Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Swirl Cake

Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon and vanilla drifting through the kitchen, especially in the morning. It instantly sets a cozy tone, promising warmth, sweetness, and a slow, satisfying start to the day. This Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Swirl Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form. It’s simple, unfussy, and made with everyday pantry ingredients, yet the result feels special enough to serve for brunch, weekend breakfasts, or even as a light dessert with coffee or tea.

Unlike complicated breakfast bakes that require multiple bowls, fillings, or long resting times, this cake comes together quickly and bakes into a soft, tender crumb with a beautifully marbled cinnamon swirl. The vanilla adds depth and warmth, while the cinnamon provides that familiar spiced note that makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.

Whether you’re hosting guests, baking for your family, or just treating yourself to a homemade breakfast cake, this recipe fits effortlessly into your routine. It’s the kind of bake you’ll come back to again and again because it’s reliable, adaptable, and always delicious.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Swirl Cake deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection:

1. Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy or hard to find. Eggs, flour, milk, sugar, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla are likely already in your kitchen, making this an easy last-minute bake.

2. Perfect for breakfast or dessert
This cake is lightly sweet, not overpowering, which makes it ideal for breakfast. At the same time, it’s satisfying enough to serve as an afternoon snack or a simple dessert.

3. Soft, moist texture
Thanks to the oil and milk in the batter, the cake stays moist and tender for days. It doesn’t dry out easily, even when reheated.

4. Beautiful cinnamon swirl
The cinnamon swirl not only adds flavor but also creates a lovely marbled effect that looks impressive with minimal effort.

5. Beginner-friendly
If you’re new to baking, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward. No special techniques, no mixers required—just a bowl, a whisk, and a spoon.

6. Easy to customize
You can adapt this recipe in countless ways, from adding nuts or fruit to adjusting sweetness or spices.

7. Great for make-ahead
Bake it the night before, and you’ll have breakfast ready for busy mornings. It tastes just as good the next day.

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting breakfast cake:

• 2 eggs – Provide structure and richness to the cake
• ½ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb
• ⅓ cup oil – Keeps the cake moist and soft (neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best)
• ½ cup milk – Adds moisture and balances the batter
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay light
• 1 tsp cinnamon – The star spice, adding warmth and aroma
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and adds depth

These ingredients work together to create a balanced cake that’s not too sweet, not too dense, and perfectly spiced.

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Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan thoroughly with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until slightly pale and well combined. Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Add the dry ingredients
   Gently fold in the flour and baking powder. Stir just until incorporated—avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
4. Transfer to the pan
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Create the cinnamon swirl
   Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the surface of the batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon into the batter to create a marbled pattern.
6. Bake
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Mix the cinnamon with 2–3 tablespoons of sugar before sprinkling it over the batter for a sweeter, more pronounced swirl.

2. Apple Cinnamon Cake
Add ½ to ¾ cup of finely diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

3. Nutty Version
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before swirling for added crunch and flavor.

4. Vanilla Glaze Topping
Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the cooled cake for a bakery-style finish.

5. Dairy-Free Option
Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) to make the recipe dairy-free.

6. Spiced Upgrade
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for extra warmth and complexity.

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FAQ

Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for oil. The cake will have a slightly richer flavor but may be a bit less moist.

How should I store this cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. For best results, use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.

Is this cake very sweet?
No, it’s lightly sweet, making it ideal for breakfast. You can increase the sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter cake.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

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Nutrition and Time Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 235 kcal per serving

This cake offers a balanced treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a great choice for mornings or casual gatherings.

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Final Thoughts

The Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Swirl Cake is proof that simple recipes can still feel special. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a soft, flavorful cake that fills your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s versatile, reliable, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy mornings, relaxed weekends, or anytime you’re craving something homemade and satisfying.

Once you bake it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your household. It’s one of those recipes that quietly earns a place in your favorites list—and stays there.

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