Ingredients
Scale
Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference in a cake this simple yet flavorful. I always use fresh, room-temperature eggs and real butter because they give the best texture and taste. For the cinnamon swirl, I like to use pure ground cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar for that deep, molasses-like flavor. You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed, and I’ve found that using Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of some of the butter adds an extra layer of moisture without sacrificing richness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This step is key for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through gently. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon mixture, swirling again for that classic marbled effect.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch closely towards the end to avoid overbaking, which dries the cake.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired. Slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Moist Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake, recipe, cooking, food
