If you love the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon sugar combined with a moist, tender crumb, then this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite! This cake takes the beloved snickerdoodle cookie flavors you adore and transforms them into a stunning, crowd-pleasing bundt cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft, cinnamon-swirl pockets baked right into the cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth—what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving it for a cozy brunch or an afternoon treat, this cake will warm every heart and brighten any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe is a breeze thanks to simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the tender vanilla cake base to the cinnamony swirl and creamy glaze topping.
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundation of the cake, providing a light and fluffy crumb.
- 3 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the batter.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and improves the cake’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet warmth.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Sweet and caramel notes for the cinnamon swirl.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the swirl ingredients together for perfect pockets.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice, giving that signature snickerdoodle warmth.
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the swirl.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Key for the smooth, tangy glaze topping.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the glaze creamy and luscious.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Used for the cinnamon sugar topping for a little crunch.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Combined with sugar for that classic snickerdoodle finish.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan and Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10 to 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to help the cake release easily once baked. This step might seem small, but it’s crucial for that flawless bundt shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat everything together until the batter is completely smooth. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang, balancing beautifully with the sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes coming up.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Next, create the magic swirl that gives this cake its iconic flavor. Mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until you get a crumbly, aromatic mixture. This swirl will disperse delectable pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness throughout your cake.
Step 4: Layer Batter and Swirl in the Pan
Pour half of your batter into the prepared bundt pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mix into the batter, creating lovely marbling without overmixing. Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl. This layering step guarantees every slice will have that classic snickerdoodle flair.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; when it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes—enough so it firms up but is still warm enough to release easily. Then invert the cake onto a plate. The sight of your cinnamon-swirled masterpiece will be enough to make your mouth water.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the cake cools, whip together the glaze by beating cream cheese and softened butter until silky smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and slowly add powdered sugar until creamy and thick but pourable. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping for that final snickerdoodle touch that brings this recipe home.
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty snow-kissed look, but for a bit of extra flair, try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar or even chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can add lovely color contrast and freshness to your slice.
Side Dishes
This bundt cake goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, helping to balance the warm cinnamon sweetness with creamy coolness. For coffee or tea lovers, serve alongside a steaming mug for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe into generous wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of cinnamon sugar and glaze for guests to add as they please. Or try stacking mini slices between layers of whipped cream and berries for an elegant dessert parfait interpretation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will last well for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole (pre-glazing) or sliced. Wrap it in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe long after baking day.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s moist texture, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If you froze the cake unglazed, let it thaw completely before adding glaze to maintain that fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I make the cinnamon swirl dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil melted instead of unsalted butter, and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free. The cinnamon swirl will still have that wonderful texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries—just mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute. This helps achieve the same tender crumb and slight tang.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Vanilla cake mix is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but a white cake mix can work just as well. Avoid chocolate or strongly flavored mixes as they may overwhelm the cinnamon swirl.
Is this cake very sweet?
It has a lovely balance of sweetness with cinnamon warmth, but not overpoweringly sweet. The cream cheese glaze adds richness without being cloying, making it suitable for most palates.
How do I get a perfect bundt shape?
Greasing the bundt pan thoroughly and slightly warming it before placing batter in can help. Also, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before gently inverting it onto a plate, which aids in clean release.
Final Thoughts
This Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic flavor that truly feels like a warm hug in cake form. It’s simple to make, impressive in presentation, and irresistibly tasty. I hope you give it a try soon and share the joy this cake brings with your loved ones—there’s nothing better than that first bite of cinnamon-swirled magic fresh out of the oven!
Print
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, featuring a moist vanilla cake with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a creamy cinnamon cream cheese glaze. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent treat, this cake combines warm spices with a rich, smooth finish.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10 to 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a smaller bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and gently swirl it into the batter with a skewer or knife. Repeat the layering with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Invert and Cool: After cooling, invert the bundt cake onto a serving plate carefully to retain its shape. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the glaze is thick and spreadable.
- Glaze and Finish: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the cooled bundt cake. Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together and sprinkle over the glaze for a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
Notes
- Use a skewer or knife for delicate swirling to avoid overmixing the cinnamon swirl into the batter.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice if needed.
- If greasing the bundt pan, consider using baking spray with flour or thoroughly buttering to aid in easy cake release.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
