Introduction

This Snickerdoodle Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cookie, featuring a moist vanilla cake with a cinnamon swirl and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it’s easy to make using a Bundt pan or a 9×13 pan.

This image shows a bundt cake with a golden-brown color, placed on a white plate with scalloped edges, set on a white marbled surface. The cake is topped with a thick drizzle of white cream icing, applied in even diagonal lines over the ridges of the bundt, creating a striped pattern. Over the icing, coarse sparkling sugar crystals and a fine brown cinnamon powder are sprinkled generously, adding texture and a frosted look. The overall appearance is warm, cozy, and inviting, with a focus on the cake’s detail and fluffy icing. 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 melted butter
8 ounces softened cream cheese
½ cup softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup granulated or sanding sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a Bundt pan by spraying it liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand-held or stand mixer until the batter is thick and smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl over the batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter.
Step 5: Pour the remaining cake batter over the first layer and cinnamon swirl. Top with the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture and repeat swirling.
Step 6: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
Step 7: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the cream cheese glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until the glaze reaches a frosting consistency. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or warm briefly.
Step 9: Transfer the glaze to a piping or zipper bag, cut a small triangle from the tip, and drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake in a zigzag motion.
Step 10: Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets. Serve or refrigerate.

Tips & Variations

Use buttermilk or add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk as a substitute to achieve the moist texture.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.
If using a 9×13 pan, baking time may vary; start checking for doneness after 30 minutes.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm slices briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a cinnamon bundt cake slice on a white plate with a white marbled texture around it. The cake has a golden brown outer layer with a light, soft inner layer showing swirled cinnamon throughout. The top of the cake is decorated with thick lines of white cream cheese frosting that create a looped pattern around the bundt ridges. The frosting is sprinkled generously with coarse sugar crystals and cinnamon powder, giving it a sparkling texture. A metal spatula is lifting the slice, highlighting the moist texture of the cake inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade vanilla cake batter instead of a cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe for the boxed mix. Just be sure the batter has a similar thickness for the swirl effect to work well.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from mixing too much into the batter?

Use a gentle swirling motion with a toothpick or skewer; avoid overmixing to keep distinct swirls of cinnamon throughout the cake.