There’s something truly magical about the smell of a warm Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my family for a cozy Sunday dinner. As I pulled it from the oven, the golden-brown crust and sweet cinnamon aroma made it feel like a hug in cake form. I could hardly wait for it to cool before slicing into it! This cake has become a family favorite, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a regular Tuesday when you need a little pick-me-up.

The Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of pantry staples, it’s a perfect recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, it brings a delightful warmth that makes it just right for the fall and winter months, or whenever you want to feel cozy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on repeat in your house too!

Why You’ll Love "Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake"

Quick prep time of just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Family-friendly recipe that kids will love to help with.
Moist and fluffy texture, thanks to the addition of instant pudding mix.
Freezer-friendly, so you can save some for later or for unexpected guests.
Deliciously versatile—great for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines preferred for best results)
¼ cup brown sugar, packed for extra moisture
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix, adds richness
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or more if you’re a cinnamon lover
4 large eggs, room temperature helps incorporate air
¾ cup water, can be substituted with milk for a richer flavor
¾ cup vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil for a subtle twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect rise and golden-brown crust.
While the oven is heating up, grab your favorite cake pan. I usually use a 9x13 inch pan for this recipe, but you can use round pans if you prefer a layered cake.
Grease the pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure an easy release after baking. No one wants to deal with a stuck cake!

Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pudding mix, and ground cinnamon. Give it a gentle stir to mix the dry ingredients together.
Next, crack in the 4 large eggs. Make sure they’re at room temperature to help everything blend smoothly.
Pour in the ¾ cup of water and the ¾ cup of vegetable oil. This combination will keep your cake moist and tender.
Now, mix everything together with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until the batter is well combined and smooth. You want it to be creamy and light, so go ahead and give it a good mix!

Pour and Bake

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the greased cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the corners.
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you know it's ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s a tiny bit sticky, don’t panic! Just give it a couple more minutes.
When it’s done, carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a piece right away!

Variations

For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Substitute half the water with buttermilk for a richer flavor.
Mix in 1 cup of chopped apples or pears for a fruity addition.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.
Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake warm, dusted with a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat. Feel free to slice it into squares or wedges, and don’t forget to grab a fork for each guest!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for a sweet treat anytime!

Helpful Notes

You can swap in coconut oil for vegetable oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
If you're out of eggs, try using ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg as a substitute.
Add ½ cup of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk instead of water.
Feel free to play with the cinnamon amount—more means more flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze the Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

How can I substitute the eggs in the recipe?

If you need to substitute the eggs, unsweetened applesauce works wonderfully! Use ¼ cup of applesauce for each egg you need to replace. This keeps the cake moist and adds a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use ¼ cup of yogurt or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) as a great substitute.

What can I serve with Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake?

Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch. A warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy pairing, too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake this Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake as I am! It’s such a delightful recipe that fills your home with warmth and sweet aromas. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with your family on a quiet evening, I know it’ll bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Remember, cooking is all about love and creativity. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some delicious memories together!

Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A sweet and moist cinnamon sugar yellow cake.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pudding mix, and ground cinnamon.
Add the eggs, water, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients.
Mix until well combined and smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Can be served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar Yellow Cake, yellow cake, cinnamon cake, dessert recipe