Buttermilk: Its tang keeps the cake tender and adds a slight lift.
- Cream cheese: The secret to a luscious, tangy frosting that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Confectioner’s sugar: For a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting texture.
- Whipping cream: Chilled, to help whip up a fluffy, creamy topping.
Variations
I always encourage making a recipe your own, and this Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe is no exception! Playing around with add-ins or tweaking the frosting can lead to delicious new favorites.
- Gluten-free version: I swapped in a gluten-free flour blend once and was pleasantly surprised—just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Spiced up: Adding a touch of nutmeg or cloves alongside the cinnamon makes it wonderfully autumnal in my experience.
- Maple syrup frosting: Instead of vanilla in the cream cheese frosting, a touch of maple syrup gives it an irresistible cozy twist.
- Fruit additions: Tossing in chopped apples or pears makes this cake extra moist and festive—perfect for the holidays.
- Vegan swap: Use flax eggs and plant-based cream cheese for a delicious dairy-free treat that won’t disappoint.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk them together thoroughly to make sure those cinnamon specks are evenly distributed—this makes every bite just right. This step might seem simple, but it really sets the tone for even flavor throughout your snack cake.
Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients Until Smooth
In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, melted unsalted butter, white sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and silky. It helps to add the vanilla extract here too—dividing it will come in handy later for frosting. I find that beating the eggs well ensures a nice rise and lovely texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry with Buttermilk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mixing gently but thoroughly here avoids overworking the batter—which can make the cake tough—so I use a spatula and mix just until combined. This technique keeps the crumb tender and moist.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the batter rests, mix the remaining white sugar with a little extra ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top. This simple topping creates a delightful, crackly sweet crust during baking that everyone raves about. Don’t skip this part; it’s what makes the snack cake truly special.
Step 5: Bake and Let Cool
Pour your batter into a greased or parchment-lined pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top evenly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it from 25 minutes onward—when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull away slightly from the pan, it’s done. Let your cake cool completely before frosting; patience here ensures your frosting won’t melt and slide off.
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese with confectioner’s sugar and remaining vanilla extract until smooth, then gradually add the chilled whipping cream, whipping until light and fluffy. The texture should be spreadable but hold peaks nicely—this frosting contrasts beautifully with the cozy, spiced cake beneath it. If it’s too soft, a quick chill in the fridge helps firm it up.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top for that extra pop of spice and color. Slice it up, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with an extra dusting of cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar—sometimes a few toasted pecans for crunch if I’m feeling fancy. Fresh berries can also brighten it up if you want a fresh note to contrast the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea—perfect for lazy weekend mornings or afternoon socials. I also like to serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake with sliced apples and extra cream cheese frosting in between for a rustic cinnamon apple cake effect. It also looks charming served on a beautiful wooden board with cinnamon sticks and an extra cinnamon dusting around the edges—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, I keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge—they generally stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Wrap individual slices well if you want to grab a quick snack later; it keeps the cake from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this cake both with and without frosting. For best results, freeze unfrosted slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving. This preserves texture and flavor nicely.
Reheating
If you want a warm slice, I recommend reheating unfrosted pieces gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add frosting or whipped cream after warming for that fresh-out-of-the-oven treat vibe!
FAQs
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Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe without cream cheese?
Yes! If you prefer, you can omit the cream cheese frosting and top the cake with a simple cinnamon sugar glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon. While the cream cheese adds tanginess and richness, a glaze keeps things lighter and still delicious.
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What’s the best way to measure cinnamon for this recipe?
For the best flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon if possible. Use standard measuring spoons and level them off with the back of a knife to avoid over or under-spicing. Remember, cinnamon is potent, so stick to the amounts specified to avoid overpowering the cake.
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Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it as a perfect stand-in. This substitution maintains the cake’s tender crumb and slight tang.
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How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar topping from burning?
Make sure to evenly sprinkle the topping and avoid piling it too thick. Keep your oven temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) and check the cake around the 25-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t get too dark. If it browns too fast, tent the cake loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe is one of those easy, comforting treats that never fails to brighten my day, and I hope it will do the same for you. It’s perfect when you want something sweet but not overwhelming, and the cinnamon sugar topping adds a touch of magic every time. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to snack cake!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake is a delightful, moist cake featuring a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar flavors. Made with a combination of vegetable oil, melted butter, and buttermilk, the cake offers a tender crumb and a rich taste. It’s topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting whipped with confectioner’s sugar and cream, and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an inviting finish. Ideal for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2/3 cup whipping cream, chilled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Stir to evenly combine all the dry ingredients.
- Combine Sugars and Fats: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, melted unsalted butter, white sugar, and light brown sugar until well combined and smooth. This mixture ensures the cake will be moist and flavorful.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and continue mixing until the batter is uniform.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the sugar and egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the chilled whipping cream and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional ground cinnamon mixed with a tablespoon of white sugar over the frosted cake for a cinnamon sugar garnish. Slice and serve as a delicious, comforting snack cake.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to avoid batter curdling and to promote even mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Chill the cream cheese and whipping cream before making the frosting for better texture.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with suitable alternatives.
Keywords: Cinnamon sugar cake, snack cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon cake, moist cinnamon cake
