Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of snickerdoodle cookies, you’re going to love this snickerdoodle cake! This recipe brings together the sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon and sugar with the soft, tender crumb of vanilla cake, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. A moist vanilla cake base is complemented by a rich cinnamon swirl, a creamy cream cheese glaze, and a finishing touch of cinnamon-sugar. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible—sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and topped with a smooth, tangy glaze that adds a luxurious finish to each slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something comforting and delicious, this snickerdoodle cake is sure to please everyone at the table.

This cake is simple to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. With the ease of using a boxed cake mix, paired with homemade cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze, you can achieve a bakery-worthy dessert without the stress. The swirls of cinnamon sugar inside the cake and the velvety cream cheese glaze on top make this cake both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Snickerdoodle cake is the perfect hybrid of a soft, fluffy vanilla cake and the irresistible flavor of snickerdoodle cookies. The cake itself is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The cinnamon swirl running through the middle gives each bite a delicious burst of spiced sweetness. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze and sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar, this cake is decadent without being too heavy. It’s the perfect dessert to make for a crowd or to enjoy for yourself. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round—whether for a birthday, holiday, or just as a comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ⅓ cup butter (melted)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

• ⅓ cup sugar (granulated or sanding)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cream cheese glaze.
• Nutty Snickerdoodle Cake: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Apple: For a fruity twist, add finely chopped apples into the cake batter for a slight crunch and extra moisture.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cake: Add ½ cup of pumpkin puree to the batter and a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal fall variation.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, wet mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the vanilla cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Then, spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Gently spread the remaining cake batter over the swirl, covering it completely.

Step 5: Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture

Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter to create the signature cinnamon swirl throughout the cake. Don’t overmix; you want a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the glaze.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the glaze. This ensures a smooth consistency and easy mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When preparing the cake batter, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a denser cake.
• Chill the Glaze: If the cream cheese glaze is too runny, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before spreading it over the cake.
• Even Cinnamon Swirl: When adding the cinnamon swirl, try to distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure the swirl is consistent throughout the cake.
• Test for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

How to Serve

This snickerdoodle cake is perfect for serving at gatherings, as a birthday cake, or as an everyday dessert. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The cake can be enjoyed on its own, but the cream cheese glaze and cinnamon sugar mixture take it to the next level, making it a showstopper at any event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the leftover snickerdoodle cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in the refrigerator and reheat it slightly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, allow it to cool completely. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature, then frost with the cream cheese glaze.

Reheating

If you’ve frozen the cake, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. You can also reheat the entire cake in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, then glaze before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla cake mix with another flavor, like yellow or white cake mix, though the flavor will be slightly different.

2. Can I make the cake without the cinnamon swirl?

Yes, you can make a plain vanilla cake, though the cinnamon swirl adds a signature snickerdoodle flavor.

3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost with the cream cheese glaze when ready to serve.

4. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?

Powdered sugar is best for the glaze because it creates a smooth and creamy texture. Regular sugar would result in a grainy glaze.

5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the glaze?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different.

6. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake and glaze ahead of time. Store the cake and glaze separately, then assemble and frost the cake when you’re ready to serve.

7. Can I use another type of glaze?

Yes, you can use a simple vanilla glaze or a buttercream frosting instead of the cream cheese glaze, though it will change the flavor and texture.

8. Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl or sprinkle them on top of the glaze for added texture.

9. Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes, this snickerdoodle cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert.

10. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a creamy richness that elevates the flavor.

Conclusion

Snickerdoodle cake is a must-try for anyone who loves the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. This cake is simple to make but bursting with flavor, thanks to the cinnamon swirl and the rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, share it with friends and family, or savor a slice whenever you need a sweet treat. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!

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