Ingredients:
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
1 cup butter (2 sticks), room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
Optional: 2/3 cup nuts (e.g. walnuts or pecans)
For the Glaze:
2 cups icing sugar
4-5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
Setting the Stage: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with your choice of oil or a non-stick spray.
Cake Base Prep: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the milk, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Gently blend in the melted butter, then transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish.
Creating the Swirl: In a separate bowl, blend together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optionally, nuts. Drop dollops of this mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to create swirling patterns, ensuring the cinnamon mixture is marbled throughout.
Baking: Position the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake's center; it should come out mostly clean.
Glazing the Delight: While the cake bakes, craft your glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla until you reach a silky, pourable consistency. Once the cake emerges from the oven, generously drizzle this glaze over the top while it's still warm.
Serving Note: Let the cake sit for a few moments to cool slightly. This Swirled Cinnamon Delight Cake can be enjoyed warm, letting the flavors meld, or allowed to cool to room temperature for a more settled taste.
