Introduction

This cinnamon swirl vanilla cake is a delightful treat combining moist cake, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for any occasion, it offers warm spices with a creamy finish that everyone will love.

A close-up image of a cinnamon roll slice with visible layers showing a swirl of light brown cinnamon filling inside soft tan dough. The top layer is covered in thick, creamy white icing that is piped in lines across the roll, along with a sprinkling of light brown cinnamon sugar crumbs. The roll sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a metal spatula is visible holding the roll slice from below. The texture of the dough looks soft and fluffy, with a slightly golden-brown crust on the outer edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 ounces)
3 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup brown sugar (packed)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
⅓ cup butter (melted)

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

⅓ cup sugar (granulated or sanding)
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a Bundt pan by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Use a handheld or stand mixer to mix until the batter is thick and smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until fully combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter gently.
Step 5: Add the remaining cake batter on top, then spoon the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture and swirl again with a toothpick or skewer.
Step 6: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs but no raw batter. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
Step 7: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the cream cheese glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until the glaze reaches a frosting-like consistency. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or warm it slightly for 20 seconds.
Step 9: Transfer the glaze to a piping or zipper bag and snip a small triangle from the tip. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled cake in a zigzag pattern.
Step 10: Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. While the glaze is still unset, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Tips & Variations

Use buttermilk or sour milk for a richer, moister cake.
Swap the vanilla cake mix for a white or yellow cake mix for subtle flavor changes.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
If you don’t have a Bundt pan, a standard loaf or round cake pan works; adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, bring the cake to room temperature or warm slices briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice with three visible layers: a soft light brown outer cake layer, a slightly darker swirl of cinnamon sugar filling inside, and a thick white glaze drizzled over the top in stripes. The glaze is creamy and smooth with a light dusting of brown sugar or cinnamon powder sprinkled on top. The cake sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding a utensil underneath the slice to lift it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can bake this cake in a loaf or round cake pan. Keep an eye on baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes or less depending on the pan size and shape.

How do I ensure the cinnamon swirl is evenly distributed?

After adding the cinnamon swirl mixture, gently swirl it into the batter with a toothpick or skewer using a figure-eight motion. Avoid overmixing, so the swirl pattern remains distinct.