Name: Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Hey y'all! If you adore the classic combo of cinnamon and sugar that makes snickerdoodle cookies so irresistible, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe. With its fluffy crumb, buttery layers, and a lush cinnamon swirl, this cake is the ultimate treat for birthdays, holidays, or just when your sweet tooth strikes. It’s warm, comforting, and tastes just like a big hug in every bite. Ready to bake up some joy? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe

Layers of sweet cinnamon sugar give every bite a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of your favorite cookies.
It’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for celebrations.
The texture is soft, tender, and ultra-moist—no dry cake here!
Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet brunch treat.
This recipe can be prepped in just 20 minutes with simple pantry staples!

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe Ingredients

2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar, divided
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions

Prep & Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside for your signature swirl.

Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg, cream of tartar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and remaining 1 ½ cups sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

Assemble & Bake the Snickerdoodle Cake

Pour half the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Sprinkle nearly all the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
Top with the remaining batter, then use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter.
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches

Dust the top with remaining cinnamon-sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting for extra decadence!

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe Notes & Tips

Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for the fluffiest texture.
Don’t overmix the batter or your cake may turn out dense.
For more cake-baking science and tips, check out King Arthur Baking's cake guide.

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Bundt Cake: Pour all batter into a greased 10-cup bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Snack Cake: Bake in a 9x13-inch pan for around 35 minutes, no layering or swirling needed!

Required Equipment for Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe

Two 9-inch cake pans (or one 9x13-inch pan)
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Spatula or spoon
Wire rack

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe Storage & Shelf Life

Store your Snickerdoodle Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to a week—just bring to room temp before serving for ultimate softness. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Snickerdoodle Cake

Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for cozy vibes.
Top with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a fruit compote or fresh berries for a refreshing balance.

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe Pro Tips

Line your pans with parchment for guaranteed easy release.
For a tangy kick, try a cream cheese frosting.
Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for perfectly baked cakes—learn more at Serious Eats.

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe FAQs

Can I make the cake ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance. Wrap tightly and frost when ready to serve.
Do I have to use buttermilk?: No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let stand 5 minutes, then use as directed.
Can I add nuts or chips?: Yes! Stir in up to 1 cup chopped toasted pecans or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Snickerdoodle Cake Recipe