Name: Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 115 g (½ cup) caster/superfine sugar; 125 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 120 g (½ cup) full-fat sour cream, at cool room temperature; 150 g (1 cup) plain/all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm embrace from a dear friend, then this Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe is just what you need. Picture a tender, moist cake with a subtle tang from sour cream, infused with fragrant cinnamon, and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crust that crackles softly with each bite. It’s the perfect companion to your afternoon tea or a sweet start to any morning. This Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe brings together simple ingredients in the most magical way, making it an absolute staple to have tucked into your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a large clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface, there is a thick, light brown dough mixture with a slightly rough texture. A spatula with a white head and a wooden handle is partly buried in the dough, resting near the center of the bowl. The mixture fills most of the bowl, showing small air pockets and unevenness, suggesting a soft and dense consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The appeal of this Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role: the butter adds richness, the sour cream keeps it tender, and the cinnamon infuses warming spice, while the vanilla bean paste provides that subtle aromatic depth.

115 g (½ cup) caster/superfine sugar: This fine sugar dissolves quickly, ensuring a smooth, sweet base for your cake.

125 g (½ cup) unsalted butter at cool room temperature: Offers a creamy texture and rich flavor to the batter and topping.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Adds intense, natural vanilla flavor with gorgeous flecks that make the cake look as good as it tastes.
1 large egg at room temperature: Helps bind the cake ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.

120 g (½ cup) full-fat sour cream at cool room temperature: Brings moistness and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
150 g (1 cup) plain/all-purpose flour: Provides the structure, so the cake holds together beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise light and fluffy.

½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect lift and crumb.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses that signature warm spice throughout the batter.

For the topping: 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar for a crisp, aromatic finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees C (355 F), which is the perfect temperature for this cake to rise gently and cook evenly. Meanwhile, grease and line a 19 cm (7.5 inch) springform tin—lining the base and sides ensures your cake will release flawlessly after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, caster sugar, and vanilla bean paste together using electric hand beaters until the mixture turns pale and luxuriously creamy. This step incorporates air, making your cake fluffy and light.

Step 3: Add Egg and Sour Cream

Next, mix in the egg until fully incorporated. Then add the full-fat sour cream, which keeps the cake super moist and adds a gentle tang that balances the cinnamon’s sweetness beautifully. Beat until smooth but avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Switch to a large spoon and gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. The batter will be thick, almost dense—this is exactly what you want for a tender crumb. Folding carefully ensures the cake stays light and not overworked.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Create and Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the cake bakes, melt the tablespoon of unsalted butter. Mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Once the cake is out of the oven but still warm, brush melted butter generously over the top and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture. This topping melts into a sweet, crunchy crust that makes this Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before gently removing the springform sides. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, which helps the topping set perfectly and makes clean cutting a breeze.

How to Serve Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe

A slice of spongy, light brown cake with a rough texture and tiny holes is placed on a white plate with a subtle striped pattern. The cake slice has one single thick layer with a slightly darker brown, cinnamon-sugar sprinkled top. In the background, there are more slices and a larger cake on blurred white plates, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Two cinnamon sticks lie beside the foreground plate. The scene is softly lit, giving a cozy and warm feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake shines on its own but feel free to dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Fresh berries also add a lovely tartness that complements the cinnamon’s warmth.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe with a cozy cup of chai, a fragrant black tea, or even a creamy latte. The spices in the cake harmonize beautifully with tea’s natural bitterness, making for a soul-soothing pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve slices stacked with a smear of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also cut this cake into fingers and serve as a sweet treat at brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and ensures the topping stays pleasantly crisp.

Freezing

Want to keep this cake longer? Wrap the whole cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it keeps up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your cake back to life, warm slices in a low oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly. This refreshes the softness and slightly melts the cinnamon sugar topping, making it taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar if caster sugar is unavailable, though the texture might be slightly less fine. The cake will still turn out deliciously.

Is the sour cream essential in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moistness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt if needed, keeping the texture similar.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative to keep it moist and tender.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar topping from becoming soggy?

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on the cake while it’s still warm after baking. The melted butter helps the topping stick and crisp nicely, but allow the cake to cool completely before storing to keep it from softening.

What is the best way to slice this cake cleanly?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. Cooling the cake fully before slicing helps the topping stay intact and prevents crumbly edges.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cinnamon Tea Cake Recipe, it feels like sharing a little piece of comfort and warmth with those I care about. It’s a recipe that’s not only simple but also irresistibly delicious, making it perfect for any occasion, whether a leisurely afternoon or a special gathering. I can’t wait for you to bake it and experience that joyful, cinnamon-scented magic for yourself.