There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house on a Sunday morning. This Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake was my grandmother’s signature dessert, a recipe that turned ordinary weekends into cherished family gatherings. With its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and nostalgic warmth, this cake isn’t just dessert—it’s edible love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Aroma – The scent of cinnamon baking is pure nostalgia.
- Perfect Texture – Sour cream ensures a moist, tender crumb.
- Beautiful Presentation – The Bundt shape and cinnamon swirl make it stunning.
- Versatile – Equally perfect for brunch, dessert, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients Breakdown:
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All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – The sturdy base of the cake.
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Baking Powder (1½ tsp) & Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Give the cake lift and lightness.
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Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavor.
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Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp in batter, 1 tbsp for swirl) – Adds warmth and coziness throughout.
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – For a rich, tender crumb.
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Granulated Sugar (1½ cups) – Sweetens and lightens the batter.
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Eggs (3 large) – Provide structure and richness.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Brings sweet depth of flavor.
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Sour Cream (1 cup) – Keeps the cake moist and tangy.
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Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Swirled in for gooey, caramelized goodness.
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Optional Powdered Sugar – A pretty finishing touch for serving.
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Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Matters – Cold ingredients don’t blend smoothly.
- Don’t Over-Swirl – 3-4 passes max for defined ribbons.
- Bundt Pan Prep – Use a pastry brush to grease every nook.
Variations and Customizations
- Apple Cinnamon – Fold in 1 cup diced apples.
- Pecan Crunch – Add chopped pecans to the swirl.
- Cream Cheese Glaze – Drizzle with a tangy icing.
Pairing Suggestions
- Morning Bliss – Pair with coffee for a cozy brunch.
- Dessert Upgrade – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Holiday Touch – Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for Christmas.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: 2-3 days under a cake dome.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes! Plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch.
Q: Why did my cake stick?
A: Bundt pans need thorough greasing—try Baker’s Joy spray.
Q: Can I make muffins instead?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
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Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (+ cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Sunday Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake is pure nostalgia in every slice. With a rich, buttery crumb, a tender swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, it’s the perfect treat to bring the family together—just like Grandma used to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or baking spray (get into all crevices).
2. Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with a mixer for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla.
4. Alternate Wet & Dry
- Add ⅓ of the flour mixture, mix until just combined.
- Mix in ½ cup sour cream. Repeat, ending with flour. Don’t overmix!
5. Create Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
6. Layer & Swirl
- Pour half the batter into the Bundt pan.
- Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar evenly over batter.
- Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar.
- Use a knife to gently swirl (3-4 figure-eight motions).
7. Bake to Perfection
- Bake 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
8. Serve with Love
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Slice and watch smiles appear
Notes
This cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory maker. Every cinnamon-scented bite carries the love of generations. Bake it slow, serve it with joy, and watch it become your family’s new tradition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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