If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something with a bit more wow and less fuss, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a moist, tender cake swirled with a perfect cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a luscious, sweet glaze that drips down its golden curves. It captures all the buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness you adore in cinnamon rolls but in an irresistible Bundt cake form that’s impressive enough to bring out whenever guests drop by or just when you want to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for a cozy dessert or festive brunch centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a cake that is moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the richness of the butter to the fragrant cinnamon sugar swirl, everything comes together for a harmonious bite every time.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the batter and add moisture, making the cake soft yet structured.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cake body and the perfect balance between dense and airy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps lift the cake for a tender crumb.
- â…” cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon swirl): Sweetens the cinnamon swirl for that signature gooey surprise.
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the swirl with warm, spicy layers of flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the icing): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly crowns the Bundt cake.
- Cream or milk (for drizzling): Adjusts the glaze consistency to silky perfection for easy pouring.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a Bundt pan. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking to the intricate curves of the pan.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Swirl Sugar
In a separate bowl, combine the â…” cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This simple blend will create the distinct ribbon of spiced sweetness that makes this Bundt cake feel just like the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever had.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This air incorporation is the secret to a wonderfully light cake texture. Then add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Mixing until smooth ensures your batter is silky and ready to embrace the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate Adding Liquids
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Slowly alternate adding this dry mix and a bit of cream or milk into the wet mixture. This careful addition helps prevent overmixing and creates a moist cake with a perfect crumb.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spoon half of the batter into the Bundt pan with care. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Top that with the remaining batter and finish by swirling the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. This layering and swirling technique gives you beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with enticing cinnamon scents, a delicious sign that your cake is nearly ready.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle with Icing
Allow the cake to cool enough to release easily from the pan, then prepare a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with just enough cream or milk to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Pour this over the top so it cascades down the sides, creating a shiny, delectable finish.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for crunch. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon powder also add beauty and an extra flavor layer that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Bundt cake pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweet spice with refreshing elements.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate this Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe for parties, slice it and arrange pieces on a decorative platter with small bowls of extra glaze and cinnamon sugar for guests to customize their slices. You can also serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed maintains its moisture and keeps the glaze from drying out.
Freezing
This Bundt cake freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To refresh the cake’s softness and slightly warm the glaze, microwave individual slices for about 15 seconds or reheat the whole cake at a low oven temperature (around 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. This makes the cinnamon swirl smell even more inviting.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully and gives the swirl a bit more moisture.
Is it necessary to use a Bundt pan, or can I bake this in a regular cake pan?
While a Bundt pan gives this cake its signature shape and a nice surface for the glaze, you can use a regular round or square cake pan. Baking times may vary slightly, so watch for doneness with a toothpick tester.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the glaze and batter to make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What type of cinnamon is best for the swirl?
Ceylon cinnamon is a great choice if you prefer a milder, sweeter cinnamon flavor, but classic ground cassia cinnamon works wonderfully too and delivers that familiar cinnamon roll kick.
How do I avoid the cake sticking to the Bundt pan?
Be sure to grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and dust it lightly with flour or sugar before pouring in the batter. Allowing the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before inverting it helps it release cleanly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the smell and taste of cinnamon in a beautifully baked cake, and this Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe delivers just that in the most effortless way. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a dazzling dessert centerpiece. I can’t wait for you to make this for yourself and watch how quickly it disappears!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake combines the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into a moist, tender bundt cake. Featuring a buttery batter swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze, it’s a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 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
- cream or milk (for batter and glaze, quantity as needed)
Cinnamon Swirl
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- cream or milk for drizzling (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the ⅔ cup granulated sugar with ¼ cup ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the signature cinnamon swirl inside the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air, contributing to a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with cream or milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to prevent overmixing.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the Bundt pan in the oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with enough cream or milk to form a pourable glaze. Drizzle this icing over the cooled cake to finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid dense cake.
- The cinnamon swirl can be adjusted to taste if you prefer more or less cinnamon flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before icing to prevent glaze from melting off.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
