Oh, the magic of cinnamon and sugar swirling together in a warm, fluffy cake! I’m honestly so excited to share this recipe because it tastes exactly like those irresistible cinnamon sugar donuts you find at fairs—but way easier to make at home. Imagine a soft, golden cake dusted with just the right amount of sweet cinnamon sugar that melts perfectly on the top. It’s like a hug on a plate and honestly, it’s one of my go-to quick fixes when I want a cozy treat without dealing with deep frying or shaping donuts individually. Plus, it’s foolproof! Ready to get a little messy, maybe with some sugar on your fingers and a big smile? Let’s get baking!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
2 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How I Make It
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan—this helps create a perfectly golden crust without sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. You’ll start smelling that warm cinnamon almost immediately.
Step 2:
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—there should be a few lumps here and there.
Step 3:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for about 22-25 minutes. To check doneness, stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden.
Step 4:
While the cake bakes, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl. Melt the butter and have it ready next to your cake when it comes out of the oven.
Step 5:
As soon as the cake is hot from the oven, brush the top generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over—it’ll stick and melt slightly into the surface, creating that classic cinnamon sugar crunch.
Step 6:
Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before serving so those flavors settle just right. Then slice yourself a big wedge and prepare for a cinnamon sugar daydream!
Variations & Tips
Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the batter for some crunch.
Swap the all-purpose flour for half whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
For extra indulgence, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top after the cinnamon sugar step.
If you don’t have buttermilk, sour cream works great for moisture and tang.
Use a bundt pan or muffin tin for individual portions, just watch for a shorter bake time (about 15-18 minutes).
How I Like to Serve It
I love serving this cake warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—pure comfort food magic. It’s perfect for weekend brunches when you want that fresh-baked smell filling the house. And honestly, it’s a favorite anytime snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially when you’re craving something sweet but not too fussy.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Closing: This Easy Cinnamon Sugar Donut Cake is always a winner because it’s super simple, irresistibly tasty, and brings a little sprinkle of joy to every bite.
