There’s something magical about a warm, fragrant Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake fresh out of the oven. I still remember the first time I baked one—it filled my kitchen with the coziest aroma, like a cinnamon-spiced hug. If you’re juggling a million things (hello, busy days!), this cake is your sweet escape. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for holiday brunches or book club nights. Whether you’re baking for picky grandkids or just craving something homemade, this cake checks every box. Trust me—one slice, and you’ll crave it every single day. Let’s bake some comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is everything we crave—moist, buttery, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly morning. Easy enough for a Tuesday, but fancy enough for a celebration. No fuss, no stress—just pure baking joy. Whether you’re short on time or simply need a comforting bite, this one’s a keeper.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Every great Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake starts with a pantry full of goodness. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to whip up this cozy fall baking recipe. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the post—ready for printing when you’re ready to bake!

All-purpose flour – The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure and fluffy texture.
Baking powder & baking soda – These help the cake rise beautifully without any sinkholes.
Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the rich, sweet flavors.
Unsalted butter – Adds a creamy richness. Room temp is key for that dreamy, buttery cinnamon layer cake crumb.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create that golden, tender crust.
Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness. I always use large eggs at room temp for consistency.
Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor and makes the whole cake smell like a bakery dream.
Sour cream – My secret weapon for a moist cinnamon bundt cake. It makes the crumb tender and soft.
Whole milk – Lightens the batter just enough and keeps it smooth and pourable.
Brown sugar – Used in the swirl, it caramelizes slightly as it bakes, adding a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon – The star of the show. Warm, spicy, and comforting in every bite.
Melted butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar swirl melt into gooey ribbons of joy.
Powdered sugar (optional) – Used for the glaze. You can skip it if you’re going for a lighter, less sweet coffee cake style.
Milk (for glaze) – Thins out the glaze to your preferred drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze) – Adds another layer of flavor to the sweet drizzle on top.

Feel free to make a few swaps—Greek yogurt for sour cream, or almond milk instead of regular. This homemade bundt cake dessert is pretty forgiving, and that’s part of why I love it so much.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Let’s dive into the heart of this cozy fall baking recipe. This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake comes together in 12 easy steps—each one bringing you closer to a buttery, cinnamon-kissed masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it like we’re baking side by side.

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. Then grease every nook and cranny of your bundt pan. I use a pastry brush and softened butter for full coverage. Trust me, nothing’s sadder than a cake that won’t release!

Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry blend gives your moist cinnamon bundt cake its lift and structure. Set this aside—we’ll fold it in soon.

Step 3 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step whips air into the batter, creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

Step 4 – Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter becoming glossy and rich—like a buttery cinnamon layer cake waiting to happen!

Step 5 – Incorporate Sour Cream and Milk

Now, mix in the sour cream and milk. I alternate between wet and dry ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. This helps keep the batter smooth, thick, and luscious—perfect for swirling.

Step 6 – Assemble the First Layer of Batter

Pour half the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. This base layer sets the stage for our dreamy cinnamon swirl.

Step 7 – Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until it becomes a thick, sugary paste. This is the heart of our easy swirl coffee cake flavor.

Step 8 – Layer and Swirl the Batter

Sprinkle half the swirl mixture over the batter in the pan. Add the remaining batter on top, then the rest of the swirl. Gently run a knife through the batter, creating ribbons without overmixing. Think “gentle marble,” not “cinnamon tornado.”

Step 9 – Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. The top will be golden with hints of sugary peaks peeking through.

Step 10 – Cool and Invert the Cake

Let your homemade bundt cake dessert cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack. That dramatic flip? Always a little nerve-wracking, but oh-so-rewarding when it lands beautifully.

Step 11 – Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cake is cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla to make your glaze. Drizzle it slowly over the cake’s curves. It’s like adding a sweet, silky scarf to a cozy outfit.

Step 12 – Serve and Enjoy

Slice generously and serve warm or at room temp. Pair it with coffee on a sleepy morning or tea during afternoon chats. This glazed cinnamon breakfast cake is pure comfort in every bite.

Tips for Success

Bring all ingredients to room temperature—your batter will mix more smoothly and bake more evenly.
Grease the bundt pan like your cake’s life depends on it—because it kind of does.
Don’t over-swirl the cinnamon layer, or you’ll lose that dreamy ripple effect.
Use a toothpick to check doneness—no gooey batter means it’s ready to shine.

Equipment Needed for Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Bundt pan – The classic shape adds charm, but a tube pan works in a pinch.
Mixing bowls – At least two: one for dry, one for wet ingredients.
Electric mixer – Hand or stand mixer gets that butter-sugar combo perfectly fluffy.
Spatula – Great for folding and scraping every last bit of batter.
Whisk – Essential for smooth glazes and dry ingredient blending.
Cooling rack – Helps the cake cool evenly and keeps the bottom from getting soggy.

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Variations

Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the batter for a fall-inspired twist that tastes like apple pie and coffee cake had a baby.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl layer. They toast up beautifully in the oven and add a lovely crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve tried it—still moist, still magical!
Cream Cheese Swirl: Layer a sweetened cream cheese mixture between the batters for a tangy, cheesecake-like surprise in every slice.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the glaze for a more breakfast-friendly glazed cinnamon breakfast cake vibe.
Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla in the glaze with pure maple extract. It gives the homemade bundt cake dessert a rich, earthy sweetness that screams fall.
Chai Spice Fusion: Amp up the flavor by adding ground ginger, cardamom, and cloves to the cinnamon swirl. It’s like sweater weather in cake form.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert bliss.
Pair this glazed cinnamon breakfast cake with a hot cup of chai or your favorite morning coffee.
Dress it up for brunch with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
For holiday gatherings, drizzle extra glaze and sprinkle with crushed candied pecans—guests will swoon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this moist cinnamon bundt cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! I often bake this the night before a brunch or gathering. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making every bite even cozier. You can also freeze it (without glaze) for up to two months—just thaw and glaze before serving!

Q: How do I keep my homemade bundt cake dessert from sticking to the pan?

A: This one’s crucial. I swear by using softened butter and a pastry brush to coat every curve and corner of the bundt pan. Then I dust it lightly with flour or sugar. It’s like giving your homemade bundt cake dessert a nonstick insurance policy. Also, don’t rush the cooling time—15 minutes in the pan helps it release cleanly.

Q: Can I skip the glaze for a lighter cinnamon swirl bundt cake?

A: You bet! The glaze adds a lovely sweetness, but the cake is still delicious without it—especially if you’re going for a more breakfast-friendly version. I sometimes call it my “everyday cinnamon swirl bundt cake” when I skip the drizzle. A dusting of powdered sugar works great too!

Q: What’s the best way to store this buttery cinnamon layer cake?

A: Once cooled, I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist for up to three days (thanks, sour cream!). For longer storage, pop it in the fridge, but bring it to room temp before serving so the buttery cinnamon layer cake texture stays soft and dreamy.

Q: Can I turn this easy swirl coffee cake into muffins or loaf cake?

A: Oh yes—and I’ve done both! For muffins, reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes. For a loaf cake, divide the batter into two standard loaf pans and bake for 40–45 minutes. It’s still that same easy swirl coffee cake flavor, just in bite-sized or sliceable form!

Final Thoughts

Baking this Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake always feels like a warm hug from my kitchen. It’s more than just dessert—it’s a slice of comfort, a little pause in the chaos, and a sweet way to say “I love you” without words. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, gifting it to a neighbor, or sneaking a slice with your morning coffee, it never fails to spark joy. The buttery layers, the cinnamon swirls, the cozy aroma—it all comes together in one irresistible, homemade bundt cake dessert. So go ahead, bake it once… and I promise, you’ll crave it daily.

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe You’ll Crave Daily