Name: Cozy Cinnamon Spice Wreath Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt; 1/4 cup whole milk; Optional glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp milk or cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Optional toppings: chopped pecans, cinnamon-sugar, powdered sugar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is the ultimate blend of comfort and elegance. Its spiced flavor profile makes it ideal for the fall and winter seasons, while the wreath shape adds a decorative touch that’s both beautiful and celebratory. Moist, tender, and crowned with a sweet glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, it’s the kind of cake that disappears fast—especially when served with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream or plain yogurt
Whole milk

Optional glaze or topping:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract
Optional: chopped pecans or a cinnamon-sugar dusting

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or wreath-shaped cake pan thoroughly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Apple Spice Wreath: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for a fruity twist.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
Cream Cheese Filling: Swirl in a sweetened cream cheese layer before baking for a surprise center.
Maple Glaze: Replace the traditional glaze with a maple syrup glaze for a seasonal upgrade.
Cranberry Orange: Add dried cranberries and a touch of orange zest for a vibrant variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices or the whole cake (unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What makes this cake so moist?

The combination of sour cream (or yogurt) and whole milk adds moisture and richness, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.

Can I make this cake without a bundt or wreath pan?

Yes, you can use a standard loaf or round cake pan, but the baking time may vary slightly.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives the cake a richer flavor and better structure, but you can substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil if needed.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, it strikes a balance between warm spice and subtle sweetness, especially if you opt for a simple glaze or powdered sugar topping.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Absolutely. Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates all complement the warm spices beautifully.

What’s the best way to grease a bundt pan?

Use melted butter or shortening and dust with flour, making sure to get into all the crevices for easy release.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen in flavor. Store tightly covered.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What glaze pairs well with this cake?

A vanilla glaze, maple glaze, or even a light cream cheese drizzle complements the warm spices perfectly.

How can I decorate it for the holidays?

Top with sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow for a festive presentation.

Conclusion

The Cozy Cinnamon Spice Wreath Cake is a celebration of warm flavors and seasonal charm. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday meal, a cozy brunch, or a quiet afternoon treat, this beautifully spiced cake delivers comfort in every slice. With its tender crumb, aromatic spices, and decorative shape, it’s sure to become a yearly favorite.