If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect coffee cake with a comforting, aromatic twist, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe. Picture a tender, moist cake with a luscious cinnamon and brown sugar swirl running through each bite, baked in a stunning Bundt pan that’s perfect for sharing. This cake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a delightful centerpiece at any gathering, blending simple pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert that makes every moment feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its rich taste, perfect texture, and beautiful appearance. From the creaminess of the butter to the tang of sour cream, these basics come together to deliver a sublime baking experience that’s approachable yet impressive.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Adds lift and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda: Ensures a light texture while balancing acidity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a luscious crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender texture.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Creates a warm, inviting aroma that complements the cinnamon.
- Sour cream: Provides moisture and slight tang for depth of flavor.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a soft crumb.
- Light brown sugar: For the cinnamon swirl, giving a chewy, caramelized sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cake with warm, cozy flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to make sure your beautiful cake doesn’t stick and comes out in one perfect piece, complete with every charming curve defined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution, which is key for an evenly risen and balanced cake texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cake a lightness that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract, which will infuse your batter with a fragrant warmth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently and just until combined—this is crucial to keep your cake tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the signature swirl that distinguishes this Bundt cake and fills your kitchen with irresistible spice.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into your Bundt pan and sprinkle the cinnamon swirl evenly over the top. Then pour the remaining batter over everything, layering flavors to create a stunning marbled effect.
Step 8: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
With a knife or spatula, gently swirl the batter in the pan. Take care not to overmix—just enough to create that elegant cinnamon trail that makes each slice a treasure.
Step 9: Bake Your Cake
Bake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your home is a delicious preview of the magic to come.
Step 10: Cool and Remove from Pan
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The removal is as satisfying as the first bite, revealing the beautiful shape and the cinnamon swirl inside.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple drizzle of vanilla glaze to enhance sweetness without overshadowing the cinnamon swirl. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also add a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal with a hint of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake elegantly and stack pieces on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and autumnal accents. Or serve cake slices with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to elevate its cozy flavors into an unforgettable dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its moist texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for saving a slice or two for a special occasion later on.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through. This revives the soft crumb and releases the wonderful cinnamon aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan for this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe?
While the Bundt pan gives the cake its classic shape and crust, you can definitely use a regular loaf or tube pan. Just remember to adjust baking time accordingly and grease the pan well.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are excellent substitutes that provide moisture and a slight tang similar to sour cream.
How do I ensure the cinnamon swirl doesn’t sink to the bottom?
Pour half the batter first, then sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly before adding the rest of the batter. Gently swirling avoids overmixing and helps the swirl stay beautifully distributed.
Can this cake be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk in place of cow’s milk, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
Is it possible to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work wonderfully added into the cinnamon swirl or sprinkled over the batter for extra crunch and a complementary flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe is one of those delightful baking projects that bring warmth, joy, and a little spice into your kitchen and heart. Whether it’s for an everyday treat or a special celebration, this cake’s tender crumb and heavenly cinnamon ribbon will quickly make it a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake features a moist, tender crumb enhanced by a delightful cinnamon and brown sugar swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect. Perfect for a cozy dessert or special occasion, this cake combines classic flavors with an appealing presentation in a Bundt pan.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup capacity Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are well coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream and milk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine 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, then sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top.
- Create Marbled Effect: Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the batter to create a marbled pattern, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting and transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for better creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- The marbling technique gives the cake its signature cinnamon swirl without mixing the cinnamon throughout the batter.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze if desired.
