If you’re craving a dessert that screams cozy vibes and “just one more slice” temptation, this Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake is it. It’s a cake that doesn’t just sit pretty on your table—it owns it. Moist, buttery, and laced with a ribbon of warm cinnamon sugar, this is the kind of bake that makes your kitchen smell like a high-end boulangerie and taste like a hug.
So whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, trying to impress at potluck, or just baking because, let’s be honest, you want cake (zero judgment here), this Bundt Cakes Recipe belongs in your lineup.
The Story Behind This Cake
The Bundt cake has humble roots—born in the 1950s, fueled by clever pan design, and immortalized at every bake sale ever. But let’s get real: this isn’t your grandma’s dry, crumbly Bundt. Nope. This cake is souped up with sour cream (for moisture), real butter (for flavor), and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar (for the “wow” factor).
The marbled effect gives it that bakery-style look without you needing a pastry degree. And here’s the kicker: people think it’s fancy when really it’s as simple as layering, sprinkling, and swirling. Sneaky, right?
What Makes Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake So Irresistible?
Let’s break it down:
- That swirl. You’re not just biting cake; you’re biting into a cinnamon river.
- Moist texture. Thanks to sour cream (or Greek yogurt if that’s your jam), this isn’t one of those “needs milk to wash down” situations.
- Versatility. From a breakfast slice to a midnight snack, it fits every craving.
- Classic look. Honestly, Bundt pans make everything look like you tried harder than you did.
So yeah, resistance is futile.
Essential Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
You can’t build a killer cake without the right players. Here’s the lineup:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – the base of your cake.
- Baking soda + baking powder – lift + fluff.
- Granulated sugar – sweetness + golden crust.
- Ground cinnamon – the spice star of this whole show.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – rich flavor, soft crumb.
- Eggs – binding + structure.
- Vanilla extract – flavor booster.
- Sour cream (or yogurt) – ensures the cake stays tender and moist.
The Cinnamon Swirl:
- A simple mix of cinnamon + sugar layered between batters. Nothing wild, but it works like magic.
Step-By-Step: How to Make This Cake
- Preheat like a pro. 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan generously (because nothing kills joy like a stuck cake).
- Cream it. Beat butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
- Dry meets wet. Alternate flour mix with sour cream. Don’t overbeat. (Dense cake = sad cake.)
- Swirl magic. Pour half batter → cinnamon sugar → rest of batter. Swirl with a butter knife.
- Bake. 45–50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool it. 10 minutes in pan, then invert. Pray it releases clean.
Pro Tips for the Best Cake Outcome
- Use fresh cinnamon. Stale spice = bland swirl.
- Don’t overmix. Stir gently once the flour is in. Your cake will thank you.
- Generous grease. Get into all those Bundt pan ridges with butter + flour or nonstick spray.
- Rest before cutting. Yes, it smells amazing, but give it at least 30 minutes or you’ll butcher the swirl.

Variations to Try
Feeling bold? Twist it up:
- Streusel Bundt Cake – Add a crunchy cinnamon-pecan topping.
- Cinnamon Pecan Bundt Cake Magnolia – Inspired by Magnolia Bakery, toss toasted pecans into your swirl for nutty crunch.
- Bundt Cheesecake Fusion – Spoon in a layer of cream cheese filling for a decadent Bundt Cheesecake vibe.
- Quick Bundt Cake hack – Short on time? Start with a boxed yellow cake mix, then swirl in cinnamon sugar + sour cream. Bam.
Things To Make in Bundt Pan (Other Than This Cake)
Because that pan deserves to be more than a once-a-year guest star:
- Monkey bread.
- Bundt pan cakes like chocolate fudge or lemon drizzle.
- Baked mac and cheese (yep, it works).
- Savory pull-apart breads.
The Bundt pan is basically your secret weapon for both sweet and savory drama.
Best Way to Serve
This cake doesn’t need frosting—it’s a looker on its own. But if you’re extra:
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for elegance.
- Drizzle with a thin vanilla glaze.
- Serve with berries and whipped cream for brunch-y feels.
Pair with coffee, tea, or if you’re feeling cheeky, a glass of spiked eggnog (holiday-approved).
Storage + Leftovers
- Room temp: Store covered for 3–4 days.
- Fridge: Stays fresh up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap + foil. Lasts 2–3 months.
Pro tip: Warm a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors settle in.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes! Greek yogurt gives a slight tang but keeps it moist.
Q: Why did my cake stick to the pan?
A: Probably not enough grease, or you tried to flip it too soon. Remember: 10-minute pan rest is your sweet spot.
Q: Can I use this batter for cupcakes or loaf pans?
A: Yep! But keep an eye on bake time—Bundt pan recipes don’t translate 1:1.
Final Bite
This Cinnamon Bundt cake is more than just another dessert—it’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and a low-effort way to look like a baking genius. Whether you dress it up with a glaze or keep it classic, this Swirl Pound Cake deserves a permanent spot in your “go-to” bakes.
So go ahead. Bake it. Slice it. Show off a little. (And when people ask for the recipe, wink and say it’s a family secret. Your secret’s safe with me.)
PrintBest Bundt Cakes Recipe – Soft Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake You’ll Love
This cinnamon swirl Bundt cake bakes up tender, buttery, and full of cozy flavor. With its golden crust and sweet spiced ribbon inside, it’s the kind of dessert that wins hearts at brunch, birthdays, or any gathering. Bonus: it’s beginner-friendly and makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional for crunch)
- ⅓ cup sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for the swirl)
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Set to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter and flour a Bundt pan (or use nonstick spray).
- Make the base batter. Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, then mix in the vanilla.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Bring it all together. Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until smooth—don’t overdo it.
- Layer and swirl. Spread half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix on top, then cover with the rest of the batter. Use a knife to lightly swirl it through.
- Bake. Place in the oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and release. Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully flip onto a wire rack.
Notes
- Stir gently once you add the flour—overmixing = tough cake.
- Always let the cake cool before slicing so the swirl sets nicely.
- Customize it with add-ins like chopped nuts, diced apples, or even a drizzle of glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 375 kcal




