There’s something timeless and nostalgic about the warm aroma of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen. I still remember the first time I helped my grandmother make snickerdoodle cookies—it was a rainy afternoon, and the house felt extra cozy with that cinnamon sugar scent wafting from the oven. This easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake channels that same comfort and warmth but simplifies the process into one stunning cake. It’s perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With a shortcut using cake mix, this dessert becomes both foolproof and fantastic for anyone craving a sweet homemade treat without the stress.
This recipe is ideal for those new to baking because it:
- Uses a store-bought cake mix as a base.
- Requires simple techniques and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Packs big flavor with very little prep time.
- Offers a moist, tender crumb and bold cinnamon flavor.
- Finishes with a beautiful presentation thanks to a Bundt pan and simple glaze.

Why This Recipe is Special
This Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is a clever twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, combining the fluffy vanilla cake with a cinnamon sugar swirl and rich cream cheese glaze. The inspiration behind it is clear: to deliver all the cozy, familiar flavors of a cookie, but in the more elegant, shareable form of a Bundt cake. It’s the kind of dessert you can serve at brunch, bring to a potluck, or enjoy with a cup of tea on a quiet evening.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Vanilla Cake Mix
Forms the base of the cake, offering structure and subtle vanilla flavor. Opt for yellow or white cake mix depending on what you prefer. - Sour Cream
Adds moisture and richness while balancing sweetness. Greek yogurt can be used as an alternative. - Eggs
Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s rise and texture. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly. - Vegetable Oil
Provides moisture and a tender crumb. Melted butter or coconut oil can be used instead. - Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Delivers the signature snickerdoodle flavor. Use a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar. Feel free to substitute brown sugar for deeper flavor. - Cream Cheese Glaze
Made with cream cheese and powdered sugar, this glaze adds a rich, tangy contrast. A simple vanilla glaze or even caramel could also work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your Bundt pan to ensure an easy release after baking.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Step 3
Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, creating a swirl effect. Pour the remaining batter over the top.
Step 4
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back slightly when pressed.
Step 5
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before glazing.
Step 6
Prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating cream cheese until smooth, then adding powdered sugar and a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Step 7
Sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top for that signature snickerdoodle finish.

Beginner Tips and Notes
- If your cake sticks to the pan, it’s likely due to insufficient greasing. Consider using a baking spray with flour or a mix of butter and flour.
- If your glaze is too thick, add a little milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add cinnamon directly to the batter as well.
- To make cleanup easier, place the cooling rack over a baking sheet before drizzling the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to refresh.
Conclusion and Call to Action
If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of baking from scratch, this easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is your new best friend. It’s as simple as it is satisfying, and perfect for beginner bakers looking to build confidence in the kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments—was it a hit at your family gathering or a personal treat just for you?
FAQ About Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can substitute with yellow or white cake mix, but using vanilla gives the most balanced flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon sugar.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly using a baking spray with flour or a combination of butter and flour. Make sure to get into all the crevices of the Bundt pan.
Can this cake be made in a regular round or loaf pan?
While a Bundt pan offers a striking presentation, you can use two loaf pans or a 9×13 baking dish. Adjust baking times as needed and check for doneness with a toothpick.
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Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake transforms a simple vanilla cake mix into a moist, cinnamon-swirled dessert topped with tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for beginner bakers and loved by all, it captures the nostalgic flavor of classic snickerdoodle cookies in a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing cake.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the cake batter into the Bundt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk, mixing until creamy. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top to mimic the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cinnamon swirl.
- You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a little at a time.
- If you don’t have a mixer, whisking by hand works fine for both batter and glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg