Cinnamon Cake Icing
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or milk)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (optional but delicious):
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add the dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or milk), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (optional): In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
7. Bake the cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cream Cheese Icing:
1. Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then mix in the milk until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
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To Assemble:
1. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top of the cake.
2. Optional: Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or even a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a finishing touch.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
This cinnamon cake with cream cheese icing is a perfect balance of spice and sweetness with a rich, creamy finish. Enjoy!