Warm & Cozy: The Ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake Recipe
Craving a simple, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of warm spices? Look no further than this delightful cinnamon sugar snack cake! It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or just as a sweet little pick-me-up any time of day. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic option for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Forget complicated desserts; this is all about effortless deliciousness.
## Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
* **Quick & Easy:** This cake comes together in under an hour, from prep to baking.
* **Incredibly Moist:** The sour cream in this recipe keeps the cake exceptionally moist and tender.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual brunch or a late-night craving, this cake fits the bill.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt this recipe to your preferences with different extracts, nuts, or glazes.
* **That Cinnamon Sugar Crunch:** That sweet, crunchy topping is what dreams are made of!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Cake:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup sour cream
* ½ cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:**
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to bake the perfect cinnamon sugar snack cake:
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal. You can also use baking spray with flour for an even easier process.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent rise and texture.
**Step 3: Cream Butter and Add Wet Ingredients**
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates a base for a tender cake.
**Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Wet Ingredients**
Add the sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
**Step 5: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan**
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure the batter reaches all corners of the pan for a uniform cake.
**Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping**
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the cinnamon throughout the sugar. This will create that signature cinnamon sugar flavor and crunch.
**Step 7: Sprinkle Topping and Drizzle Butter**
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cinnamon sugar topping. The melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture caramelize and create a delightful crust.
**Step 8: Bake the Cake**
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
**Step 9: Cool and Serve**
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
## Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened butter and room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more even texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined, leaving a few streaks of flour if necessary.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, resulting in too much flour in the recipe.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as needed. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
* **Add Nuts:** For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the cinnamon sugar topping before baking.
* **Experiment with Extracts:** Try adding a different extract to the batter, such as almond or maple extract, for a unique twist.
* **Make a Glaze:** For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake. Combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
* **Apple Cinnamon Snack Cake:** Add diced apples to the batter for a delicious fall-inspired treat. You can also add a sprinkle of apple pie spice to the cinnamon sugar topping.
* **Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Snack Cake:** Fold in chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would all be delicious.
* **Sour Cream Coffee Cake:** Omit the cinnamon sugar topping and add a streusel topping instead. Combine flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and crumble over the batter before baking.
* **Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the sour cream with vegan sour cream, the milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk), and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
## Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon sugar snack cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The warm spices in the cake pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a classic combination for a reason!
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **As a Brunch Treat:** This cake is a great addition to any brunch spread.
* **As an Afternoon Snack:** Enjoy a slice of cake as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
* **For Bake Sales and Potlucks:** This cake is always a hit at bake sales and potlucks. It’s easy to transport and share.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different size pan?**
A: Yes, you can use a 9×9 inch pan, but the cake will be slightly thinner and may bake a few minutes faster. You can also use a round cake pan.
**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?**
A: Yes, you can use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor. You can also use a combination of granulated and brown sugar.
**Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage.
**Q: How do I freeze the cake?**
A: Let the cake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
**Q: My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cake. Be sure to check the cake for doneness after 30 minutes of baking and adjust the baking time as needed. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
**Q: My cinnamon sugar topping sank into the cake. What did I do wrong?**
A: This can happen if the melted butter is too hot or if the batter is too wet. Make sure the melted butter is only warm, not hot, and that you’re not adding too much liquid to the batter.
## Get Ready to Bake! (Call to Action)
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and follow the simple steps in this recipe. You’ll be rewarded with a warm, comforting cinnamon sugar snack cake that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy baking!
## Printable Recipe Card
**(Recipe Card Here – Would typically be a coded recipe card for easy printing and saving, including all ingredients and steps. Since I can’t code this, imagine a neatly formatted recipe card would be here.)**
**Cinnamon Sugar Snack Cake**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Bake Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 45-50 minutes
**Servings:** 9
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup sour cream
* ½ cup milk
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add sour cream, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
7. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
8. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cinnamon sugar topping.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Enjoy your delicious cinnamon sugar snack cake!