Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon combined with a moist, buttery cake, then this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe is just for you! This classic bundt cake is made with a rich vanilla cake batter swirled with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling. The result? A soft, flavorful cake with a beautiful marble-like cinnamon swirl in every bite.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday treat, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, this bundt cake will become one of your go-to recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
✔ Incredibly Moist – Thanks to sour cream or Greek yogurt, this cake stays soft and tender.
✔ Rich Cinnamon Swirl – The brown sugar-cinnamon mixture creates a flavorful ribbon inside the cake.
✔ Perfectly Sweetened – A balance of warm spices and vanilla cake makes this cake not too sweet but just right.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as a coffee cake, brunch treat, or holiday dessert.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – This cake stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Cake Batter Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup whole milk
Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
- Set aside for layering inside the cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt cake pan with butter and flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the greased bundt pan.
- Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and gently swirl it using a knife or skewer.
- Add the remaining cake batter and smooth the top.
- Tap the bundt pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil in the last 15 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bundt cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
🍽 Enjoy it Warm or Cold – This cake tastes amazing fresh out of the oven or at room temperature.
☕ Pair with Coffee or Tea – The cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with a hot drink.
🍨 Serve with Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream takes it to the next level.
🍎 Top with Caramelized Apples – Sautéed apples with cinnamon make an elegant topping!
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
🔥 Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth, even batter for the perfect cake texture.
🔥 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
🔥 Use a Nonstick Bundt Pan – And grease it well to prevent sticking.
🔥 Let the Cake Cool Before Removing – This helps retain its shape and prevents breaking.
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Variations
🍫 Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich flavor.
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake – Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for an autumn twist.
🥜 Pecan Cinnamon Bundt Cake – Mix ½ cup of chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
☕ Coffee-Infused Bundt Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when covered properly.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake vs. Traditional Coffee Cake
| Feature | Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake | Classic Coffee Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Moist, buttery, with swirls of cinnamon | Soft, dense crumb |
| Shape | Baked in a bundt pan | Baked in a square or round pan |
| Topping | Light glaze (optional) | Usually has a crumb topping |
| Flavor | Rich cinnamon swirl with vanilla notes | More cake-like, with mild cinnamon flavor |
Both are delicious, but this bundt cake is extra moist and visually stunning, making it a great showstopper for gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Using cake flour will give the cake a softer, more delicate crumb.
🔹 Can I make this cake without sour cream?
Yes! Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or whole milk for similar results.
🔹 What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans, but the baking time may be shorter.
🔹 Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins work well in the cinnamon swirl.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe !
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe is a must-try for any coffee cake lover! With its moist vanilla cake base and sweet cinnamon swirl, this bundt cake is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with ice cream, this cake is sure to impress your family and guests. So grab your bundt pan and start baking this irresistible cinnamon swirl cake today! 🍰✨
