If there is one cake that captures the essence of cozy afternoons and warm smiles, it has to be this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe. This cake is a delightful marriage of tender, buttery crumb and a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl that weaves through every slice, delivering a comforting spice punch wrapped in softness. It’s the perfect treat to bring to a gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a leisurely morning. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard not to make it your go-to dessert for all seasons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating your perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role — from lending structure, tenderness, and flavor to creating that beautiful cinnamon swirl that is the star of the show.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives your cake its soft but sturdy texture.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise gracefully, adding lightness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with acidic ingredients for tender crumb and rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and contributes to a golden crust.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and provide structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A subtle flavor enhancer that warms up the entire cake.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings moistness and tangy depth, keeping the cake soft.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness, blending flavors beautifully.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Creates the sweet, caramel-like cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The aromatic spice that makes the swirl irresistible.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 10-cup Bundt pan with care, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. This little step ensures your masterpiece releases easily once baked, showing off its gorgeous ridges.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing them now helps the cake rise evenly and gives a uniform texture throughout your batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This aeration is what helps give your cake a tender crumb and beautifully golden crust.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will deepen the cake’s flavor with a subtle warmth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients, Sour Cream, and Milk
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk, and start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle for a perfect tender crumb.
Step 6: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the swirling cinnamon filling that brings this cake to life.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter layer to ensure every slice has that magical cinnamon twist. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: Create the Marbled Effect
Gently swirl the batter with a knife or spatula to create that beautiful marbled effect you want, being careful not to overmix and blend the cinnamon in completely. This visual is just as exciting as the taste.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean. The scent wafting from your oven during this time is pure magic that will have everyone eagerly awaiting their slice.
Step 10: Cool and Remove from Pan
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. This rest time helps it set, so your Bundt cake holds its shape gorgeously.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is stunning on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze complements the cinnamon swirl beautifully and adds a touch of elegance. Fresh whipped cream or a handful of toasted pecans add a lovely creamy or crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a fresh berry compote, or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. Each side elevates the cake’s already complex cinnamon notes, adding bursts of texture and flavor when enjoyed together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks. Or slice individual servings with a light smear of cream cheese frosting for a special occasion that feels just a little extra cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. This keeps the crumb moist and the swirl tender without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake longer, wrap it very well with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing. Your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe can last up to three months in the freezer, ready whenever you’re craving a comforting slice.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. This revives the moistness and aroma you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sugar for the cinnamon swirl?
Absolutely! While light brown sugar offers a perfect caramel flavor, you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer taste or even coconut sugar for a slightly different depth. Just keep the texture in mind, as some sugars may alter the swirl’s consistency.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Sour cream provides moisture and a delicate tang that balances the sweetness, making the cake incredibly tender. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts if needed, but it’s best not to skip it entirely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum will work well here. Be mindful to check the blend’s baking instructions, as you might need to adjust the baking time slightly for the perfect texture.
How can I ensure the cinnamon swirl doesn’t sink to the bottom?
Layering the batter and cinnamon mixture carefully helps, but the key is to swirl gently rather than stirring vigorously. This keeps the cinnamon sugar suspended in layers, giving you defined swirls rather than a single patch at the bottom.
What’s the best way to remove the cake from the Bundt pan?
Make sure you generously grease and flour the pan beforehand. After baking, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then loosen edges gently with a knife. Place a wire rack over the pan, invert it, and give it a gentle shake to release the cake effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon swirl make every bite a delicious moment to savor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings — whether for a cozy family dessert or a spectacular showstopper at your next gathering.
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful treat featuring a tender vanilla cake base swirled with a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines classic ingredients with a beautiful marbled design that delivers both on taste and presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup capacity Bundt pan thoroughly, making sure to cover all the crevices so the cake releases easily.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with rich flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream along with whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer batter and swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Create the swirl effect: Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the batter layers, creating a beautiful marbled cinnamon effect without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and unmold: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before serving or glazing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Optional: dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or glaze for extra sweetness.
- Use a 10-cup Bundt pan for best results; adjust baking time slightly if using a different size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
