Name: Cinnamon Tea Cake: Deliciously Easy 1-Bowl Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cake:; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the topping:; 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cinnamon tea cake has a way of transporting me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The air would always be thick with the comforting scent of warm spices and buttery goodness, especially on those chilly afternoons when she’d pull a golden-brown cake from the oven. This easy cinnamon tea cake is my tribute to her, a recipe I’ve tweaked over the years to ensure that perfect balance of soft crumb and sweet, spiced topping. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a feeling of home. If you’re looking for a truly simple tea cake with cinnamon that tastes like pure comfort, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Tea Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly satisfying treat. It’s so simple, yet so rewarding!

An absolutely delightful, buttery flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Prepare this delicious cake in a flash – it’s a truly quick cinnamon tea cake.
Packed with warm, cozy spices that make every bite feel like a hug.
Made with simple pantry staples, it’s a wonderfully budget-friendly bake.
The result is a wonderfully moist cinnamon tea cake that stays tender for days.
It’s a family-favorite that kids and adults alike will adore.
This easy recipe means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Cinnamon Tea Cake

Gather these simple ingredients for a cake that’s perfect for your next tea break. This recipe makes a wonderfully moist and flavorful cinnamon spiced cake for tea.

1½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender crumb
2 tsp baking powder – gives the cake its lift and soft texture
¼ tsp salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
1 tsp ground cinnamon – the star spice, providing that warm, comforting aroma
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – crucial for that rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb
¾ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cake and helps create a lovely golden crust
2 large eggs – bind everything together and add richness
½ cup milk – adds moisture for that perfect texture
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile
For the topping:
2 tbsp melted butter – for brushing over the warm cake
2 tbsp granulated sugar – a sweet finish
½ tsp ground cinnamon – for that extra cinnamon kick on top

How to Make the Best Cinnamon Tea Cake

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious homemade cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This guide will show you exactly how to make cinnamon tea cake that’s incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper. This prep ensures your beautiful cake won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Setting this dry mixture aside allows us to combine it easily later.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to a tender cake.
Step 4: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that classic sweet aroma.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. This is a crucial part of achieving the best easy tea cake recipe.
Step 6: Pour the luscious batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake. The aroma filling your kitchen will be divine!
Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool further.
Step 9: While the cake is still warm, brush the top with the melted butter and generously sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon topping mixture. This creates a lovely, slightly crisp crust.
Step 10: Serve your delightful cinnamon tea cake warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this simple yet elegant treat!

Cinnamon Tea Cake: Deliciously Easy 1-Bowl Bake - Cinnamon Tea Cake - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Tea Cake

Elevate your baking with these insider tips for a truly exceptional cake experience.

For the most tender crumb, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined; stop as soon as everything is just incorporated.
Using good quality cinnamon makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of this cake. For more on spice quality, check out this guide to cinnamon varieties.
Allowing the cake to cool slightly before adding the topping helps it adhere better.

What’s the secret to a perfect moist cinnamon tea cake?

The key lies in not overmixing the batter and using the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients. This ensures a tender crumb, making it a truly best moist tea cake recipe.

Can I make this easy cinnamon tea cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake this easy cinnamon tea cake up to a day in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s perfect for stress-free entertaining. For more on food storage, see food safety guidelines.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cinnamon tea cake?

Avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.

Best Ways to Serve Your Cinnamon Tea Cake

This delightful cake is wonderfully versatile and perfect for any occasion, especially when you need a special tea time cinnamon cake. For a classic pairing, serve a warm slice alongside a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey or a robust black tea. The sweet cinnamon perfectly complements the slightly bitter notes of the tea. You can also enjoy it with a creamy latte or a simple glass of milk. For a more decadent treat, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes this simple tea cake with cinnamon feel truly celebratory.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Tea Cake

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delightful cake:

Calories: 290
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on nutritional data, you can visit the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Your Old Fashioned Cinnamon Tea Cake

Proper storage ensures your delicious Cinnamon Tea Cake stays fresh and flavorful, just like my grandmother used to make. Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to store it. For short-term storage, place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully soft and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. This method is perfect for everyday enjoyment.

If you want to keep this delightful treat for longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze your homemade cinnamon tea cake for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring the frozen cake to room temperature for a few hours. If you’re craving a warm slice, gently reheat individual portions in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Tea Cake

What is cinnamon tea cake?

A cinnamon tea cake is a delightful, often simple cake designed to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It typically features a tender, buttery crumb with a prominent cinnamon flavor, often enhanced by a cinnamon-sugar topping or swirl. It’s a comforting, homey dessert that’s less fussy than a layer cake.

Why is cinnamon tea cake popular?

Its popularity stems from its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. The warm spice of cinnamon is universally loved, and the cake’s texture is wonderfully moist and satisfying. It’s an approachable bake that uses common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. This makes it a go-to for a quick and easy spiced cake that feels special without much effort.

Can I use a different type of flour for this cinnamon tea cake?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for its reliable results, you can experiment. For a slightly different texture, you could try a cake flour, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. Some people also have success using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though the texture might vary. Always ensure your flour is fresh! For more on baking ingredients, check out the baking tips.

How can I make my cinnamon tea cake even more flavorful?

To boost the flavor, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon. For an extra layer of richness, you could add a swirl of cinnamon-sugar mixture directly into the batter before baking, creating pockets of intense flavor throughout this homemade cinnamon tea cake.

Variations of Cinnamon Tea Cake You Can Try

This versatile base recipe is perfect for experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make your cake unique:

Gluten-Free Twist: Easily adapt this into a gluten-free treat by using a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The result is a delicious cake that caters to dietary restrictions.
Lemon-Cinnamon Delight: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter along with the cinnamon. The bright citrus notes beautifully complement the warm spice, creating a lovely flavor combination that’s still a quick and easy spiced cake.
Apple Cinnamon Loaf: Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) into the batter before baking. This adds extra moisture and a wonderful fruity dimension to your cinnamon loaf cake for tea.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter sticks and use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for a delicious dairy-free option.