Easy Cinna-Bun Cake in the Oven – All the Cinnamon Roll Flavor with None of the Fuss

Craving the sweet, gooey comfort of a cinnamon roll but short on time? This oven-baked cinna-bun cake delivers all the cozy spice, soft crumb, and icing drizzle you love—in a simpler, lighter format that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Flavor, Less Work: No yeast or rolling—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirls: Get that classic bun experience in every slice.
Lighter Ingredients: Enjoy a sweet treat made with balance in mind.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for weekend brunches or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat, half all-purpose)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar substitute
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Mix the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar substitute, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended—do not overmix.

Make the Swirl

• Stir together melted butter, brown sugar substitute, and cinnamon.
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Drizzle the swirl mixture over the top and use a knife to gently swirl it in.

Bake the Cake

• Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly before glazing.

Glaze and Serve

• Whisk glaze ingredients together until smooth.
• Drizzle over warm cake and cut into 9 squares to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 120 | Carbs: 14g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Swirl Gently: A light swirl gives a nice marbled look without blending the layers.
• Don’t Overbake: Check early to avoid drying out the cake.
• Customize the Glaze: Add a hint of maple or orange zest for seasonal flair.
• Serve Warm: Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or gently reheated.

Why This Recipe Works

• Bakes in One Dish: No rising, rolling, or kneading required.
• Wholesome Sweetness: Applesauce and sugar alternatives lighten things up.
• Gooey and Moist: The swirl melts into the batter for that sticky cinnamon center.
• Versatile Delight: Pairs well with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit.

This cinna-bun cake is the shortcut your weekend mornings have been waiting for—warm, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon-spiced love. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating yourself to something cozy, it’s a guilt-free way to indulge in a bakery-style favorite.