Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist and buttery texture
- Rich cinnamon-sugar swirl
- Easy ingredients
- Beautiful presentation
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Freezes well
- Great for holidays and celebrations
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- 10-inch Bundt pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease the Bundt pan with butter or baking spray.
Dust lightly with flour.
A well-prepared pan ensures the cake releases cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Whisk thoroughly.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl beat:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
Continue mixing for about 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
This step creates air pockets that help the cake rise beautifully.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract.
The mixture should become smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Dairy
Add one-third of the flour mixture.
Mix gently.
Add half the sour cream and milk mixture.
Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated.
Avoid overmixing.
The batter should be smooth and thick.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl combine:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
Mix until crumbly.
This mixture creates the signature cinnamon swirl.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
Spread evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter.
Add remaining batter.
Top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter.
Do not over-swirl or the layers will disappear.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the center of the oven.
Bake for 50–60 minutes.
The cake is done when:
- A toothpick comes out clean
- The top is golden brown
- The cake springs back lightly when touched
Step 9: Cool Properly
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Carefully invert onto a cooling rack.
Let cool completely before glazing.
Step 10: Make the Vanilla Glaze
In a bowl whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Continue whisking until smooth.
Adjust consistency if needed:
- More milk for thinner glaze
- More sugar for thicker glaze
Step 11: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Allow it to flow naturally down the sides.
The glaze adds sweetness and highlights the cake’s beautiful shape.
Texture and Flavor
This cake delivers:
Moist Interior
The sour cream keeps the crumb soft and tender.
Rich Cinnamon Swirl
Every bite contains warm cinnamon flavor.
Buttery Taste
The butter provides richness and depth.
Sweet Glaze
The vanilla glaze perfectly balances the spices.
Tips for the Perfect Bundt Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter, eggs, and sour cream blend more evenly.
Grease the Pan Thoroughly
Bundt cakes can stick easily.
Take extra care with every curve and corner.
Avoid Overmixing
Overmixed batter produces a dense cake.
Mix only until combined.
Let It Cool Before Glazing
A warm cake will cause the glaze to melt completely.
Delicious Variations
Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
Add:
- 2 cups diced apples
The fruit adds moisture and sweetness.
Pecan Cinnamon Cake
Mix in:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace the vanilla glaze with:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
Creates a richer finish.
Maple Cinnamon Cake
Replace vanilla glaze with maple glaze.
Perfect for fall gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh coffee
- Hot tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
This cake is equally suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Storage Instructions
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage:
Refrigerate up to 1 week.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per slice:
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 34g
Values vary depending on ingredients used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Under-Greasing the Pan
The cake may stick and break apart.
Opening the Oven Too Early
This can cause the cake to collapse.
Over-Baking
Leads to dryness.
Check a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends.
Skipping Cooling Time
Warm cakes are fragile and can crack when removed.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of butter, sour cream, and eggs creates a moist and tender crumb. The cinnamon swirl introduces layers of flavor throughout the cake, while the glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Unlike many coffee cakes, this Bundt cake remains moist for several days, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is the ultimate comfort cake. With its buttery texture, rich cinnamon ribbons, and sweet vanilla glaze, it delivers everything people love about homemade baking.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday breakfast, sharing it with friends over coffee, or enjoying a slice as an evening dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its beautiful appearance and incredible flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.