Introduction

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake with a gooey cinnamon swirl and a smooth cream cheese glaze. This delightful cake combines the classic snickerdoodle taste in a moist, tender bundt form that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons.

A golden brown bundt cake sits on a white plate, with thick, creamy white icing drizzled in neat vertical lines over the top, flowing down the ridges of the cake evenly. Coarse sugar crystals and a light dusting of cinnamon sprinkle densely over the icing, adding a sparkling texture that catches light. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 ounces)
3 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
⅓ cup butter (melted)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup sugar (granulated or sanding)
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix with a hand-held or stand mixer until the batter is thick and well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and melted butter until fully combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Step 4: Grease a Bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of the cake batter into the pan.
Step 5: Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Step 6: Pour the remaining cake batter over the first layer, then top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Swirl it again carefully to marble the batter.
Step 7: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs and no raw batter.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a serving plate and let it cool completely.
Step 9: For the cream cheese glaze, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the glaze reaches a frosting consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or warm it slightly in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Step 10: Transfer the glaze to a piping bag or a zipper bag with a small cut at the corner. Drizzle it in a zigzag pattern over the cooled cake.
Step 11: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon until evenly blended. Sprinkle your desired amount over the cream cheese glaze before it sets.
Step 12: Serve immediately or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use sanding sugar for the cinnamon sugar topping to add a little sparkle and crunch.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup milk; let it sit for 5 minutes.
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter itself.
Leftover cake can be warmed slightly before serving to refresh the glaze and softness.

Storage

Store the Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it moist, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a cinnamon swirl bundt cake slice showing two layers: the golden brown cake with a visible light brown cinnamon swirl inside, and a thick outer layer of creamy white icing piped in several wavy lines on top. The icing is sprinkled with coarse sugar crystals and a light dusting of cinnamon powder, adding texture. The slice is being lifted with a silver cake server, resting on a white plate with scattered sugar crystals. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a scratch cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite vanilla cake recipe. Just ensure the batter has a similar consistency to properly swirl with the cinnamon mixture.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Swirling gently with a toothpick and layering the batter carefully helps keep the cinnamon swirl distributed throughout the cake without sinking to the bottom.