If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting desserts that bring a smile with every bite, the Cinnamon Flop Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This humble yet irresistibly delicious cake blends simple pantry staples with a sweet and spicy cinnamon topping that bakes into a golden, gooey layer on top. The magic lies in its ease and that perfect balance of moist cake beneath a cozy cinnamon crunch, making the Cinnamon Flop Recipe a must-try for any day when you need a little sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you likely already have on hand, each playing its part to create that perfect texture and depth of flavor. From the fluffy body of the cake to the sweet cinnamon topping, every component matters for making the Cinnamon Flop Recipe a genuine treat.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup milk: Provides moisture and richness; can be swapped for homemade buttermilk for a tangier note.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a velvety texture and rich taste.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice of the topping, delivering that signature cozy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Joins the cinnamon to create a caramelized, slightly molasses-y crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Flop Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is key to ensuring that your cake comes out cleanly and maintains its perfect structure once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This not only helps combine them evenly but also guarantees every bite is packed with consistent flavor and fluffiness.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Resist the temptation to overmix as this can lead to a denser cake; a few lumps here and there are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Spread Batter
Pour and evenly spread your batter into the greased baking pan. Smoothing the surface will help your cake rise evenly and bake uniformly, so take your time on this step.
Step 5: Prepare Topping
Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl and then sprinkle this evenly over the surface of the batter. This creates the luscious, sweet-spiced layer that makes the Cinnamon Flop Recipe so special.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your cake is perfectly baked through but still moist inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm to enjoy that soft cake with the slightly gooey cinnamon topping—a combination that feels like a warm hug on a fork.
How to Serve Cinnamon Flop Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is already delightful on its own, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the flavors wonderfully. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also pairs beautifully, adding a fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Flop Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For brunch, it’s fantastic alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, balancing sweet and savory on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Flop squares layered with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts to turn it into an indulgent dessert parfait. Or cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter for a charming party finger treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover squares tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist while maintaining the delightful cinnamon topping.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Flop Recipe freezes beautifully. Just wrap the cooled cake well in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy anytime you crave that warm cinnamon goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. This refreshes the moisture and softens the cinnamon topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use buttermilk instead of milk in the Cinnamon Flop Recipe?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and a bit more tenderness to the cake. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Is it okay to substitute whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a slightly denser texture and nuttier flavor. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure to check that your sugar and baking powder are vegan-friendly.
How long does the Cinnamon Flop stay fresh at room temperature?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.
What’s the secret to the gooey cinnamon topping?
The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top before baking melts and caramelizes slightly, creating that signature gooey layer that makes the Cinnamon Flop Recipe so magical.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about baking a Cinnamon Flop Recipe, and even more satisfying when sharing it with those you love. This cake’s simplicity combined with its warm, sweet cinnamon topping is a guaranteed way to brighten any day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—you’ll wonder how something so easy can taste so incredible!
Print
Cinnamon Flop Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Flop Recipe is a delightful, moist cake featuring a spiced cinnamon and brown sugar topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet snack, it combines a tender cake base with a gooey cinnamon crust baked to perfection in a simple 9×13-inch pan.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (can substitute with homemade buttermilk)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients for consistent flavor and texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface to ensure an even bake.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a few minutes after baking. Slice into squares and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cinnamon topping and moist cake.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with homemade buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Ensure the baking pan is well greased or lined to prevent the cake from sticking.
- The cinnamon topping can be adjusted to taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of cinnamon or brown sugar.
- This cake is best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
