Oh boy, do I have something delicious to share with you today! Let’s talk about my absolute favorite Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl. This cake has been gracing my kitchen for as long as I can remember, making special appearances at brunches, family gatherings, and those cozy afternoons when you just need a little sweetness in your life.
What I love most about this cake is how beautifully it blends flavors and textures. The tender crumb of the cake paired with that rich, swirling cinnamon-sugar filling is nothing short of heavenly. It’s perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee, or even just as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. I swear, every time I pull it out of the oven, my house fills with this warm, inviting aroma that seems to hug you from the inside. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a big, warm blanket! Now, let’s dive into what makes this cake so incredible.
What’s in Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cake, providing that perfect structure and fluffiness we all adore.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These guys are our leavening agents. They help the cake rise and keep it nice and airy.
Salt: Just a little pinch goes a long way! It enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the batter.
Unsalted Butter: The butter gives the cake its rich flavor and soft texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cake and helps it to achieve that delightful golden crust.
Eggs: They provide moisture and act as a binder, helping to hold all those ingredients together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: I mean, can you really say no to that sweet aromatic essence? It adds a warm flavor that rounds out the cake perfectly.
Sour Cream: Here’s the secret ingredient! It keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang that elevates the flavor.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to our cinnamon swirl – it’s a game-changer!
Ground Cinnamon: This aromatic spice brings warmth and a touch of nostalgia. Honestly, what’s a cinnamon swirl without it?
Chopped Nuts (optional): I like to toss in walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and flavor. Feel free to skip them if nuts are not your jam.
Powdered Sugar (optional for dusting): Just before you serve, a light dusting of powdered sugar gives it that final touch of elegance.
Is Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest! This cake is a delightful treat, not exactly a health food. But only the occasional indulgence can bring a magical sparkle to your day, right?
Sour Cream: This ingredient brings the moisture without adding too much fat. It has probiotics, which are great for digestion.
Nuts: If you choose to include them, nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Talk about a win-win!
As with any dessert, moderation is key. It’s best to enjoy this tastiness on special occasions, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness.
Gather Your Ingredients
This Bundt Coffee Cake serves about 12 slices, perfect for sharing among family and friends. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
– 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
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to Make Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan so the cake slides out easily after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside; we want to keep our dry ingredients nice and cozy.
3. Now, in a large bowl, beat together that softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This part is crucial to get that fluffy texture!
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—stir that in to add some warmth and flavor.
5. Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and nobody wants that!
6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts to create that delightful cinnamon swirl filling.
7. Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top. Then pour the remaining batter on top, finishing with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
8. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the filling into the batter. This creates the beautiful, marbled effect when baked.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a bakery!
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation is real!
11. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to indulge!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
So, here’s the scoop: This cake is *so* versatile! It can be the star of your brunch table or a delightful dessert after dinner. I love to enjoy it while it’s still slightly warm, but it’s just as good at room temperature—I’ve even been known to sneak a slice for breakfast (shh, don’t tell!).
You can store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week, though let’s be honest—this cake rarely lasts that long in my house!
I hope you try this Bundt Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Swirl soon. It brings me so much joy, and I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences with it. Share a slice, share a story, and most importantly, don’t forget to savor each delicious bite! Happy baking!