If you love cakes that bring a cozy, comforting vibe and a touch of homemade magic, then you’re in for a treat! This Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe has been one of my favorite go-tos for easy yet impressive desserts. From that warm cinnamon swirl baked right into the cake, to the rich but tangy cream cheese icing draped over the top—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that you’ll keep coming back to, whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a simple afternoon coffee break. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this beauty every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The cinnamon and brown sugar swirl delivers just the right amount of spice and sweetness without overpowering the cake.
Moist Texture: Sour cream adds tender moisture and a slight tang that keeps the cake from drying out even after baking.
Easy Layering Technique: Layering cake batter and cinnamon mixture in thirds ensures an evenly marbled swirl throughout the bundt.
Cream Cheese Icing: This smooth icing perfectly complements the warm cake with its creamy, slightly tangy flavor and adds lovely visual appeal.

Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, cinnamon bundt cake recipe, easy cinnamon cake, moist cinnamon cake with cream cheese frosting, homemade cinnamon bundt cake - A bundt cake with a rich brown color and a thick white icing drizzled over the top that flows down the sides, leaving some of the cake visible between the icing sections. The cake is placed on a clear glass pedestal plate on a white marbled surface. One slice is cut out and placed on a white plate nearby, showing a swirl pattern inside with light and dark brown layers. A woman's hand is holding the cake server that has been used to lift the slice from the bundt cake. There is a striped black and white napkin to the side with a metal cake server on it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe come together like old friends. Each plays a vital role, from the butter’s richness to the spices’ warmth, making this cake irresistibly flavorful and tender. When you shop, fresh sour cream and good-quality cream cheese really make a difference in the final taste and texture.

Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened but not melted for smooth mixing and rich flavor without added salt.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for your cake’s texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully with a tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—aromatic and warming, it’s the heart of the swirl.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
Cream cheese: For the icing, softened to creamy perfection to balance the cake’s warmth.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, silky texture in the icing.
Milk (2%): Thins the icing just enough for easy drizzling without getting too runny.
Cooking oil spray: To grease your bundt pan, ensuring the cake releases easily without sticking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to play around with this Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. It’s so adaptable — you can punch up the cinnamon for more warmth or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra cozy touch. Feel free to make it your own!

Extra Spice: I sometimes add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon mixture for that fall vibe—it’s always a hit at family gatherings.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures equally if you want to accommodate dietary needs.
Vegan Version: I experimented with flax eggs and dairy-free creams; while different, it yields a tasty cake that everyone enjoyed.
Swirl Variations: Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon mixture makes it even more decadent and delightful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step so the oven temperature is just right when your cake is ready to bake. Spray the inside of a 12-cup bundt pan generously with cooking oil spray—this prevents any sticky disasters later and helps the cake get that beautiful crust.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it looks creamy and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb, so spend a couple of minutes on it. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the sour cream and vanilla—these add moisture and flavor you don’t want to skip.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Whisk in the flour and baking soda. Don’t overmix here—just combine until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so keeping it gentle is your best friend.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar with a fork. This simple combo will give your swirl that irresistible caramelized-cinnamon flavor. I always give it a good mix to break up any lumps in the brown sugar before sprinkling.

Step 5: Layer Cake and Cinnamon Mixture

Add one-third of the cake batter to the bottom of the bundt pan and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over this layer. Repeat—add another third of batter, then the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Finally, top it off with the last third of cake batter. This layering technique gives you that perfect cinnamon swirl whenever you cut a slice.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55–60 minutes, but start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Let the cake rest in the bundt pan for about 20 minutes—this helps the edges to firm up and makes it easier to release.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cake cools, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and lump-free. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk—but you want it pourable so it drapes nicely over the cake.

Step 8: Remove Cake and Ice It

Gently tap the bundt pan all over with the back of a spoon to loosen the cake. Place a cooling rack or plate on top, then carefully invert the cake onto it. If it’s stubborn, a few more taps usually help. Let the cake cool completely before drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top for the prettiest finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temp for smooth mixing and better texture.
Don’t Skip the Pan Prep: The cooking oil spray on the bundt pan is crucial—trust me, it saves you from a cracked cake during unmolding.
Check Your Oven: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking your cake a bit early with the toothpick test to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely Before Icing: Patience pays—icing drips and sticks better on a fully cooled cake rather than a warm one.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese icing—it adds a nutty crunch that’s just delightful. Sometimes, a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar on the final presentation makes it look bakery pretty.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple fresh fruit salad or even a dollop of lightly whipped cream for added indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea makes it extra special—you know, perfect for those cozy chats.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I sometimes decorate the cake with fresh edible flowers or swirl in a bit of caramel drizzle along with the cream cheese icing. It turns it from everyday goodness to a party centerpiece. And if you’re gifting it, wrapping the bundt pan in parchment paper and tying a ribbon around it makes for a charming homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced, I store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese icing fresh. It stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bundt cake both with and without icing. For best results, freeze it uniced wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge before adding the fresh cream cheese icing. It’s great for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

If you want to serve it warm, I gently microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake at low oven temperature, but I add icing afterward to keep it fresh and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan for this Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe?

Absolutely! While a bundt pan gives a beautiful shape and even baking, you can use a loaf or tube pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and watch for doneness with a toothpick test.
What if I don’t have sour cream—can I substitute it?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar moisture and tang. Just keep quantities the same to maintain the cake’s texture.
How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

Layering your batter and cinnamon mixture in thirds as described helps keep the swirl evenly distributed. Also, avoid overmixing after adding the cinnamon sugar to maintain the marble effect.
Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the icing a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling to bring back its smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I’ve made it countless times for family get-togethers and quiet weekends alike—it never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances simplicity with show-stopping flavor, give this one a whirl. I’m confident it’ll quickly become one of your favorites, too. Happy baking, friend!