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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - For Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened, ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2-3 tablespoons milk When I make this Cinnamon Swirl Cake, I start with the dry ingredients. First, I combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. I whisk them well to ensure they mix evenly. This step is key for a fluffy cake. Next, I move on to the wet ingredients. In another bowl, I cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar. This takes about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. I then add the eggs one at a time, letting each blend in fully. Finally, I mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. For the cinnamon swirl, I combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture gives the cake its sweet, warm flavor. For the cream cheese frosting, I blend softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. I then add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. If it's too thick, I add a bit of milk to reach the right consistency. These ingredients come together to create a delightful cake. You can find the full recipe to make this treat. Enjoy baking! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This helps the cake come out easily after baking. - Cream together butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for best results. - Incorporate eggs and vanilla one at a time. Mix well after adding each egg. - Whisk and combine dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Add dry mixture alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix to keep the batter smooth. - Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture adds a sweet and spicy flavor. - Layer batter and cinnamon mixture in the pan. Pour half the batter, sprinkle half the cinnamon mix, and repeat. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, check with a toothpick. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done. - Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. This will be creamy and fluffy. - Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with milk if needed. Spread it generously on the cooled cake. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy baking! - Always ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. - This helps them mix better and create a fluffy cake. - Avoid overmixing the batter. - Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light one. - Use a spatula for even frosting layers. - This will give your cake a nice, smooth top. - Adjust the frosting consistency to your liking. - If it's too thick, add a bit of milk to help it spread. - Cut the cake into squares or rectangles for serving. - This makes it easy for guests to enjoy. - Consider garnishing with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. - You can also drizzle extra frosting on top for a special touch. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your cinnamon swirl cake. Adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter gives it a nice crunch and richness. Try mixing in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist. If you love chocolate, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips. You can also play with extracts. Swap vanilla for almond or maple extract. Each will give your cake a unique taste. If you need a gluten-free cake, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This makes the cake lighter and adds a lovely nutty flavor. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk for the frosting. These swaps create a cake that everyone can enjoy. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea. A warm drink highlights the cake's sweet cinnamon flavor. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries. The fruit adds a nice tartness and freshness that balances the cake's richness. Enjoy your cinnamon swirl cake in many ways! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To keep your cinnamon swirl cake fresh, store it properly. For short-term storage, you can keep it at room temperature. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. If you want to save it for longer, refrigerate it. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid drying out. If you want to enjoy this cake later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight. You can also let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. The shelf life of your cake depends on how you store it. An unfrosted cake lasts about a week at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to two weeks. A frosted cake, however, is best eaten within five days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. For maximum freshness, enjoy it soon after baking. For the full recipe, check out the details above. If your cake is too dense, you can make a few changes. First, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not mix well. Next, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. Overmixing can create a tough cake. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An oven that is too hot can bake the cake too quickly, making it dense. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can help. Cake flour has less protein, which can yield a lighter texture. You can also try adding an extra egg. This can add moisture and make the cake fluffier. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for one day. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well and store it in an airtight container. This way, it can last for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. You can easily adjust the recipe for different pan sizes. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker. This may require a longer bake time. For a larger pan, the cake will be thinner. This usually means a shorter bake time. Here’s a quick guide: - For an 8-inch round pan, bake for 30-35 minutes. - For a 10-inch round pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. - For a 9x5 inch loaf pan, bake for 50-60 minutes. Always check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Yes, you can use different frostings for this cake. A chocolate ganache would work well. Just heat cream and pour it over chocolate chips. Let it cool before pouring over the cake. You can also try a buttercream frosting. Mix unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a fruity twist, consider a lemon glaze. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a sweet and tangy frosting. For the full recipe, check out the complete details to create your own Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight. This blog post covered everything you need to bake a perfect cake. We discussed the key ingredients, from wet to dry, and included detailed steps for making the batter. You learned tips for frosting and serving, plus fun variations to try. Store the cake properly for the best taste. Remember, baking should be fun. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Cinnamon Swirl Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Cinnamon Swirl Cake Delight! This soft and moist cake is layered with a delicious cinnamon swirl and topped with creamy frosting, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Follow our easy recipe steps to create a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering cake today and bring some sweet joy to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 cup brown sugar, packed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan evenly, ensuring the cake will release easily after baking.

    Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

      Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

        Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture; mix until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.

          Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well; this will create the delightful cinnamon swirl in your cake.

            Layer and Swirl the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture directly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct swirls.

              Bake the Cake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

                Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is airy and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

                  Frost the Cake: After the cake has cooled completely, generously frost the top with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or a butter knife for an even layer.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, cut the cake into squares or rectangles and arrange them neatly on a decorative platter. Consider garnishing with a light sprinkle of cinnamon over the frosting or drizzling extra frosting on top for an elegant finishing touch.