Cinnamon Cake!

Oh My GOD.

So I wanted to make a cake this weekend, my husband mentioned cinnamon cake and I KNOW how much he loves it.  I used to make it often a few years ago, but then we moved (a few times!) and I tried once and was so sad with my results that I just gave up on it.

Well, I'm so glad I gave it a go this afternoon!  It was beautiful.  SO beautiful.  Okay, so the cake doesn't look so special--there is no pretty frosting, no decorations, no layers.  You don't need it, trust me.  Maybe a bit of whipped cream or ice cream... yummmmy!

I'll share the recipe, because I'm so proud of it!  Please try it!

Ben's Cinnamon Cake!  (Named for my husband, who loves cinnamon cake :)

2 cups self-raising flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 tbsp. butter, melted

1 cup whole milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

Pan coating and inside layer:

2 tbsp. cocoa

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. cinnamon

8 or 9 in. pan

First, prepare your pan.  You could use an 8 or 9 inch pan.  I used an 8 in round pan because I wanted a thicker cake but the batter only just fit (I was concerned it may spill over!).  It was fine though and I was so happy with the results. 

To prepare your pan, butter the bottom and the sides well.  In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp. cocoa, sugar, and tbsp. of cinnamon.  Coat the pan with this mixture reserving half or so to layer in the cake.

Note:  You have to be careful you don't overmix this batter, or else you could end up with a very heavy, stodgy cake.  I don't mind dense cakes, but I wanted this one to be on the fluffy side.  It turned out exactly how I wanted.

1)  Whisk the dry ingredients together (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon) in a bowl and set aside.

2) Mix the wet ingredients together (butter, milk, vanilla, and egg)  Beat until completely combined.

3)  Add the dry ingredients to the wet, in 3 parts until just combined.  Be careful not to over mix.  Pour half of the batter in the prepped pan, sprinkle the reserved cocoa/cinnamon/sugar mixture on top, then add the rest of the batter.

4) Bake for 25 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes then remove.  Voila all finished and so so yummy!

I hope you love this delicious cake as much as I do! :)