This cinnamon swirl Bundt cake is impossibly soft, with a tender crumb brushed with a buttery cinnamon glaze that pools in every little ridge of the pan.
I love baking this on Sunday afternoons when the house needs a cozy scent and you want an easy dessert you can feel good sharing with family.
SaveOne slice and you will remember why simple pantry treats done right can be the highlight of your week.
Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
Cinnamon Butter Filling
Glaze
Instructions
- Prep the pan and preheat
Grease a 10 inch Bundt pan thoroughly, dust it lightly with flour, and tap out the excess. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it is fully hot when the batter goes in.
- Make the cinnamon butter filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly creamy. Set aside to await the batter.
- Whisk dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until evenly blended.
- Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the vegetable oil, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Build the batter in the pan
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then dollop the cinnamon butter mixture over the surface and spread it gently into an even layer. Add the remaining batter and smooth the top carefully.
- Bake until golden and set
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set and the top deeply golden.
- Cool before glazing
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edges and invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make a silky glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if you want a looser glaze, or more powdered sugar for thicker coverage.
- Glaze and finish
Place the cooled cake back onto the serving plate or a cake board, then drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to flow down the sides in rustic ridges.
- Serve or store
Let the glaze set slightly, slice, and enjoy with coffee or milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Substitutions and variations
- Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer crumb.
- Replace whole milk with buttermilk for more tang and lift.
- Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, reducing other liquid slightly.
- Make it gluten free by using a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend.
- Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy free version.
Chloe's tips
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid a dense cake.
- For extra flavor, toast the flour lightly in a dry pan before measuring.
- Use room temperature eggs so the batter emulsifies smoothly and bakes evenly.
- If you love crunch, sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the glaze while it is still wet.
How to store it
- Keep the cake in a covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.
Serving suggestions
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of coffee.
- Top with toasted chopped pecans for texture.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel.
- Add a light sprinkle of cocoa powder on the glaze for contrast.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, bake and glaze the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors will meld nicely and it will taste even better.
Why did my glaze turn out too runny?
It likely needs more powdered sugar. Add it gradually and mix until the glaze slowly thickens and holds a ribbon on top of the cake.
Can I use a different pan if I do not have a Bundt pan?
A 9 inch round or square pan works well, but the cake will bake faster. Check doneness early and adjust time as needed.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not over bake, measure flour accurately, and store with a slice of bread in the container to help retain softness.
Let's get cooking!
Enjoy this showstopping cinnamon swirl Bundt cake at your next gathering, knowing that simple techniques and quality ingredients create a dessert everyone will love.
