This Cinnamon Swirl Cake is the ultimate treat for cinnamon lovers who want all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls, but without the time-consuming yeast dough! It’s an incredibly moist, aromatic cake with a rich cinnamon swirl running through the middle, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy mornings, dessert after dinner, or even an afternoon snack, this cake delivers all the comfort and flavor of cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this cake for its simplicity and how quickly it comes together. With no need for yeast, kneading, or rising time, this cinnamon swirl cake offers all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the effort. The combination of the soft, moist cake with the buttery cinnamon swirl creates a heavenly balance of texture and flavor. The vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience to make them from scratch, this cake will be your new go-to recipe.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for weekend breakfasts, cozy brunches, or as a quick dessert for family and friends. The cinnamon and vanilla flavors make it especially great for fall and winter gatherings, or as a treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply treating yourself on a lazy day, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Decoration Tips: To give this cake an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top and let it cascade down the sides for a beautiful, bakery-style presentation. For added texture, you can sprinkle some extra cinnamon or brown sugar on top of the glaze before serving. If you want to make it look even more inviting, try garnishing with a few fresh berries or edible flowers. Serving the cake on a rustic wooden board or cake stand will enhance its homey, comforting vibe. Slice the cake into generous squares or wedges and watch it disappear!
Ingredients:
Cake Ingredients:
- 100 ml rapeseed oil
- 150 ml plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 150 g sugar
- 8 g vanilla sugar
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 15 g baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 120 g unsweetened applesauce
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 60 g vegan butter, melted
- 60 g brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon flour
Vanilla Glaze:
- 170 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
- 6-8 tablespoons plant-based milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar, and let it sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk effect. Then add the rapeseed oil, sugar, and vanilla sugar to the milk mixture, and whisk until combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Fold in the applesauce, ensuring the batter is well mixed. - Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Stir until you have a thick, cinnamon-infused paste. - Assemble the Cake:
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining cake batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. - Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Vanilla Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based milk. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency—thicker for a more spreadable glaze, thinner for a drizzle. - Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top, allowing it to gently cascade down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this soft, sweet cinnamon swirl cake with creamy vanilla glaze any time of day!
Enjoy!
