Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Meet your next baking obsession: the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake! This irresistible treat takes everything you love about classic coffee cake and gives it a dramatic, swirled upgrade. With a tender, buttery crumb, bold ribbons of cinnamon sugar in every slice, and a delicate crunch from walnuts, this cake transforms even the simplest day into a memorable occasion. It shines at brunch, wows as a centerpiece dessert, and brings pure joy to an afternoon coffee break—always with that unmistakable swirl of cozy cinnamon in each glorious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is almost as much fun as eating it. Every component plays an important role, from the rich butter that keeps the crumb velvety to the cinnamon, which infuses every layer with warmth and nostalgia.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking soda: Ensures a light rise and contributes to the tender texture.
- Baking powder: Adds an extra lift, making the cake airy and soft.
- Unsalted butter: Gives a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth richness—always use at room temperature for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and also makes that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Brings aromatic depth and classic cake flavor.
- Sour cream: The secret to a super-moist Bundt; it adds tangy creaminess and keeps the crumb supple.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Provide subtle crunch and nutty depth—skip them if you want a nut-free cake!
- Granulated sugar + ground cinnamon (for the swirl): The dynamic duo that creates the show-stopping swirl and infuses the cake with classic spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your batter is ready. Generously grease a Bundt pan, making sure to coat every crevice. This step guarantees that your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake will release effortlessly and keep its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to an airy, wonderfully textured cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully combine them, then blend in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a uniform rise. If you like, toss in your walnuts here to coat them in flour, which prevents them from sinking.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
To keep the cake batter silky and prevent overmixing, add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined for a perfectly tender crumb that sets this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake apart.
Step 5: Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Spoon half the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. In a small bowl, stir together the ⅓ cup sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter layer. Carefully top with the remaining batter and, using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create those signature ribbons of cinnamon. Resist the urge to over-swirl—you want bold, distinct layers!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the swirl) comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious treat ahead. The cake should be beautifully golden and spring back when lightly touched.
Step 7: Cool and Unmold
Let your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, allowing the structure to set. Then, invert it onto a wire rack and lift off the pan to reveal the sculpted ring and swirled magic inside. Let it cool completely before slicing—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Garnishes
Elevate your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake by dusting it with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the top. A handful of toasted walnuts or a scattering of cinnamon chips also makes for a picture-perfect finish. These little touches add both flavor and charm.
Side Dishes
A slice of this glorious cake pairs beautifully with a morning coffee, a chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream—even a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into an elegant dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake into mini wedges for a dessert buffet, or build a stunning trifle with cubes of cake, layered with whipped cream and cinnamon apples. Individual slices wrapped in parchment make sweet gifts for friends and neighbors, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake will stay fresh if stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. The moisture from the sour cream keeps it soft and delicious even after a couple of days, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to preserve your cake for longer, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for a quick, homemade dessert anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To warm a slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short increments, about 10-15 seconds at a time. The cake will be moist and soft, as if it just came from the oven. A quick warm-up revives the cinnamon aroma and delivers that fresh-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake without nuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and the cake is just as moist and flavorful without them. Feel free to leave them out, or swap in pecans if you prefer a different nutty twist.
What’s the secret to getting a good swirl?
For bold, beautiful swirls, layer your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, and use a knife or skewer to zigzag through the batter only once or twice. Don’t overdo it, as you want distinct ribbons rather than blended lines.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Full-fat Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe, keeping the cake tender and moist with that lovely hint of tang.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Generous greasing is your best friend here. Use butter, shortening, or nonstick spray, being sure to coat every nook and cranny. You can also dust the greased pan lightly with flour for extra insurance.
Can I add a glaze or frosting to this cake?
Definitely! A simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top is always a hit. You can make it as thin or thick as you like; the extra sweetness pairs perfectly with the spiced swirl inside.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake brings happiness from the very first swirl to the last crumb on your plate. Whether you serve it for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or as a sweet surprise for friends, there’s just something magical about this cinnamon-laced classic. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Print
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Bundt cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, warm flavors of this delectable Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and tender cake is swirled with a sweet cinnamon mixture, creating a delightful treat for cinnamon lovers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp ground cinnamon (swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time along with vanilla.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture.
- Layer Batter: Layer the batter in the prepared pan, sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter and gently swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
Notes
- You can add a glaze or frosting for extra sweetness.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake, Bundt Cake Recipe, Cinnamon Cake, Cinnamon Swirl Cake
