Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Delight in a soft, cinnamon-swirled Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful cake combines the nostalgic flavors of classic snickerdoodle cookies with a moist, tender crumb baked in a beautiful bundt shape, making it an easy, delicious, and utterly irresistible treat to share with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor Fusion: Brings together the rich buttery taste of snickerdoodles and the tender crumb of a cake for a nostalgic experience.
- Moist and Soft Texture: Expertly balanced ingredients create a melt-in-your-mouth cake every time.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bundt shape adds a charming elegance, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples without complicated steps, ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust cinnamon and sugar amounts to match your personal taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake recipe straightforward means focusing on quality, fundamental ingredients that blend seamlessly to give you that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the ideal structure and crumb for this tender cake.
- Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cake richer and softer.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens evenly and contributes to the classic snickerdoodle sweetness.
- Butter: Brings buttery richness and helps develop a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for stability and fluffiness.
- Sour Cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang to enhance flavor depth.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The leavening agents that ensure your bundt cake rises perfectly.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and distinct snickerdoodle flavor throughout.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and balances the spices with its aromatic notes.
- Sugar and Cinnamon Topping: Sprinkled generously for that signature snickerdoodle crackle crust.
Variations for Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Feel free to get creative with this Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake recipe by experimenting with flavors and substitutions. It’s incredibly simple to tweak based on dietary needs or what you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate wheat sensitivities without losing texture.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese for a compassionate twist.
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or cloves to enhance the warmth and complexity of cinnamon.
- Chocolate Swirl: Fold in cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips to introduce a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combo.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty aroma.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour. This simple preparation prevents the cake from sticking and helps achieve perfect release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. This ensures even spice distribution and consistent rising.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step creates air pockets necessary for a soft, tender crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This helps with emulsification, ensuring a smooth batter.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
Beat in softened cream cheese and sour cream. These ingredients contribute moisture and a subtle tang that enhance the snickerdoodle flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough.
Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
Pour half the batter into the bundt pan, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture, then top with the remaining batter and finish with another layer of cinnamon sugar for the perfect swirl and crackle crust.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t Skip the Pan Prep: Properly greasing and flouring your bundt pan ensures the cake doesn’t stick or break.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour with a knife to avoid packing it, which can dry out the cake.
- Swirl with Care: Be gentle when adding cinnamon sugar layers to avoid mixing it completely, preserving the signature swirls.
- Test for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake 5 minutes before the minimum baking time to prevent over-baking.
How to Serve Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Garnishes
Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the warm cinnamon flavors, or with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for cozy moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake and arrange the pieces on a festive platter with fresh berries or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece perfect for parties or holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh for about a week.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or serve at room temperature to enjoy the cake’s soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute with gluten-free flour blends if needed, but make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum to maintain texture.
Is there a vegan alternative for the cream cheese?
Yes, plant-based cream cheese works wonderfully in this recipe and keeps the moisture and tang while fitting a vegan diet.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
Greasing thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and dusting with flour creates a barrier that helps the cake release easily after baking.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Definitely! Adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes and fill cupcake liners halfway, adding cinnamon sugar as a swirl before baking.
What’s the best way to achieve the cinnamon-sugar swirl?
Layer half the batter, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter and top with more cinnamon sugar before gently swirling with a knife.
Final Thoughts
This Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a blend of classic cookie flavors baked into a soft, beautifully shaped cake. Its simple ingredients, warm spices, and irresistible cinnamon sugar crust make it a perfect treat for any time of year. Don’t hesitate – bake yourself a slice of cozy happiness today!
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Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a soft and moist Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake with swirls of cinnamon sugar, combining the nostalgic flavors of classic snickerdoodle cookies with a tender cake crumb baked in an elegant bundt shape. This easy-to-make treat features simple pantry staples and can be customized to suit various dietary needs, making it perfect for any occasion or gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bundt Pan: Grease the bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking and help with easy release.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined for even spice distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, creating air pockets for a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Beat in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until fully incorporated to add moisture and subtle tang.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and a dense cake.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Pour half the batter into the prepared bundt pan, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter on top and finish with another layer of cinnamon sugar to create signature swirls and crackle crust.
- Bake the Cake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) for a smooth and even batter.
- Properly grease and flour your bundt pan to prevent sticking or breaking the cake.
- Spoon and level flour with a knife when measuring to avoid packing and a dry cake.
- Be gentle when layering cinnamon sugar to preserve the swirl effect without fully mixing.
- Start checking your cake 5 minutes before minimum baking time to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake, cinnamon cake, bundt cake, cinnamon sugar swirl, soft cake, moist cake, holiday dessert, gluten-free cake option
