If you’re looking for a cake that brings all the cozy vibes of cinnamon with a rich, tangy finish, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is hands down one of my all-time favorite treats to bake when I want something impressive yet easy enough for any day. It’s got that tender crumb, a swirl of cinnamon sweetness inside, and the cream cheese icing on top? Absolute magic. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for brunch, holidays, or just a sweet pick-me-up.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The cinnamon and brown sugar swirl perfectly balances sweetness and spice without overpowering the soft cake.
Moist Texture: Sour cream adds richness and moisture, making the crumb tender and perfectly soft.
Cream Cheese Icing: The tangy, smooth icing adds just the right contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors.
Ease of Assembly: Layering the cake and cinnamon mixture in the bundt pan is simple but yields beautiful swirls baked right in.

Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, cinnamon bundt cake, easy cinnamon cake recipe, soft cinnamon cake with icing, holiday bundt cake desserts - 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

I’ve gathered ingredients that bring out the best in this cake, combining classic staples and a few special touches to get that perfect bundt masterpiece. Here’s why each one is key for success when making the Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe.

Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter ensures smooth mixing and a tender crumb without extra salt competing with the cinnamon.
Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener helps give crisp edges and a lovely golden crust.
Eggs: They provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
Sour Cream: This adds satisfying moisture and a slight tang that brightens the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount enhances the cake’s warm flavors without overshadowing cinnamon.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, carefully measured to keep the texture light but sturdy.
Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and contributes to a tender bite.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings cozy warmth throughout the cake.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and works wonderfully with cinnamon’s earthy sweetness.
Cream Cheese (for icing): Think smooth and tangy frosting that isn’t too sweet, perfectly matching the cake’s richness.
Powdered Sugar: For that ultra-smooth icing texture that melts right in your mouth.
2% Milk: Helps thin the icing to just the right consistency for drizzling or spreading.
Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for greasing the bundt pan, so your cake releases beautifully — no sticky mess!

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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 keep this recipe pretty classic, but I encourage you to play around and make it your own. It’s that kind of easygoing recipe where small tweaks can really shine and make a fun difference every time you bake it.

Add Nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the cinnamon layers for a satisfying crunch.
Spice It Up: Throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to deepen the warm spice profile.
Gluten-Free: Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well here — just keep an eye on moisture levels.
Make It Pumpkin-Themed: For fall, adding a bit of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice makes this cake even cozier.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by softening your butter and cream cheese at room temperature – this makes mixing way easier. Measure everything out before you begin; this recipe moves quickly once you start combining. Preheat your oven to 350℉ and generously spray your 12-cup bundt pan with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy – you’ll notice it lightens in color. Next, add the eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract, mixing after each. Finally, whisk in the sour cream for that lovely moist texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Into Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Then gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, combining until smooth but don’t overmix, or you risk a tougher crumb.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Mixture

Mix the ground cinnamon with the brown sugar in a small bowl using a fork. This aromatic combo will create the signature swirl inside your cake, so be generous with it!

Step 5: Layer Cake and Cinnamon Mixtures in Bundt Pan

Pour one-third of the cake batter into the bottom of your greased bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture evenly on top. Repeat with another third of the cake batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Finish with the last third of cake batter on top. This layering gives you those beautiful cinnamon ribbons baked right inside.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350℉ for 55 to 60 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to test doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 20 minutes before carefully flipping it out onto a rack. This rest helps it set and reduces sticking.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cake is cooling completely, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2% milk, and vanilla until silky smooth. Add milk gradually until you reach a pourable consistency that’s easy to drizzle or spread.

Step 8: Ice and Serve

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. The tangy icing contrasts perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavors inside, making each slice feel special. Slice up, serve, and enjoy that cozy deliciousness!

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

Don’t Skip Softening: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened for smooth mixing and a silky icing.
Grease Generously: Bundt pans can be tricky—spray thoroughly or use a pastry brush with melted butter and flour to avoid cake sticking.
Check Cake Early: Start testing your cake around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking, which dries out the moist crumb.
Layer Evenly: Take your time layering the batter and cinnamon; this creates the pretty swirl and perfect cinnamon pockets.

How to Serve Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a light dusting of powdered sugar over the icing adds extra charm. Sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top for that “wow” factor that’s still down-to-earth and natural.

Side Dishes

This bundt cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or chai tea. If I’m serving brunch, I love offering fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries on the side to balance the sweetness and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes drizzle the cream cheese icing in crisscross patterns and scatter edible flowers or fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs for a rustic touch. You can also serve slices on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced, I keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days that way, and the cream cheese icing helps keep the cake moist. I recommend bringing slices to room temperature before eating for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I suggest skipping the icing first. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It freezes well up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh cream cheese icing.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the icing and bring out those cinnamon aromas. Just avoid overheating or the cake might dry out.

FAQs

Can I use plain yogurt instead of sour cream in the Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe?

Yes, plain yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream and will keep the cake moist while adding a slight tang. Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture, and make sure it’s well-mixed into the batter.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan? Can I use a different pan?

You can absolutely use a regular loaf or round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time—start checking about 10 minutes earlier, and keep an eye on the toothpick test as oven heats vary.
How thick should the cream cheese icing be?

The icing should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to hold on the cake. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a tiny splash of milk until you reach the perfect consistency for drizzling or spreading.
Can I make this cinnamon bundt cake vegan?

While this recipe isn’t vegan as is, you could try swapping butter for vegan margarine, eggs for flax or chia egg alternatives, sour cream for vegan yogurt, and cream cheese for vegan cream cheese. Keep in mind texture and flavor might shift slightly.
How do I ensure the cinnamon mixture swirls stay distinct in the cake?

Be gentle when layering: Pour a layer of batter, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly, then pour another batter layer on top. Avoid stirring them together to keep crisp swirls and pockets of cinnamon flavor throughout.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe reminds me of cozy mornings at home, where the air fills with cinnamon and sweet vanilla aromas, and everyone’s drawn to the kitchen by the smell alone. It’s the kind of cake that feels both like a special treat and comfort food rolled into one. I hope you’ll love baking and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a simple joy that never gets old. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!