Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake – A Cozy Twist on a Classic

If there’s a cake that feels like a warm hug, it’s the cinnamon swirl bundt cake. Imagine the scent of butter, sugar, and cinnamon wrapping around your kitchen as the cake bakes—cozy, nostalgic, and utterly irresistible. This beautiful bundt cake brings together the comfort of a cinnamon coffee cake and the elegance of a bundt presentation, making it perfect for breakfast gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave something sweetly spiced.

The magic lies in its layers: moist vanilla cake enveloping a cinnamon-sugar swirl that bakes into ribbons of buttery goodness. A simple glaze drizzled over the top adds a delicate sheen and just the right touch of sweetness. Serve it warm with coffee or tea, and you’ll see why it’s an instant favorite.

This cake isn’t just about flavor—it’s about feeling. The cinnamon swirl bundt cake brings people together around the table, much like a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. And though it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples and a little love.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup milk

Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Vanilla Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly, making sure every groove is coated to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This gives the cake its tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk: Add the sour cream and milk, alternating with the dry ingredients. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined—avoid overmixing.
6. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly combined.
7. Assemble the Cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter, then swirl it gently with a knife. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.
8. Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it flow down the ridges.
10. Serve: Slice and enjoy with coffee, tea, or a cozy afternoon chat.

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Tips & Tricks

• For extra moisture, replace half of the butter with cream cheese.
• To make it ahead, bake a day early and glaze just before serving.
• Dust the pan generously with flour or sugar after greasing—it helps create a light crust.
• Use high-quality cinnamon for deeper, richer flavor.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Bundt: Add a layer of finely chopped apples with the cinnamon swirl.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Spoon a sweetened cream cheese mixture between the layers for added richness.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for maple syrup glaze—perfect for fall mornings.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the swirl for a bit of texture.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake slightly warm with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, a chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s equally at home on a brunch table or as a comforting evening treat.

Storage Information
Store leftover bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQ
Can I use a different pan?
Yes, a 9×13-inch pan or two loaf pans work fine, but the baking time may vary.

Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
Ensure your pan is thoroughly greased and floured. Using a baking spray with flour helps prevent sticking.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—use dairy-free butter and yogurt alternatives for similar texture and flavor.

Can I add a topping instead of glaze?
Yes! A streusel topping or dusting of powdered sugar is lovely.

History / Fun Facts
The bundt cake’s iconic shape traces back to a traditional European cake called Gugelhupf. In the 1950s, Nordic Ware popularized the modern bundt pan in America, leading to a bundt boom in the decades that followed. The cinnamon swirl variation draws inspiration from the classic cinnamon coffee cake—a breakfast favorite transformed into an elegant centerpiece.

The best part about this cake? It’s timeless. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend, or just because your kitchen feels a little too quiet, this cinnamon swirl bundt cake fills the air with warmth, sweetness, and the scent of home.