Heritage Cinnamon Swirl Cake

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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This Heritage Cinnamon Swirl Cake is a delightful combination of soft, buttery cake and a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. It’s perfect for any occasion and bound to be a hit with friends and family alike. A classic with a comforting twist, it’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of nostalgia.

Ingredients for Heritage Cinnamon Swirl Cake

Butter is the backbone of flavor and moisture, giving the cake its rich taste. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake while helping the butter achieve that fluffy texture when creamed together. Eggs provide structure and richness, making the cake tender.

All-purpose flour gives the cake its form, while baking powder and baking soda are the leavening agents that help it rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. Sour cream is the secret to an incredibly moist cake, and vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic depth.

The brown sugar and cinnamon duo creates that irresistible swirl, offering a sweet and spicy contrast. Finally, powdered sugar and milk make up the simple glaze that adds an elegant finish to the cake.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for a smoother batter.
  • If the cake sticks to the pan, tap the sides gently and run a knife around the edges to help release it.
  • For an extra cinnamon kick, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter itself.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve it alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. The spicy notes in the cake complement these drinks perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve with time.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream, providing a similar texture and tanginess.

Heritage Cinnamon Swirl Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and make sure your Bundt pan is well-greased. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even rise. Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry mix. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly for the filling. Pour half of your batter into the prepared Bundt pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, checking after 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this over your cooled cake for a sweet finish. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • Soft, moist cake texture thanks to sour cream.
  • Easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
  • Visually impressive with its swirl pattern.
  • Simple ingredients found in most pantries.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
9. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

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