Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake takes everything you love about the iconic snickerdoodle cookie—warm cinnamon, buttery vanilla flavor, and a tender crumb—and transforms it into a stunning, bakery-style cake. Baked in a Bundt pan and finished with a cinnamon sugar coating or simple glaze, this cake is cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels homemade yet impressive, this is it.
Why Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Is So Popular
Snickerdoodles have been a classic favorite for generations. Turning that flavor into a Bundt cake offers:
- Familiar cinnamon-sugar comfort
- A soft, moist, pound-cake-like texture
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort
- Perfect balance of sweet and spice
- Ideal dessert for holidays, potlucks, or coffee time
This cake appeals to both cookie lovers and traditional cake fans.
Flavor & Texture Profile
A well-made Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake should be:
- Buttery and tender, never dry
- Infused with warm cinnamon throughout
- Slightly crisp on the outside
- Soft and fluffy on the inside
- Sweet without being overpowering
The Bundt shape helps create a golden crust while keeping the interior moist.
What Makes a Snickerdoodle a Snickerdoodle?
The signature elements come from:
- Cinnamon + sugar coating
- Vanilla-forward dough
- Traditionally, cream of tartar (optional in cakes)
In cake form, these flavors are layered into the batter and often reinforced with a cinnamon swirl or topping.
Key Ingredients Explained
Butter
- Provides richness and classic snickerdoodle flavor
- Use room-temperature butter for best texture
Sugar
- Granulated sugar keeps the crumb light
- Brown sugar may be added for depth
Cinnamon
- The star flavor
- Use fresh cinnamon for maximum aroma
Eggs
- Provide structure and moisture
Milk or Sour Cream
- Adds tenderness and prevents dryness
Flour
- All-purpose flour gives the ideal crumb
Baking Powder
- Helps the cake rise evenly
How to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake (Overview)
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease thoroughly and dust with flour or cinnamon sugar.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and dairy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Layer or Swirl
Add cinnamon sugar between layers for a ribbon effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Finish
Coat with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Why Use a Bundt Pan?
Bundt pans are ideal for this cake because they:
- Create an even bake
- Increase surface area for a golden crust
- Make simple cakes look elegant
- Hold moisture better than flat pans
No frosting skills required—just flip and serve.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating vs Glaze
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Traditional snickerdoodle feel
- Lightly crisp exterior
- Perfect for casual serving
Vanilla or Cream Glaze
- Adds sweetness and visual appeal
- Ideal for holidays and parties
Both options work beautifully.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Grease every crevice of the pan
- Do not overmix once flour is added
- Tap pan gently before baking to remove air pockets
- Cool before removing to avoid sticking
- Use fresh cinnamon for best flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cake Sticks to Pan
Not greasing thoroughly enough or unmolding too soon.
Dry Texture
Overbaking or too little fat.
Dense Cake
Overmixing batter or inaccurate flour measurement.
Uneven Swirl
Swirling too aggressively—keep it gentle.
Delicious Variations
Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Add cream cheese to the batter for extra richness.
Apple Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Fold in finely diced apples for moisture and fall flavor.
Maple Snickerdoodle Cake
Add maple extract or glaze with maple icing.
Mini Snickerdoodle Bundt Cakes
Bake in mini Bundt pans for gifting.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
When to Serve Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
This cake is perfect for:
- Holiday dessert tables
- Sunday brunch
- Bake sales
- Potlucks
- Afternoon coffee or tea
It’s versatile enough for any season but especially popular in fall and winter.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature
- Store covered up to 3 days
Refrigerator
- Keeps well for up to 5 days
Freezing
- Freeze unglazed cake up to 2 months
- Thaw and coat before serving
The flavor actually improves after the first day.
Is Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love:
- Cinnamon sugar coating
- Soft, cookie-like flavor
- Simple sweetness
It’s a great alternative to frosted cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without cream of tartar?
Yes. Most Bundt versions skip it with no issue.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter gives the best snickerdoodle flavor, but oil can work.
Can I reduce sugar?
Slightly, but it will affect texture and taste.
How do I know it’s done?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with dry crumbs.
Why This Cake Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is:
- Easy to make
- Visually impressive
- Rich yet comforting
- Perfect for sharing
- Always a crowd-pleaser
It captures the essence of a beloved cookie in an elegant, sliceable form.
Final Thoughts
If you love snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon-spiced desserts, and simple yet stunning cakes, this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake deserves a place in your baking rotation. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and effortlessly impressive—perfect for both everyday baking and special occasions.
One bite, and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.
Print
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake: A Soft, Cinnamon-Sugar Classic in Cake Form
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups (3 sticks / 340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the cinnamon-sugar swirl:
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan.
- Make batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (~4 min). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. - Make swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Pour half the batter into pan. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Top with remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl once or twice (don’t overmix).
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and edges pull away from pan.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
💡 Tip: For extra snickerdoodle flair, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before glazing!
Prep Time & Nutrition (per slice, serves 12):
Servings: 12 | Calories: 380 | Net Carbs: 48g | Fats: 22g | Protein: 5g