Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon with a tender, buttery crumb, then this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is calling your name. This delightful cake features a beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl woven throughout, creating a gorgeous marbled effect that tastes just as wonderful as it looks. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake brings together simple ingredients for a rich, flavorful experience that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this cake is straightforward, but each one plays an important role in making a perfectly moist and flavorful Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake. From the creamy butter to the tangy sour cream and aromatic cinnamon, every component contributes to its texture, taste, and that delightful swirl pattern.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s sturdy base that ensures a soft yet structured crumb.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Gives the cake a gentle lift and spongy texture.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly for a fluffy result.
• 1 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
• 4 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and give structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm aromatic notes.
• 1 cup sour cream: Brings a lovely moistness and slight tang that’s key to the cake’s softness.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for the swirl): Creates that irresistible cinnamon sugar ribbon that makes this cake unforgettable.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your Bundt pan thoroughly. This step is crucial because it ensures the cake won’t stick and will release beautifully once baked, showcasing those lovely cinnamon swirls.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light in color. This creaming process incorporates air, setting the stage for a cake that’s light yet rich.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before the next goes in. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This careful technique helps the batter stay smooth and well combined, which makes a big difference in texture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Having these ingredients mixed evenly avoids any uneven rising or unwanted lumps in your batter.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Begin adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in parts, alternating with the sour cream. This method ensures the batter remains smooth and moist without overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Layers

Pour half of the batter into the Bundt pan first. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer, then add the remaining batter on top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create those signature cinnamon ribbons.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate to reveal the stunning swirl pattern.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Garnishes

Serving this cake is a joy itself. Consider dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze to bring a shiny, sweet finish. Toasted walnut halves on top make a lovely crunchy contrast that brings out the nutty notes in the cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai tea for dipping. For a richer dessert, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries can also add a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or festive occasions, slice the cinnamon swirl bundt cake and arrange it on a wooden board with a scattering of nuts and cinnamon sticks for a rustic vibe. You can also cut the cake into small squares, layer them with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and serve as delightful bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake will keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to 3 days if covered tightly with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. This preserves moisture and prevents the cake from drying out.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, this cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To refresh the cake’s soft texture, warm slices for about 15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). This simple step brings back that just-baked feel, making every bite as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute. It adds a similar tang and moisture, preserving the tender crumb.

Is it necessary to swirl the cinnamon sugar or can I just mix it into the batter?

The swirl is the signature feature of this cake, giving it its beautiful marbled effect and bursts of cinnamon flavor throughout. Mixing the cinnamon sugar straight into the batter will dilute that effect and the distinct cinnamon ribbons.

Can I make this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake nut-free?

Yes, simply leave out the chopped walnuts if you prefer or need a nut-free version. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful without them.

What is the best way to grease a Bundt pan to ensure easy release?

Use a pastry brush or paper towel to coat the entire surface of the Bundt pan with softened butter or oil, then dust it lightly with flour. Tap out any excess flour to prevent clumps. This technique helps your cake release perfectly every time.

Can I use a different type of cinnamon for the swirl?

Ceylon cinnamon offers a subtle, sweet flavor, while Cassia cinnamon tends to be bolder and spicier. Either will work great—choose based on your flavor preference to customize the cake’s warmth.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is your go-to recipe. Its perfectly balanced flavors, moist texture, and mesmerizing swirl make it a treat worth baking again and again. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic comfort that never goes out of style.

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