This Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake is a delightful combination of soft pound cake and warm cinnamon sugar swirls, all drizzled with a thick, sweet vanilla glaze. With its perfect balance of buttery richness and spicy-sweet cinnamon, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this bundt cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent experience that will leave you craving more.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon
For the Pound Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup whipping cream or sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk of choice
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl by stirring together ⅔ cup sugar and ¼ cup cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix the whipping cream and milk. Set both mixtures aside.
- Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture alternately with the milk mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Add ⅓ of the batter into a greased bundt pan. Sprinkle with ⅓ of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat the process two more times, swirling the cinnamon sugar into the batter with a knife after each layer.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream or milk together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 servings
A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Simplicity
This cinnamon roll bundt cake takes inspiration from two beloved baking traditions: the gooey cinnamon roll and the classic bundt cake. Cinnamon rolls have long been a comfort food, known for their warm, spicy flavor and gooey icing. They evoke memories of family breakfasts, weekend brunches, and holiday mornings. Similarly, bundt cakes, with their elegant shape and moist, rich texture, have been a staple of home bakers for generations.
Combining these two classics creates something truly special. You get the rich, buttery flavor of a pound cake, infused with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar swirled throughout, just like a cinnamon roll. Topped with a simple yet decadent vanilla glaze, this cake delivers a well-balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm but still satisfies your dessert cravings.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- No Cake Mix Required: Unlike many bundt cake recipes, this one doesn’t rely on pre-packaged cake mixes. That means you’re making this cake from scratch, using wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This not only gives you control over the quality of your ingredients but also allows for flexibility in terms of substitutions if needed.
- Rich, Moist Texture: One of the standout qualities of this bundt cake is its incredibly moist texture. The combination of whipping cream (or Greek yogurt/sour cream) and milk ensures that the cake stays soft and tender. These ingredients add richness to the cake without making it heavy, creating a light but indulgent crumb.
- Balanced Sweetness: The cinnamon sugar swirl throughout the cake gives it a delightful burst of sweetness without being cloying. Paired with the simple vanilla glaze, this cake has the perfect balance of flavors. The cinnamon provides warmth and depth, while the sugar adds sweetness without overpowering the rich, buttery cake.
- Adaptability: This recipe is versatile enough to suit different occasions and tastes. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras. For example, you can try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. For a more luxurious twist, drizzle some caramel sauce or add a cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla.
- Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is straightforward and easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are clear, making it nearly foolproof. The bundt pan does most of the work when it comes to presentation, giving you a beautiful, elegant cake with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and the visually appealing swirl make this cake an instant hit at gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday party, or a casual brunch, it’s sure to impress. The cake’s texture, flavor, and aesthetic appeal ensure it will be a favorite among guests.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
While the cake is undeniably indulgent, cinnamon itself offers some surprising health benefits. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar levels. So while you’re enjoying a sweet treat, the cinnamon in the recipe can offer some benefits to your health as well. Just another reason to enjoy that extra slice!
Why Bundt Cakes are Special
Bundt cakes have a unique charm that sets them apart from other types of cakes. Their signature ring shape not only looks beautiful, but it also ensures that the cake bakes more evenly. The ridges in a bundt pan provide more surface area for the cake to brown, which adds to its flavor and gives the outside of the cake a delightful texture.
Bundt cakes also don’t require complicated decoration. A simple glaze, drizzle, or dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to turn out a stunning dessert. This makes them ideal for those who want to impress without spending hours on cake decorating.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this cinnamon roll bundt cake is that it’s incredibly versatile in how it can be served. For breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm spices in the cake complement both beverages perfectly. For a more decadent dessert option, serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
You can also dress it up for special occasions by pairing it with seasonal fruits, such as berries or sliced apples. If you’re serving it during the holidays, a dash of nutmeg or cloves added to the cinnamon swirl would give it a festive flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cake
- Grease the Bundt Pan Well: Bundt cakes can sometimes stick to the pan, which can ruin their beautiful shape. Make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan, or use a non-stick spray with flour like Baker’s Joy for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix until just combined to ensure a light, tender crumb.
- Test for Doneness: Bundt cakes can be tricky when it comes to baking time. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it another 5-10 minutes.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let your cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Glazing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and run off the cake instead of forming a nice, thick layer.
Conclusion
The Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants the ease and beauty of a bundt cake. It combines the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a bundt cake with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its rich, buttery texture and sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s the kind of cake that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
