Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon and sweetness, then this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is just what you need! This cake is not only moist and tender but also swirls with the perfect amount of cinnamon goodness. It has become a family favorite in my kitchen, making appearances at everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you serve this cake, it will quickly become a beloved recipe for you too!
What makes this cake truly special is its simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that whipping up this delicious treat is a breeze. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: With its sweet flavors and soft texture, everyone at the table will love it—even the picky eaters!
- Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dessert or a special celebration.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time; it stays delicious for days!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cake and warm cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious dessert:
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Variations
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is incredibly flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it according to your taste:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Incorporate Fruit: Add some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added flavor and texture.
- Top with Glaze: Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your Bundt pan generously. This ensures that your cake comes out easily after baking—a very important step!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake its lovely texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine! Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and sour cream into the butter mixture. Start with dry ingredients first—this helps keep everything well combined while keeping your batter smooth.
Step 5: Create the Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar mixture (granulated sugar combined with ground cinnamon). Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Then pour in the remaining batter, topping it off with more cinnamon sugar before gently swirling with a knife to create beautiful patterns.
Step 6: Bake
Place your Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This gives it time to set properly so that it retains its shape beautifully when served.
Enjoy every slice of this delightful Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake—it’s sure to be loved by friends and family alike!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Baking a perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is all about the details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and beautiful.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing. This results in a tender cake that rises beautifully.
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Don’t skip the greasing: Properly greasing your Bundt pan is essential for preventing sticking. You can use butter or a non-stick spray, making sure to coat all the crevices for easy release after baking.
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Swirl with care: When layering your batter and cinnamon sugar, be gentle with your swirls. Using a knife or skewer, lightly mix it in without overdoing it; this will give you that charming cinnamon swirl effect without blending it completely.
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Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so always do a toothpick test before the baking time is up. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to be taken out!
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Let it cool properly: Allowing your cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting it helps set its structure. This way, you’ll avoid any mishaps or breakage when flipping it onto your serving plate.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Serving your Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds elegance and makes the surface look inviting.
- Fresh fruit: Slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side bring color and a fresh taste that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped coconut cream: For a vegan-friendly twist, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s light, airy, and adds a luscious touch!
Side Dishes
- Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with this sweet treat, enhancing its flavors and making for a cozy dessert experience.
- Vanilla ice cream: If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve slices of cake alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cake while adding vibrant colors to your dessert table.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and berries on the side for a delicious contrast that lightens up each bite of cake.
Enjoy every slice of this delightful Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake at any gathering! It’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious cake.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the cooled Bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container to keep it extra fresh.
Freezing
- Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap the Bundt cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- You can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat the whole cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture, so you might want to adjust slightly by adding a tablespoon of extra liquid.
How do I ensure my Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure you thoroughly grease your Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also sprinkle a little flour inside after greasing, ensuring an even coating.
Can I make this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
What can I add to enhance my Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake?
Adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, will give your cake an extra crunch. You could also incorporate raisins or swap out some of the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake as much as I do! The combination of tender cake with that sweet cinnamon swirl makes it truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake—an irresistible dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Moist, tender, and beautifully infused with cinnamon, this cake is a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home, its sweet aroma will fill your kitchen and create lasting memories. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create a show-stopping centerpiece that everyone will love. So grab your apron and get ready to bake this delightful treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your Bundt pan.
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one by one, then vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually mix dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan; sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Add remaining batter and top with more cinnamon sugar, swirling gently.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a plate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg