Prepare to delight your taste buds with the irresistible Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe. This show-stopping dessert combines tender buttery cake, a rich cinnamon swirl, and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, all crowned with a luscious glaze and festive sanding sugars. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a warm, comforting treat, this cake brings together classic flavors in a fun, eye-catching way, promising slices that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in developing the cake’s tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted butter (1 lb, softened): Creates a rich, moist texture and enhances flavor without overpowering the cinnamon swirl.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups plus 0.25 cup): Sweetens the cake and the cinnamon filling, balancing spice and richness perfectly.
- Large eggs (5, room temperature): Provide structure and help the cake rise evenly for a beautiful bundt shape.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon): Adds depth and complements the cinnamon, while brightening the glaze’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2.5 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cake’s crumb.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Keeps the cake light and tender by softening the gluten structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises to perfection with a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Provides the warm, spicy essence that defines this king cake.
- Finely chopped walnuts or pecans (0.75 cup): Incorporate a delightful crunch and nutty flavor into each bite.
- Powdered sugar (1.33 cups): Forms the base for the smooth, sweet glaze that ties it all together.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze for a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Sanding sugar (purple, gold-yellow, and green): Traditional Mardi Gras colors that add fun texture and flair to the finished cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the batter
Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that warm vanilla tone before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed for the best rise and flavor balance in the cake.
Step 3: Mix wet and dry components
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which helps keep the cake tender and airy.
Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon nut swirl
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 0.25 cup granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon and finely chopped nuts. This blend will form the irresistible cinnamon swirl that defines this king cake.
Step 5: Assemble the bundt cake with the swirl
Pour about half of the batter into a greased bundt pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon nut mixture on top, then cover with the remaining batter. To create the swirl effect, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the filling through the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the glaze and decorate
Mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and thick yet drizzleable. Drizzle this over the cooled cake, then generously sprinkle with the purple, gold-yellow, and green sanding sugars for that signature Mardi Gras look.
How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation with a light dusting of additional powdered sugar or freshly chopped nuts. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon powder can also add a lovely fresh aroma and contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to complement the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into thick rounds and serve on a colorful platter to highlight the festive sanding sugar hues. For an extra special touch, top each slice with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting and a few whole nuts for texture variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration will keep it fresh for up to a week, though allow it to return to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing
This bundt cake freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep the cinnamon swirl intact and the nuts crunchy.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or even almonds can be used in place of pecans, but pecans provide that classic king cake flavor and buttery crunch that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like margarine and coconut cream, though this may slightly alter the texture and richness of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean with no batter clinging, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I use a bundt pan of a different size?
Yes, but baking times may vary. If the bundt pan is smaller, the cake may take longer to bake through; if larger, less time will be needed. Always check doneness with a toothpick.
What makes this cake a “King Cake”?
A King Cake traditionally features vibrant Mardi Gras colors, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and in many versions, a hidden trinket. This recipe captures the spirit with colorful sanding sugars and a classic cinnamon swirl layered through a rich bundt cake.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe a try because it’s one of those special treats that brings joy to any table. Moist, flavorful, and festively beautiful, it’s perfect for sharing—and trust me, everyone will be asking for more. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake is a festive, moist, and flavorful cake perfect for celebrations or any special occasion. Featuring a soft buttery batter swirled with cinnamon sugar and crunchy nuts, this bundt cake is topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and decorated with traditional Mardi Gras colored sanding sugars for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 lb Unsalted butter (Softened)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 5 large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Sour cream
Cinnamon Nut Swirl
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.75 cup Finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Vanilla Glaze
- 1.33 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Decoration
- Sanding sugar (purple, gold-yellow, and green)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air into the batter for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Ensuring these ingredients are well combined promotes a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and structure components.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare Cinnamon Nut Filling: In a small bowl, mix 0.25 cup granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and finely chopped walnuts or pecans. This mixture will add a flavorful swirl inside the cake.
- Layer and Swirl Batter: Pour half of the batter into the bundt pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon nut mixture over the batter. Add remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon nut mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the filling through the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully before glazing helps the glaze set properly.
- Make the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Decorate: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle the sanding sugars in purple, gold-yellow, and green on top to achieve the traditional King Cake colors. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Ensure nuts are finely chopped so the swirl distributes evenly and bakes well inside the cake.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, hide a small plastic baby inside the cake before baking, following traditional King Cake customs.
