Name: Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup light brown sugar; ⅓ cup all purpose flour; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 38 reviews

If you are searching for a delightfully soft and warmly spiced dessert that captures the nostalgic essence of your favorite cookie but with a stunning twist, this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with cinnamon sweetness and tender crumb, this cake transforms the classic snickerdoodle cookie into a moist, swirling masterpiece that will impress everyone from casual snackers to serious dessert lovers. Every bite offers a perfect balance of rich cream cheese frosting and a cinnamon-swirled interior that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl shows dry ingredients including brown sugar, white flour, and cinnamon on top of melted butter with a white marbled background. Next to it, a white Bundt pan filled with smooth, yellow cake batter has several dollops of thick brown cinnamon mixture placed evenly on top. The third part of the image shows the same white Bundt pan where the brown cinnamon mixture is swirled into the yellow batter in a marbled pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a beautifully textured and flavorful cake. From the yellow cake mix that ensures lightness, to the cinnamon that brings that signature snickerdoodle warmth, each component plays a key role in creating this delightful bundt cake.

Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender and reliable cake base with a comforting vanilla flavor.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds moistness and richness for a luscious crumb.
Milk: Hydrates the batter and balances the cake’s texture perfectly.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients while enriching the cake’s structure.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
Light brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements cinnamon brilliantly.
All-purpose flour: Used in the cinnamon swirl for a delicate structure and texture.
Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds richness both in the swirl topping and frosting.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines the snickerdoodle flavor in both the swirl and frosting.
Cream cheese (softened): Creates the frosting’s tangy smoothness that perfectly cuts through the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting to a silky finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to spray your 10-cup bundt pan generously with a nonstick cooking spray that includes flour for the best release. This simple step ensures your cake will come out cleanly and keep its stunning shape.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir them together until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. This batter forms the light and moist body of your Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Pour and Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

Pour the prepared batter into your bundt pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is the magic swirl that gives the cake its signature snickerdoodle charm.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture on top of the cake batter and use a knife to gently swirl it through. The swirling creates beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake that bring both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A light bounce back when you touch the cake confirms it is done. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect moist but fully cooked texture.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare Frosting

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing it and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, whip up the luscious cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon for that classic snickerdoodle flavor.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once fully cooled, spread the cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting over the cake with a spatula or pipe it on for a more decorative look. Then slice it up and enjoy the warm embrace of cinnamon in every bite.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe

A close-up shot shows a slice of yellow cake with cinnamon swirls held by a wooden spatula above a white bundt cake. The cake has moist texture with visible cinnamon layers inside. The bundt cake has thick light brown icing piped in straight lines from the top center to the edges. The surface underneath is white marbled texture. The cake is topped with a light dusting of cinnamon or spice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe by sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting, or add a few toasted pecans or walnuts around the edges for a lovely crunch. Fresh berries, like raspberries or sliced strawberries, make a delightful, slightly tart contrast that brightens the whole experience.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For warm beverages, think cozy: a cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or classic coffee help round out your indulgent dessert moment perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates, drizzling a bit of caramel or honey over each piece for extra flair. You could also create mini versions of this cake in smaller bundt pans for parties, turning this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe into a charming party treat that steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake tightly in plastic wrap or cover it with an airtight container, then store at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge if your kitchen is warm or if you won’t finish it that quickly; it will stay fresh for about five days refrigerated.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the fully cooled and frosted cake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your slices slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. The frosting might soften a bit—this is when the cake becomes almost irresistible, warm, sweet, and aromatic, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the cinnamon swirl without butter?

Butter really helps create that rich, tender cinnamon swirl texture, but you can substitute with a neutral oil if necessary. Just keep in mind the flavor and consistency may differ slightly.

Is it necessary to use instant vanilla pudding mix?

While not mandatory, the pudding mix keeps the cake extra moist and tender. You can omit it, but the texture will be less creamy and more like a standard yellow cake.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting complements the Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe perfectly, but you could also try a simple cinnamon glaze or a brown sugar buttercream for a tasty twist.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can bake this cake in a regular 9×13 inch pan, just reduce the baking time slightly and test for doneness early with a toothpick.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, use less powdered sugar and increase the cream cheese a bit. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a joyful and comforting dessert to your baking repertoire, this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe is a delightful choice. It combines the cinnamon magic of snickerdoodles with the ease of a cake mix and the elegance of a bundt shape, creating something wonderfully special and incredibly tasty. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do!