Cinnamon Roll Cake

Some recipes are just meant to be shared. It's like they were created with friendship in mind; a recipe meant to be passed around, copied over and over and nestled into the cookbook of every kindred spirit's home. They are simple and universally loved.

This cake is one of those.

The first time I tasted this cake was when we were living in the South. My friend, Amanda, was holding a morning playgroup and she made this yummy cake for everyone. She got the recipe from  her friend, Christy, the author of The Girl Who Ate Everything. Amanda then passed the recipe to me and every time I've made and shared it...I've passed the recipe on to another friend and another friend and another friend.

It's just THAT good.

Now you can make it and pass it on to your friends as well!

As a bonus, you can make it anytime; it's cinnamon roll-y enough for a brunch and cake-y enough for after dinner dessert. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Cake
Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Cake:

3 cups flour

¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ cups milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup (1 stick) real butter, melted

Topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) real butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped pecans, (optional) (I never add these, but I bet it would be tasty!)

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.

1. In an electric or stand mixer mix the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs and vanilla. Once combined well, slowly stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, mix the 2 sticks of softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and pecans until well combined. Drop evenly over cake batter by the tablespoonfuls and use a knife to marble/swirl through the cake. (Be careful not to over-swirl or all of your topping will end up at the bottom of the cake. This is from personal experience. *ahem*)

3. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center.

4. Place powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.