For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • This forms the base of your cake and provides structure. Make sure to measure it properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • This helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Works in combination with the sour cream (or buttermilk) to help the cake rise and become tender.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  • Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Adds warmth and flavor to the batter, complementing the cinnamon swirl.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • This is the fat component, giving the cake its rich and moist texture. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • This will sweeten the cake and also contribute to its moistness.
• 2 large eggs
  • Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • A classic flavoring that adds depth and richness to the cake’s taste.
• 1 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
  • The tanginess of the sour cream (or buttermilk) balances the sweetness and adds moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • Brown sugar has a rich, molasses-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • The primary flavor in the swirl, creating the signature cinnamon ribbon throughout the cake.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • Helps bind the sugar and cinnamon together, creating a syrupy mixture that can be swirled into the batter.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  • This forms the base of the glaze and adds a smooth, sweet finish to the cake.
• 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
  • Helps achieve the desired consistency for the glaze.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Enhances the glaze’s flavor and ties it into the overall vanilla profile of the cake.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

1. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture becomes a thick, smooth paste. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake release easily after baking.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in your cake batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cake rise.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the sour cream (or buttermilk). Start with the dry ingredients, then add the sour cream, and continue this process, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed to combine everything until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake Batter: Spoon half of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom.
2. Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the cake batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the cake.
3. Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon swirl, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface. Be careful not to disturb the cinnamon swirl too much, as you want to maintain the swirled effect.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the Preheated Oven: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter should stick). The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
2. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and allows it to set properly.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a little more powdered sugar. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a tiny bit more milk or cream.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon to make a decorative drizzle or pour it all over for a more decadent look.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve it on a plate and enjoy its moist, gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

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Tips for Success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine better and creates a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cake at the 45-minute mark. If the cake isn’t fully done, give it another 5 minutes and test again.

This Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Swirl Cake is sure to be a hit at any occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon goodness and a soft, moist cake texture! Enjoy!