I grew up in a home where the kitchen was like a warm hug. It was a place filled with laughter, delicious smells, and love. My mom often made her famous snickerdoodles, with their soft, chewy texture and the promise of cinnamon goodness in every bite. The smell would waft through the house, and I remember gathering around the kitchen table with my siblings, all of us eagerly waiting for those cookies to cool just enough to indulge.
As I grew older, I found joy in cooking for my own family. My husband, Mark, and our three children—Lucy, Jake, and Emma—are always excited when I try something new. The other day, while rummaging through my pantry, I stumbled upon a box of vanilla cake mix. Instantly, a spark of inspiration hit me! Why not channel that cozy, nostalgic feeling into a Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake (Snickerdoodle Cake with Box Cake Mix)? I could almost see Mark’s eyes lighting up and hear the kids clamoring for a slice.
This cake is simple yet special. It takes the beloved flavors of snickerdoodles and transforms them into a moist, rich cake. Just the thought of baking together brought smiles to my children’s faces. They love to help, and I adore showing them how fun and easy it is to create something delicious—not just to eat but to share. Whether for a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or simply to embrace the joys of home, this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is like a ticket to a trip down memory lane. The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavors, creating a delightful dessert everyone can enjoy. What I love most is how easy it is to prepare, thanks to the box cake mix.
This recipe is perfect for busy parents like me who still want to create cherished moments around the kitchen table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring a bit of nostalgia and joy right to your family’s hearts. Plus, this cake looks stunning when served! You’ll feel like a baking superstar, even if you made it in a hurry.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 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
Directions:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives it enough time to become perfectly warm for the cake.
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Vanilla Cake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of vanilla cake mix, the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything well until you have a smooth batter.
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Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This will create a delightful cinnamon swirl mixture.
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Cake Assembly: Grease your Bundt cake pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Pour half of the vanilla cake batter into the pan. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together for a lovely marble effect.
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Baking: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cream Cheese Glaze: In another bowl, use a mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for a beautiful topping.
Once your cake is completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture for that final sweet touch!
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Serving this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is all about making memories. I like to slice it in thick pieces and plate them with a simple sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top. It’s perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk, especially on cozy weekend mornings. Sometimes I give each of my kids a slice and watch their faces light up with delight. On special occasions, I might serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience!
How to Store Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
This cake is incredibly easy to store. Once it’s completely cooled and glazed, simply place the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about four days—long enough for my children to devour it happily! If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can wrap pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying another slice.
Tips to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Follow the baking time: Bundt cakes can take longer than standard cakes, so keep an eye on them in the oven. When in doubt, do the toothpick test to ensure it’s fully baked.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs, buttermilk, and butter at room temperature will help create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t skimp on the swirl: Be generous when adding the cinnamon swirl mixture. It adds a beautiful flavor that is signature to a snickerdoodle!
Variation
If you love experimenting like me, you might try adding mini chocolate chips to the vanilla cake batter for a fun twist. The rich chocolate flavor pairs well with the cinnamon, adding an extra depth to every slice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: Yes! You can substitute the vanilla cake mix with chocolate or spice cake mix. Each will give your cake a unique flavor while keeping the snickerdoodle vibe.
Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the regular vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free version. Just make sure the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Q: Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
A: Buttermilk gives a nice moist texture to the cake, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use regular milk or a milk substitute. You can also make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Baking this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake brings back memories of being a child, the excitement of the kitchen, and the happiness of sharing a warm treat with loved ones. It’s easy, comforting, and a delightful way to bond with family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family does!
Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of vanilla cake mix, the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth batter.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Grease your Bundt cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour half of the vanilla cake batter into the pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for topping.
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture.