This Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Snack Cake is everything fall baking should be—easy, cozy, and packed with cinnamon sugar. Made in just one bowl, it bakes into golden squares with a soft crumb and a snickerdoodle-style cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for after-school snacks, afternoon coffee breaks, or any time you want a sweet bite without the fuss.
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Why I Love This Recipe
It’s truly one-bowl magic
I’m all about quick bakes that don’t leave my kitchen in chaos, and this recipe delivers. Everything mixes up in a single bowl—no mixer needed. If you’re into simple prep like this, you’ll also love our Moist Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze, which is just as easy and comforting.
Snickerdoodle vibes with pumpkin perfection
The cinnamon sugar topping gives it that classic snickerdoodle crunch, while the pumpkin keeps the cake soft and moist. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up with pantry ingredients and enjoy warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge. I often serve this alongside 5-Ingredient Baked Pumpkin Donuts for a fall dessert spread that never fails to impress.
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Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Snack Cake (One Bowl Magic!)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Snack Cake is soft, cinnamon-spiced, and made in just one bowl. It’s the perfect cozy treat for fall afternoons or quick bakes with zero hassle.
Ingredients
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Mix cinnamon sugar topping and sprinkle evenly over batter.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze individual squares for up to 2 months.
Delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pumpkin Recipes, Snack Cakes, Fall Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle pumpkin cake, one bowl pumpkin snack cake, fall dessert, easy pumpkin cake
How to Make Pumpkin Snack Cake
Simple ingredients, big flavor
All you need is canned pumpkin, flour, brown sugar, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. The cinnamon sugar topping is just granulated sugar mixed with more cinnamon for that signature snickerdoodle finish.
Bake it in one go
Mix everything in a bowl, pour into a parchment-lined square pan, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, and bake. That’s it! This recipe smells incredible while baking—like a warm fall hug from your oven.
Serving and Storage
Perfect for snacking or gifting
This cake is moist, sliceable, and travels well—great for lunchboxes, bake sales, or potlucks. Serve it warm with tea or coffee, or chill it for a denser bite. If you’re meal prepping for the week, it’s a sweet alternative to muffins like our Best Ever Canned Pumpkin Muffins.
Store it like a pro
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual squares and reheat as needed for a quick fall pick-me-up.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time slightly—about 28–30 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.
Conclusion
This Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Snack Cake is soft, flavorful, and impossibly easy to make. With warm cinnamon notes and that signature snickerdoodle sugar crust, it’s the kind of fall dessert that keeps disappearing from the counter. One bowl, no stress, and all the cozy flavors of the season—you’ll be baking it on repeat.