Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake

This Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake is the perfect combination of flavors that will make your mouth water. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a dessert, or with your afternoon coffee, this cake has a delightful taste and texture that everyone will love.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just one hour, making it perfect for a weeknight baking adventure.
Perfect for Beginners: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create a delicious cake.
Ideal for the Whole Family: Whether young or old, everyone will enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon.
Economical: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, so you won’t break the bank while impressing your loved ones.
Versatile: Enjoy it plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings—it’s suitable for any occasion.

The Necessary Ingredients

Before you dive into making this delectable cake, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: This flour works best for this cake to provide a tender texture. If you want a gluten-free alternative, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of your cake. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the salt in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon.

How to Prepare the Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake Step by Step

Follow these steps to create a cake that is sure to impress. Each step is simple, but I’ve included some tips to help you get it just right.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch bundt pan.
Preheating ensures that the cake rises properly. Greasing the pan prevents sticking. Pro Tip: Use cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour for extra assurance.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Whisking these dry ingredients together blends them and prevents clumping. Pro Tip: Sift the flour for an even lighter cake.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
This step is essential to incorporate air for a light cake. Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to get the right texture.
Add in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Mixing these wet ingredients enhances flavor and moisture. Pro Tip: Don’t overmix at this stage; just combine well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula to fold the dry into the wet for best results.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
Ensure even cooking by leveling the batter. Pro Tip: Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and additional cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle it over the batter.
This adds a sweet crunchy layer to your cake. Pro Tip: Mix the topping right before you add it to keep it fresh.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Every oven is different! Check earlier if you know your oven runs hot. Pro Tip: Don’t open the oven door frequently; it can cause the cake to sink.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
This cooling method helps the cake firm up. Pro Tip: Run a knife around the edges to help it release more easily.
Serve and enjoy your nostalgic treat!
This is the best part! Slice and enjoy as is or with toppings of your choice. Pro Tip: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty touch.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your experience with these suggestions:

Perfect Pairings

Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side makes for a delightful treat.

Occasions

Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner.
Special Occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or gatherings—this cake will impress guests.
Brunch Gatherings: It’s a lovely addition to a brunch table alongside fruit and pastries.

Serving Tips

Serve Warm: For the best flavor, serve it warm right out of the oven or lightly reheated.
Top It Off: Consider adding a drizzle of glaze or fresh fruit on top for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake fresh, here’s how to store it:

Refrigerated

Duration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Type of Container: Store in an airtight container to preserve moisture.

Frozen

If Possible: Yes, this cake freezes well.
Packaging: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for maximum freshness.
Defrosting: Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Best Method: Heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Guaranteed Success Tips

Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just enough to incorporate the flour for a light, tender cake.
Ensure accurate measurements: Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid dense cake.
Use room temperature ingredients: This helps them mix better and creates a smoother batter.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Recipe Variations

Consider these fun twists on the classic recipe:

For a spiced version: Add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic twist.
For a chocolate version: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter bite.
For a vegan version: Replace the eggs with 1/2 cup of applesauce and use almond milk instead of buttermilk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My cake came out completely dry, what did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if you overbake the cake or use too much flour. Make sure to monitor the baking time and measure flour accurately.

Q: Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes! Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes.

Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A: This may be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too frequently while baking.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container or freeze it for later use.

Q: How can I change the sweetness of the cake?
A: You can adjust the sugar levels slightly, but remember to keep at least some sugar for the cake’s structure.

Q: What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
A: You can use almond extract for a different flavor, or leave it out entirely if you don’t have it on hand.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger bundt pan or bake the cakes in separate batches.

Now you are ready to enjoy creating and savoring your Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake! Happy baking!

Ultimate Cinnamon Doughnut Cake

A delightful cake that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with a tender cake texture, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour This flour works best for this cake to provide a tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt Reduce if using salted butter.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk + vinegar or lemon juice.
2 large eggs For vegan, replace with 1/2 cup of applesauce.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can use almond extract for a different flavor.

Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch bundt pan.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and additional cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle it over the batter.

Baking

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving

Serve and enjoy your nostalgic treat!

Notes

This cake can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings of your choice. It can be served warm or reheated for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!