Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake. Recipe

Rich, buttery, and bursting with a generous ribbon of cinnamon sugar, this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is the kind of showstopper you’ll want gracing every family celebration (or your next cozy Sunday afternoon). Each slice reveals a gorgeous swirl and the most tender crumb—it’s a cake that delivers warmth and nostalgia in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake might look like a labor of love, but the foundational ingredients are wonderfully simple—each one contributes something special, from softness and richness to that irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cake its signature crumb without being dense.
• Baking powder: Lends the perfect lift and keeps the cake light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness, drawing out all those buttery flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Brings rich, velvety texture and deeper flavor; use extra for that perfect nonstick coating.
• Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps the cake become tender and golden.
• Large eggs: Add richness and help bind every ingredient together for a moist crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in comforting, aromatic notes that enhance both cake and cinnamon swirl.
• Milk: Moistens the batter—the secret to that dreamy, soft texture (don’t skip room temperature!).
• Brown sugar (for swirl): Infuses the swirl with caramel-like depth and toothsome sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the swirl! Warm, fragrant, and absolutely essential for that classic flavor.

Variations

One of the joys of a Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is how easily you can make it your own—tweak the flavors, add-ins, or even make it suit your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Nutty Twist: Fold in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts into your cinnamon swirl for added crunch and wholesome richness.
• Apple Cinnamon Bundt: Add diced apples tossed in cinnamon to the swirl layer for bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate sensitivities.
• Chocolate Swirl: Stir shaved dark chocolate or mini chips into the swirl mixture for an even more decadent twist!

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously brush melted butter into every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan (seriously, don’t be shy!). Once cooled, dust the pan with a little flour and tap out any excess. This extra care ensures your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake releases beautifully—with its signature shape intact and no heartbreaking stickage.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step may seem basic, but even mixing now means a fluffier, more consistent crumb later—no clumps or uneven leavening to worry about!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until ultra creamy, then add in the granulated sugar. Keep beating for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this is the secret to a truly tender Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in one egg at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. After your final egg, blend in the vanilla extract—your kitchen will start to smell incredible already!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually sift your dry mix into the butter mixture and stir on low, just until it’s mostly combined. Then, gently mix in the milk until your batter is luscious, thick, and smooth—don’t overwork it!

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

Portion out about 500 grams of the batter into a bowl and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk. Stir until just combined—you want a thick, dreamy cinnamon ribbon that will swirl through every slice.

Step 7: Layer the Batters

Start with a layer of plain batter in your pan, then dollop the cinnamon swirl batter on top. Alternate batters, gently smoothing each layer with a spatula, until you’ve used it all. This creates that trademark marbled magic in your cake!

Step 8: Bake & Release

Slide your Bundt pan into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Let the cake cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack. Carefully lift the pan away—stand back and admire that swirl—then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar if you’d like.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Garnishes

Sometimes, simplicity wins—just a generous dusting of powdered sugar lets the swirl shine, but you can also drizzle on a vanilla glaze or add a scoop of whipped cream for extra decadence. For a festive touch, garnish with sugared pecans or even a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon on top.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a good cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea. For brunch, serve slices alongside fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a simple citrus compote to balance the sweet spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake and arranging it on a tiered cake stand for dramatic effect. For gatherings, cut it into mini wedges for a “cake flight,” or serve with dipping sauces (think vanilla bean glaze or caramel) for maximum fun. Edible flowers or orange zest curls make for a gorgeous, seasonal finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake can be kept fresh and moist by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, move the cake to the fridge to preserve that tender crumb.

Freezing

This cake is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for a sweet treat anytime.

Reheating

To revive that “freshly baked” magic, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that just-out-of-the-oven aroma and soft, pillowy crumb!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love the scent of cinnamon and crave a truly cozy treat, this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is the recipe to bookmark and share. I hope it finds a cherished home in your kitchen—don’t wait for a special occasion, just bake it for the simple joy of sharing something homemade and delicious!

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