If you love the warm, cozy flavors of snickerdoodle cookies and the simplicity of a bundt cake, this Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is the dessert you’ve been dreaming of. Combining a moist vanilla cake with a rich cinnamon swirl and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it starts with a boxed cake mix, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this recipe delivers an irresistible dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Quick and Simple: Thanks to the boxed cake mix, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal prep.
- Delicious Cinnamon Swirl: The cinnamon and brown sugar mixture creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: The rich, tangy glaze takes this cake to the next level.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its stunning presentation and irresistible taste, this cake is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months.
Ingredients for Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Vanilla Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- ⅓ cup sugar (granulated or sanding)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release. Set aside.
2. Make the Vanilla Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Use a hand-held or stand mixer to blend until you have a smooth and thick batter. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles a thick paste.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the vanilla cake batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter, followed by the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture, and swirl again.
5. Bake
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with only a few crumbs but no raw batter.
6. Cool and Release
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. If the cake sticks, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a creamy glaze. If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or microwave it for 20 seconds to soften.
8. Decorate the Cake
Transfer the cream cheese glaze to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off. Drizzle the glaze over the cake in a zigzag pattern.
9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the cake. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and the signature snickerdoodle flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Use Nonstick Spray Liberally: Bundt cakes can stick to the pan, so make sure to coat every nook and cranny with nonstick spray.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Swirl Gently: Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture without overmixing, ensuring a beautiful marbled effect.
- Cool Before Glazing: Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- Store Properly: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is best served slightly warm with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For an indulgent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its rich flavors and soft texture make it a standout dessert for any gathering, from birthdays to holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Yes! While vanilla works best for the snickerdoodle flavor, a yellow or white cake mix will also work.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cinnamon swirl with a gluten-free alternative.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
The combination of a moist vanilla cake, warm cinnamon swirl, and rich cream cheese glaze makes this cake a show-stopping dessert. Its stunning appearance and decadent flavors are sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or a casual get-together.
PrintEasy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake: A Cinnamon Swirl Delight
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Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Vanilla Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
2️⃣ Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until mixed.
3️⃣ Assemble and Bake:
- Spray a Bundt pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour half the cake batter into the pan. Spoon half the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Swirl it into the batter with a toothpick.
- Add the remaining cake batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Swirl again.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs (but no raw batter). Let cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a serving plate.
4️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until frosting consistency. Add a little milk if needed.
- Use a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped) to drizzle the glaze in a zigzag over the cooled cake.
5️⃣ Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Best served fresh or store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Notes
✨ Pro Tip: If the cake sticks to the Bundt pan, gently run a knife around the edges to help it release.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to create an unforgettable dessert. With just a boxed cake mix and a few simple ingredients, you can make a bakery-quality cake in the comfort of your own kitchen. The cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze elevate this dessert into something truly special.
Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe after just one bite!