Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is a delightful treat with warm cinnamon spice and sweet vanilla undertones. Its moist, tender texture and beautiful swirls make it perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee break.

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 and generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl; set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 4: Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over this layer. Add the remaining batter on top, then use a knife to gently swirl through the layers to create distinct cinnamon swirls.
- Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-12 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature butter for a tender cake and easier mixing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.
- Try replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter cake.
- If you don’t have a bundt pan, use a 9×13 inch pan and reduce baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors improve after the first day. Reheat slices gently if desired for a fresh-baked taste.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together nicely.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when the cake is fully baked.
PrintCinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
A moist and tender Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake bursting with warm cinnamon spice beautifully swirled through a rich vanilla cake base. This recipe features a luscious cinnamon-brown sugar swirl layered inside a buttery cake, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a comforting coffee cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 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
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and cinnamon swirl mixture: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon swirl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing.
- Layer the batter and cinnamon swirl: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Top with remaining batter. Using a sharp knife, gently swirl the layers in a figure-8 or circular motion to create distinct cinnamon swirls without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 3-4 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for a tender cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the cake light.
- Use gentle swirling motions when mixing cinnamon layers to keep distinct swirls.
- Grease the bundt pan well and optionally dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature covered for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- To make a lighter version, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use 2% milk.
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Try adding chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl for texture variation.
- The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.
Keywords: Cinnamon Bundt Cake, Cinnamon Swirl Cake, Vanilla Bundt Cake, Glazed Cake, Coffee Cake, Moist Cake, Fall Dessert

