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If you’re craving a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Moist Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is the perfect choice. Tender, buttery cake with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl inside makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion. Whether served at brunch, family gatherings, holidays, or as a comforting weekend treat, this Bundt cake delivers bakery-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
Unlike complicated layer cakes, Bundt cakes are easy to prepare, requiring just one pan and simple ingredients. With the addition of sour cream, this cake stays incredibly moist while the cinnamon swirl brings a warm, comforting flavor in every bite. Finish it off with a simple vanilla glaze, and you’ve got a dessert that’s elegant yet effortless.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender texture: Thanks to sour cream and butter.
- Cinnamon swirl surprise: A sweet, aromatic ribbon baked right into the cake.
- Perfect for any occasion: From casual coffee breaks to holiday celebrations.
- Easy to make: No need for layering or fancy techniques.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert: Elegant presentation in a Bundt pan makes it table-ready.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft.
- Baking Powder (1 tbsp): Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Creates richness and a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and contributes to a light texture.
- Eggs (4 large): Bind ingredients and add moisture.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the batter and keeps it smooth.
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that delivers cozy flavor.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for a smooth glaze.
- Milk (2–3 tbsp): Creates the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Tips and Tricks
- Prepare the pan well: Bundt pans have grooves—grease and flour every corner to prevent sticking.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a smoother cake texture.
- Alternate flour and milk additions: Prevents the batter from curdling and ensures a uniform crumb.
- Don’t over-swirl: A light swirl with a butter knife keeps visible layers instead of blending everything.
- Check doneness early: Start testing at 50 minutes; every oven is slightly different.
Variations and Customizations
- Nutty Cinnamon Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for crunch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a tangy cream cheese drizzle.
- Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake: Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples for extra flavor.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a seasonal touch.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar layer for a mocha-inspired version.
Pairing Suggestions
- Morning Coffee or Latte: A slice of this cake pairs perfectly with hot coffee or cappuccino.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with spiced chai or black tea for a cozy combination.
- Holiday Brunch: Place it alongside quiche, fruit salad, or baked eggs for a festive spread.
- Dessert Plate: Top a warm slice with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week; allow slices to come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before glazing.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make this Bundt cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Store it covered, then glaze right before serving for the freshest presentation.
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2. What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use two loaf pans or a 9×13-inch pan, though baking time may vary slightly.
3. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely. Use plain Greek yogurt for a similar moist texture and tangy flavor.
4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour every crevice of the Bundt pan thoroughly, or use a non-stick baking spray with flour included.
Moist Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the Bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Mix in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the batter into the Bundt pan, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with remaining batter.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl in a figure-eight motion.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Always cool completely before glazing for best results.
- For extra moisture, wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap and let sit overnight before glazing.
- Double-check oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate baking.
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