Name: Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist, tender crumb with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a comforting homemade cake.

A Bundt cake with two visible layers spiraling around it: a lighter cream-colored layer and a darker brown cocoa layer, both textured and moist, with the light and dark areas smoothly swirled in a striped pattern that follows the curved, fluted shape of the cake. It sits on a white plate with a delicate floral pattern, placed on a white marbled textured surface. The photo captures the cake from a close angle showing the soft crumb and smooth surface details, with warm lighting enhancing the rich colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for cinnamon swirl)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for cinnamon swirl)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
3-4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your bundt pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon swirl. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 6: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 7: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over this layer, then add the remaining batter on top.
Step 8: Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers to create a distinct cinnamon pattern, being careful not to overmix.
Step 9: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-12 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

Ensure the butter is fully softened to room temperature for a tender cake crumb.
Don’t over-swirl the batter to keep the cinnamon layers distinct.
For an extra touch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative if preferred, but whole milk gives the best texture.

Storage

Store the cooled cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.

How to Serve

A ring-shaped Bundt cake with two visible layers swirled together in a spiral pattern. The cake has a light beige creamy layer that contrasts with a dark brown chocolate layer, both having a soft, moist texture. The swirls create a flowing wave effect on the cake’s surface, emphasizing the round shape with deep ridges along the sides. The cake sits on a white plate with a delicate black floral pattern, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan?

A bundt pan is recommended for this recipe to create the classic shape and help the cake bake evenly. However, you can use a loaf pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Generously grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray and dust it lightly with flour before adding the batter. This helps the cake release cleanly after baking.