Are you ready to fill your home with the most enchanting aroma of freshly baked goods? For all cinnamon lovers out there, get ready to discover your new favorite dessert! This incredibly easy and undeniably moist cinnamon layer cake recipe, made entirely from scratch, is an absolute game-changer. It’s a truly foolproof method that promises perfect results every single time, even for beginner bakers, and it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Among the countless recipes I’ve perfected over the years, this homemade cinnamon cake holds a truly special place in my heart. It stands out as one of the very first cakes I mastered, coming right after my beloved amazingly moist marble cake. Its warm, comforting, and utterly mesmerizing fragrance has a unique way of enveloping the entire kitchen, instantly transforming your home into a cozy haven. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful family favorite that always brings smiles with its inviting aroma and irresistible taste.
My Journey to Baking Confidence: The Inspiring Story Behind This Easy Cinnamon Cake
My culinary journey truly began in 2007 when I moved to a new country, bringing with me virtually no cooking or baking skills whatsoever. I still vividly recall the sheer panic of standing in my kitchen, almost in tears, utterly bewildered by the simple task of cleaning a whole chicken! Cooking, in general, felt like an enormous, daunting step. Yet, despite these initial struggles, I dared myself to try something even harder: baking. The idea of transforming simple ingredients into something magical and delicious was incredibly captivating, marking the true beginning of my passion for the kitchen.
Seeking guidance and inspiration, I joined an online Arabic cooking forum, which quickly became my baking school and a vibrant community. The women there were incredibly supportive, friendly, and generous with their knowledge, and I learned an immense amount from them. I even forged lasting friendships with people I’d never met in person, and we continue to connect and share culinary adventures on platforms like Facebook to this day. It was within this wonderful, encouraging community that I was first introduced to this very cinnamon cake recipe.
Everyone on the forum encouraged me to start my baking journey with this particular recipe due to its simplicity and impressive results. Taking a deep breath, I decided to give it a try. To my utter delight, the outcome was nothing short of a triumph! My husband and our two young boys, who were quite little at the time (our third child had not yet arrived), were absolutely wowed by the deliciousness. That first successful bake filled me with such pride and a profound sense of accomplishment. It was a pivotal moment.
Empowered by that initial success, I decided to make the cake a second, third, and fourth time, even confidently sharing it with friends and family. With each successful bake, my initial fear and apprehension about baking began to dissipate, replaced by a steadily growing confidence in the kitchen. This easy cinnamon cake didn’t just teach me a recipe; it empowered me to embrace baking as a joyful, creative, and incredibly rewarding experience. It truly taught me that with a little guidance and a lot of heart, anyone can become a baker.
What Makes This Crazy Good Cinnamon Layer Cake So Special?
So, what exactly is the deal with this crazy good cake, and why is it hailed as the ultimate easy cinnamon cake recipe? Let me first tell you that this cake is astonishingly simple to make, yet it delivers a complex, satisfying flavor profile. It is wonderfully moist, incredibly aromatic, and features delightful layers of warm cinnamon, a hint of cocoa, and sweet brown sugar, offering a pleasant surprise in every forkful. The baking process, particularly the layering technique, requires your full attention during certain stages, but the steps are intuitive and rewarding. You’ll understand exactly what I mean as we dive into the detailed instructions below. Let’s get started on creating your own cinnamon masterpiece!
The Secret Weapon: A Blender for Perfect Cake Batter!
You’ll be truly amazed to learn that the entire cake batter for this moist cinnamon cake is prepared in a blender. Yes, a blender! This revolutionary method is precisely why I confidently declare this cake to be foolproof and incredibly easy. It completely eliminates the common anxieties of traditional baking—no need to worry about over-blending or under-blending, the intricate process of creaming butter and sugar, or grappling with other often-intimidating baking terms. The blender handles the mixing with remarkable efficiency, ensuring a consistently smooth and lump-free batter every time.
Here’s the straightforward approach: Begin by adding your large eggs, fresh milk, fragrant vanilla extract, and, crucially, *room temperature* unsalted butter into your blender. Blend these wet ingredients thoroughly until they are perfectly smooth and integrated. Next, simply add the granulated sugar, pre-sifted all-purpose flour, and a dash of salt. Blend all these ingredients together again until the batter is just combined and smooth. The beauty of this blender cake method lies in its simplicity and speed, making homemade cinnamon cake accessible to everyone, regardless of baking experience.
Mastering the Layers: The Unique Broiling Technique
Once your effortlessly prepared batter is ready, it’s time to set up your baking pan. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking oil, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This vital step ensures that your beautifully layered cinnamon cake will release cleanly and effortlessly once baked. Now, for the innovative layering process: pour somewhere between ⅓ and ½ cup of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Gently tilt the pan from side to side until the batter spreads evenly to form a thin, consistent layer. This will be the foundation for your spectacular cinnamon creation.
The next step is where this cake truly shines and requires your undivided attention: the broiling. Place your pan under a low broiler. It is absolutely crucial not to get distracted for the next 4-5 minutes or so, as broiler intensities can vary significantly between ovens. Watch this first layer extremely carefully until it browns nicely and develops a beautiful golden hue. Make a precise mental note (or better yet, set a timer!) to record exactly how many minutes it takes for this initial layer to cook perfectly. This will serve as your exact timing guide for all subsequent layers. For example, in my oven, it took precisely 5 minutes, and I started checking it diligently after the first 3 minutes passed. Once it’s beautifully browned, carefully remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread about a tablespoon of your pre-mixed cinnamon, cocoa, and brown sugar filling over the warm, cooked layer.
Immediately after, add another layer of the batter, approximately ⅓ cup, and gently tilt the pan again to ensure the batter spreads uniformly over the cinnamon mixture. Return it to the broiler for the exact duration you noted for the first layer. Setting a timer (whether on your mobile phone or a dedicated kitchen timer) is highly recommended to prevent over-broiling. After this second layer browns, remove the pan and spread another tablespoon of the fragrant cinnamon mixture. Continue this alternating process – a thin layer of batter, broil, a sprinkle of cinnamon filling – until all the cake batter is completely used up. In my experience, this method typically yields 6 luscious layers. On the very last layer, broil as usual until golden. Then, turn off the broiler and bake the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for just 10 additional minutes. This final bake ensures the cake is thoroughly cooked through, resulting in a perfectly moist and tender crumb.
The Perfect Finish: Frosting and Serving Your Homemade Cinnamon Layer Cake
Once your exquisite cinnamon layer cake has emerged from the oven, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This patience is key to achieving the perfect frosting consistency and preventing it from melting. Now, it’s time for the delightful finishing touches! While any frosting you adore will pair wonderfully with this cake, I’ve had incredible success with various options. In the past, I’ve served this cake with a rich cream cheese frosting and even a luscious date caramel sauce, both yielding exceptionally delicious results. For this particular recipe, I opted for a lighter, healthier frosting, inspired by the one I used in my healthier carrot cake recipe, with an added teaspoon of warming cinnamon to further enhance the spice profile. Alternatively, this cake is so flavorful and moist on its own that it’s often enjoyed simply plain, perhaps with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.
To decorate, simply spread your chosen frosting generously and evenly over the top and sides of the cooled cake. For a charming, rustic yet elegant look, I often use the back of a small spoon to create gentle swoopy patterns on the surface. This adds texture and visual appeal without requiring intricate piping skills. For an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch, consider sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the frosted cake. This optional addition provides a beautiful final touch that complements the warm cinnamon notes perfectly. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: cut yourself a generous slice – or a small one, if you possess superhuman willpower! – and savor every moist, aromatic, and flavorful bite of this incredible homemade cinnamon cake. Enjoy this truly impressive yet easy dessert!
I genuinely hope this easy and moist cinnamon layer cake recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s a truly special bake that I know you’ll love. If you make this recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your incredible creations! Please snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry. You can easily share your delightful bakes with me and the community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Your baking success inspires me!
Don’t want to miss out on future delicious recipes, helpful baking tips, and exciting surprises? Be sure to sign up for the FREE Amira’s Pantry newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. And let’s stay connected! You can always find me and all the latest culinary updates on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Layers Cake
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Dessert, Cake, Breakfast, Brunch
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
8
servings
Amira
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 Large eggs.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature).
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1 cup milk.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt.
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted).
- 1 cup granulated sugar.
For the cinnamon filling:
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (sweetened preferred).
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar.
For the cinnamon cream cheese light frosting:
- 1 package 8oz cream cheese, room temperature.
- 5 oz vanilla Greek yogurt.
- ¼ cup raw honey.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Instructions
Make the cake batter:
- In your blender, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, large eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Blend these wet ingredients until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Next, add the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt to the blender. Blend again until the batter is just smooth and uniform. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Assemble and Broil the Cinnamon Layers:
- In a separate small bowl, thoroughly combine the ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and brown sugar to create your fragrant filling. Set aside.
- Prepare a 9-inch round springform pan by lightly spraying it with cooking oil. Line both the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper to ensure a clean release after baking.
- Scoop approximately ⅓ to ½ cup of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of the pan. Gently tilt the pan in all directions to spread the batter evenly across the base, forming your first thin layer.
- Place the pan under your oven’s broiler on a low setting. It is crucial to keep a very close eye on it until this first layer is nicely browned. Broiling times can vary significantly by oven; for my oven, it took about 5 minutes, with careful checking starting after 3 minutes. Make a mental note of your specific timing, as this will be your guide for all subsequent layers.
- Once the first layer is browned, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle about a tablespoon of the cinnamon filling mixture over this warm, cooked layer. Then, scoop another ⅓ cup of batter and gently spread it over the cinnamon mixture, tilting the pan to ensure an even and thin second layer.
- Return the pan to the broiler and cook this second layer for the same duration you noted for the first. Once browned, remove from the oven and spread another tablespoon of the cinnamon mixture.
- Continue this alternating process—a thin layer of batter, broil, a sprinkle of cinnamon filling—until all the cake batter is completely used up. This method typically results in 6 beautiful and flavorful layers.
- After broiling the final (e.g., 6th) layer, turn off your broiler. Transfer the cake to a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10 minutes. This final baking step ensures the cake is thoroughly cooked through and perfectly moist.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature before attempting to frost it.
Prepare the frosting & Assemble the cake:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, vanilla Greek yogurt, raw honey, and ground cinnamon until the frosting is smooth, light, and well combined.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and gently peel away the parchment paper. Place the cake on your desired serving platter or cake stand for decorating.
- Evenly cover the entire cake (top and sides) with the prepared cinnamon cream cheese frosting. For a simple yet elegant decoration, use the back of a small spoon to create gentle swoopy patterns on the frosted surface.
- For the best flavor and to allow the frosting to set beautifully, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped pecans, walnuts, or fresh fruits if desired for an extra touch.
Notes
** Broiler Vigilance is Key: Broiling times can vary significantly between different ovens. The most important tip for this recipe is to stay close to your oven and watch that first layer meticulously. Once you’ve timed how long it takes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color, use that exact duration as your precise guide for all subsequent layers. This ensures even cooking and prevents any burning.
*** Don’t Stress the Batter Mixing: While gently tilting the pan to spread the batter, you might notice some of the cinnamon filling mixing slightly with the wet batter. Do not worry about this! It’s a natural and expected part of the process and will only contribute to the delightful marbled effect and fantastic flavor of the finished cinnamon layer cake.
**** Serving Suggestions: While a simple swoopy decoration with the back of a spoon is charming and elegant, feel free to get more creative with your frosting design for festive occasions. Alternatively, for a lighter and equally delicious touch, serve the cake plain with a side of fresh seasonal fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful texture and perfectly complement the warm cinnamon flavors.
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