Cinnamon Roll Cake

I think everyone needs therapy. We all are a product of our upbringing, whether bad or good. Every single thing that happens in our life shapes us as a person. I'm not saying you have to see a professional, but thank goodness for good friends to go through life with. By understanding where we come from and what we've experienced, we understand more why we are who we are today. I realize this more and more as I get older. Like why I have a phone phobia or why every single time I go grocery shopping I have to start on the right side of the store and work my way around to the left.

Okay, so maybe I'm still trying to figure those out...

When I first met my husband I was burnt out on the whole dating scene. As we started hanging out I told myself I was just going to let go...be the quirky, goofy person I was right off the bat and if he didn't like it...see ya buddy...no more time wasted. So then I did exactly that. I said things you probably shouldn't say when you first getting to know someone (if you actually want them to like you) and told stories that included me doing impersonations and a couple of funny dances to go with them. Then I looked over to see what probably should've been a horrified look in his eyes and instead I saw the opposite...adoration. It was so refreshing. He liked me. He liked the goofy me. He liked that I could do the Moonwalk. I could be, say, or do whatever I wanted without constantly worrying he was going to judge me. I told my friends it was like free therapy.

Baking is also therapeutic for me. That's how this cake came about. I was having a stressful day. I swear sometimes I feel like there's a camera on me and I'm being Punk'd. My husband knowingly said, "Why don't you go bake something so you can relax." You're right.

This cake is yummy and actually lighter than I was expecting. I loved the smell of it baking in my oven.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

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) (always measure the nuts first then chop them)

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

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center. You want to make sure it's done. I like most things underdone but cake is not one of them.
4. Place powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: adapted slightly from Picky Palate