Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake Loaves – A Bakery-Style Treat You Can Make at Home

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and butter, look no further than these Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake Loaves. Moist, rich, and bursting with a gooey cinnamon sugar swirl, these mini pound cakes are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy recipe will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These individual loaves are soft and tender with a decadent swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon running through the center. They’re topped with a light vanilla glaze that gives a professional bakery shine. Plus, they freeze beautifully and make fantastic gifts or meal prep treats.

Features:

Easy to make – no mixer needed
Moist texture thanks to sour cream
Perfect size for gifting or storing
Customizable – add nuts, glaze, or dried fruit

You can even serve it warm with butter for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these cinnamon swirl mini pound cakes:

Cake Batter:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter

Optional Glaze:

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep the Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line 6 to 8 mini loaf pans. You can also use aluminum foil pans like these ones if you’re baking for gifting.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This mixture will add the iconic sweet swirl that runs through the loaf.

3. Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:

Cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with sour cream and milk, until just combined. Don’t overmix.

4. Layer and Swirl

Spoon half the batter into each loaf pan. Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the mixture through the batter.

5. Bake

Bake the loaves for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a full-size loaf pan, bake for 55–65 minutes.

6. Glaze for Shine (Optional)

While the loaves are still warm, boil the sugar and water together, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Brush this syrup over the tops for that glossy, irresistible finish.

Expert Baking Tips

Don’t skip the sour cream – it keeps the loaf moist and tender.
Don’t overmix – mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough loaf.
Make it ahead – they taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter and coffee.
Slice thick and top with vanilla ice cream and caramel for a quick dessert.
Toast a slice and spread with cream cheese for breakfast.

Storage & Freezing

These mini pound cakes store beautifully!

At room temperature: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temp.

Variations

Cinnamon Apple Swirl: Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples to the swirl mixture.
Maple Glazed Version: Swap the vanilla glaze with a maple syrup reduction.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Replace 1/2 cup of sour cream with pumpkin purée and increase spices.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake Loaves check all the boxes: easy, crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and utterly delicious. Their rich flavor, soft crumb, and that gorgeous cinnamon ribbon make them a standout whether you’re gifting, snacking, or just treating yourself.