Name: Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Frosting:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk (more if needed); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional for cinnamon frosting)

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Cinnamon Sheet Cake is a tender, moist cake infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a smooth, creamy cinnamon frosting. This comforting dessert is simple to prepare, bakes evenly in a single pan, and delivers irresistible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will appreciate how effortlessly this cake comes together while still offering bakery-level results. Its soft, fluffy crumb and gently spiced aroma make it perfect for both everyday desserts and special gatherings. The cinnamon frosting enhances every slice with a luxurious, sweet, and warmly spiced finish. It is ideal for potlucks, holidays, brunches, and family celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
ground cinnamon
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
vegetable oil or melted butter
milk or buttermilk
vanilla extract

For the cinnamon frosting:

unsalted butter
powdered sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
milk or cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Add milk or cream as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting evenly across the cooled cake and slice.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 12–16
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and Frosting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add a swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon to the batter before baking.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the butter frosting with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Vanilla Glaze: Replace frosting with a simple glaze to lighten the dessert.
Spiced Cake: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
To serve leftover slices, enjoy at room temperature (no reheating required).

FAQs

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness—monitor bake time closely.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and frost it when ready to serve.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?

Absolutely—cream cheese pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.

Why did my cake sink in the center?

Underbaking or opening the oven door too early can cause sinking.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You may substitute part of the flour, but the cake will be denser.

Can I add raisins?

Yes, fold them into the batter for extra sweetness.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes, bake for 16–18 minutes instead.

Does the cake freeze well?

The unfrosted cake freezes best; frost after thawing.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce by up to 25% without affecting texture.

Can I double the frosting?

Yes, for an extra thick layer of sweetness.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Frosting is a warm, comforting dessert that delivers classic flavor and ease of preparation. Its tender crumb and spiced aroma make it an ideal choice for gatherings, weekday treats, or seasonal celebrations. With its straightforward method and delightful taste, this cake is sure to become a household favorite.

Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Frosting

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A soft, moist Cinnamon Sheet Cake infused with warm cinnamon spice and topped with a creamy vanilla or cinnamon frosting—perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and simple dessert cravings.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a saucepan, melt the butter with the water and bring just to a simmer.
Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Whisk in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly.
Allow the cake to cool and the frosting to set before slicing.