Table of Contents

All Aboard! Snickerdoodle Train

My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen always smelled of warm cinnamon and vanilla, had a knack for making ordinary days feel like celebrations. Every Christmas, she’d unveil her magnificent gingerbread village, a sprawling landscape of frosted houses and gumdrop trees. While I could never replicate her architectural masterpieces, this Snickerdoodle Train, a recipe I found tucked away with my train cake pan, reminds me of her playful spirit and the joy of creating edible art. It’s a delightful project, perfect for getting little hands involved and sparking the imagination.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings: Varies
Yields: 9 cake train cars
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

Cake:

1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 cups powdered sugar
4-6 tablespoons milk

Decorations:

Assorted candy
Candy sprinkles, for decorating
Food coloring
Green decorator sugar
Black licorice twists, for train track

Equipment Needed

Nordicware Train Cake Pan (or similar, with a 5 cup/1.2 L capacity)
Large cake board or sturdy cardboard
Hot glue gun
Large bowl
Medium bowl
Electric mixer
Cooling rack
Spatula
Toothpicks

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly grease your train cake pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring all nooks and crannies are coated. Then, dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and ensure easy removal. Set the prepared pan aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set the bowl aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and tang, while the almond extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients (sour cream mixture) to the dry ingredients (flour mixture). Using an electric mixer on low speed, blend the two mixtures together. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Mix the Batter: Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the batter for 1 minute. This step helps to develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tender yet sturdy cake.
Fill the Train Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared train cake pan, dividing it evenly among the train car cavities. Remember not to fill the pan more than 3/4 full to prevent overflow during baking. This pan has a 5 cup/1.2 L capacity.
Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the filled pan firmly on the countertop several times to release any trapped air bubbles. This will help ensure the cakes bake evenly and have a smooth surface.
Spread the Batter: Spread the batter out to the top edges of each train car cavity, making sure the batter is slightly lower in the center. This helps prevent a dome from forming during baking.
Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for 20-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool the Cakes: Cool the cakes in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling them slightly in the pan allows them to firm up, making them easier to handle.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable shortening, softened butter, and vanilla. The vegetable shortening helps stabilize the frosting and makes it less prone to melting.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed and scraping the bowl often. This prevents the powdered sugar from creating a cloud of dust.
Adjust Consistency: Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. The amount of milk needed may vary depending on the humidity and the consistency of your butter and shortening.
Color the Frosting: Remove approximately 2 1/2 cups of frosting and divide it into separate bowls. Color each bowl of frosting as desired using food coloring to decorate the train cars.
Decorate the Cakes: Decorate the cooled cakes with the colored frosting and assorted candies. Get creative and have fun with the decorations! Use different candies and sprinkles to personalize each train car.
Create the Train Tracks: To make the train tracks, cut the black licorice twists in half lengthwise.
Glue the Tracks: Using a hot glue gun, pipe a line of glue along the cut side of the licorice. Glue the licorice to the cake board or cardboard, shaping the track as desired.
Add Greenery: Color the remaining frosting green and spread it onto the cardboard around the train track to create a grassy landscape. Sprinkle the green frosting with green decorator sugar for added texture and visual appeal.
Assemble the Train: Carefully place the decorated train cars onto the tracks.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the wet ingredients. This will add a nutty depth to the cake.
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute plain yogurt or buttermilk.
To prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan, you can also use a baking spray that contains flour.
If your frosting is too stiff, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
For a more professional look, use piping bags and tips to decorate the train cars.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Snickerdoodle Train as a centerpiece for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or any special occasion. Store leftover cake train cars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting may soften slightly at room temperature, so for longer storage, refrigerate the cakes. Refrigerated cakes can be stored for up to 5 days. Allow the cakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Freezing is not recommended due to the frosting.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1086.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	517 g	48%
Total Fat	57.5 g	88%
Saturated Fat	28 g	140%
Cholesterol	130.3 mg	43%
Sodium	541.8 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	143.1 g	47%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	127.3 g	509%
Protein	4 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture.
Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream substitute or plain non-dairy yogurt. Use a dairy-free milk alternative in the frosting.
Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom, to customize the flavor of the cakes.
Candy Substitutions: Feel free to use any candies you like to decorate the train cars. Consider using seasonal candies for a festive touch.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cake pan if I don’t have a train cake pan?
A: Yes, you can use a standard cake pan or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly. Be aware that the presentation will be different.

Q: How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan?
A: Thoroughly grease and flour the pan before adding the batter. You can also use a baking spray that contains flour.

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, the frosting can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and rewhip before using.

Q: How do I prevent the licorice from sliding off the cardboard?
A: Use a generous amount of hot glue and allow it to cool completely before adding the train cars.

Q: My frosting is too sweet. What can I do?
A: Add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice to help balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Snickerdoodle Train is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share joy with loved ones. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations and personalize the train to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to embark on a sweet adventure! I’d love to hear about your creations and any variations you try. Happy baking!

All Aboard! Snickerdoodle Train Recipe