Cinnamon 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.
- Author: liam
- 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
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
- 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