As the holiday season shifts into full gear, one dessert that is sure to stand out at the next holiday party is the humble and delicious Bundt cake. Originating from a European brioche-like cake called “Gugelhupf,” Bundt cakes have since become a beloved American staple.
Known for its signature shape, which kind of resembles a large doughnut with grooved sides and a cylindrical hole going through the middle, Bundt cakes make for delightful centerpieces and can be seen featured in many holiday spreads. But the best part is how they can be customized to fit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
This versatility allows for an endless variety of recipes — from rich chocolate and vanilla to red velvet and tangy fruit flavors, there's a Bundt cake out there for everyone. We scoured the internet to find 18 of the best Bundt cake recipes, plus other handy tips to help you make the most scrumptious and moist Bundt cake that will keep all your guests coming back for more.
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What Is a Bundt Cake?
The name “Bundt cake,” which is derived from the German word "bundkuchen," roughly translates to “a cake for gatherings.” Bundt pans were made popular in the 1950s by H. David Dalquist, the founder of Nordic Ware. Dalquist designed the distinctive Bundt cake pan at the behest of the Minneapolis Jewish-American Hadassah Society. The members were seeking a modern version of “kugelhopf” — a traditional European mold used to make a dense, ring-shaped cake similar to a pound cake.
The pan’s tube-like design allows for more of the cake to be in contact with the pan's surface, resulting in a faster and more even heat distribution during baking. The end result is a cake that's golden brown on the outside and still moist and soft in the center.
Bundt cake pans can be found in various materials, including: aluminum, ceramic, silicone, or non-stick coated steel. They're also available in different sizes, ranging from miniature versions for individual servings to large, family-sized pans.
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Do You Flip a Bundt Cake Hot or Cold?
The process of flipping a Bundt cake is crucial, as this can make or break your creation. The key? Timing and temperature. As a general rule, you shouldn't flip your Bundt cake right after it comes out of the oven or while it's still hot. Doing so risks the cake breaking apart if it hasn't had enough time to set and firm up.
Instead, after removing your cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will allow the cake to firm and hold its shape, but still remain warm enough to not stick to the pan. After this cooling period, place a wire rack over the open end of the Bundt pan, then invert the rack and the pan together. Gently lift the pan off the cake. If the cake seems stuck to the pan, give it a gentle shake or tap to help release it.
Pro tip: A well-greased Bundt pan is crucial for a smooth release. Make sure to thoroughly coat the inside of the pan with butter or a non-stick oil spray before pouring in your batter.
A timeless classic, this vanilla Bundt cake is ideal for tea parties or to use as a base for fruit toppings. Not too sweet or overly filling, the recipe calls for pure vanilla extract to achieve that rich, decadent flavor — and results in a cake that’s dense, yet still soft and moist. Dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with a scoop of ice cream (optional) for a perfect bite.
If ultra rich and decadent is more your speed, give this recipe a whirl. Made with both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, this cake is topped with a silky coat that looks so shiny and smooth that I would vote for it to be president if I could. Perfect for satisfying the cravings of chocolate lovers at any holiday party, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
This elegant cake features a vanilla-based batter made from melted white chocolate, which is then mixed together with a tart raspberry puree. Featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tart, its swirly appearance is visually striking and is sure to impress your guests. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or ice cream for a rich and satisfying dessert that is perfect for the holidays.
Transform classic banana bread into a Bundt cake and minimize food waste in the process with this recipe that calls for overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and can be enhanced with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Perfect for breakfast or to pair with an afternoon cup of tea, this cake won’t leave you feeling overly full or bogged down.
Infused with lemon zest and juice, this Bundt cake features bright notes of citrus and is further complemented by a rich and silky cream cheese glaze. It's a refreshing dessert choice for a summer party or as a palate cleanser after a heavy meal. Enjoy a slice paired with a shot of limoncello, a popular Italian liqueur, and be transported to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
This buttery and aromatic cake made with cinnamon and spices is the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. Featuring a cinnamon-spiced batter with a crumbly streusel topping baked into it, it pairs great with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. Serve it with chopped almonds or walnuts for an added crunch and contrast of textures.
Donning a deep red hue and silky smooth cream cheese glaze, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Featuring notes of chocolate, vanilla, and a richness from the whipped cream cheese, this cake is super moist and decadent. Always a hit with the little ones, this red velvet Bundt cake can also double as a birthday cake.
Capturing the essence of the holiday season to a T, this gingerbread Bundt cake is rich in spices and includes a mix of ginger, clove, allspice, and nutmeg. It's wonderfully aromatic and can be dressed up with powdered sugar or a simple cream cheese glaze for a richer bite.
There are two types of people in the world: Those who love cookie dough and those who won’t let us live by saying we’ll die from salmonella if we keep eating it. If you’re part of the first group, then this dessert is for you. Featuring chunks of cookie dough interspersed in a vanilla or chocolate batter and topped with chocolate M&Ms, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser with both kids and adults.
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, from a luxurious salted caramel sauce to a classic cream cheese frosting. It's moist and hearty, which makes it a perfect option for a Thanksgiving dessert and other autumn celebrations. Garnish with chocolate chips, a cinnamon swirl, or chopped nuts for a sweet and crunchy element.
Infused with the bright flavors of apple cider and cinnamon, this cake is moist, fragrant, and perfect for a fall gathering or to enjoy as a satisfying treat during tea time. Topped with softened butter and a zesty applesauce, this cake is reminiscent of “freshly baked apple cider donuts,” says the recipe creator. Sold and sold.
In case the above recipes weren’t chocolatey enough, this triple chocolate fudge cake is sure to impress even the staunchest of chocolate connoisseurs. But the best part? It’s super easy to make. Calling for chocolate cake mix for convenience, this recipe is further elevated with chocolate chips and then topped with a silky chocolate glaze. Pair it with a tall glass of milk and get ready to have the best sleep of your life.
This vibrant fruit cake is packed with tart cranberries and shines with a zesty orange flavor. The glaze, which is made by combining orange juice and zest with vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), adds an extra layer of citrusy and creamy sweetness. Allow the cake to cool completely before spooning the glaze over it.
Inspired by the flavors of coffee shop pastries, this cake blends the flavors of chocolate and the zing of peppermint with a hint of coffee. The result merges the comforting warmth of a coffee shop with the homemade charm of a classic Bundt cake. It also works great as a festive choice for Christmas celebrations and can be decorated with different toppings like crushed candy canes, crushed nuts, or more chocolate.
This almond-flavored cake is enriched with amaretto liqueur to create a rich and sophisticated dessert that is brimming with complex flavors. Topped with a sweet and decadent glaze made from brown sugar, butter, crushed almonds, and vanilla extract, it's perfect for almond lovers and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
This twist on a classic carrot cake features grated carrots, chopped walnuts, raisins, and spices. But the star of the show is a rich and silky cream cheese glaze that adds a creamy, tangy finish to complement and elevate the other spices in the cake. You can also make a gluten-free version of this easy recipe by substituting regular flour with your choice of gluten-free flour.
Inspired by the tropical flavors of the Caribbean, this Bundt cake is reminiscent of a classic rum cake, and is further elevated with shaved coconut and lime juice for a refreshing and zesty aftertaste. It's light and airy, which makes it a great dessert choice for a hot summer day or to bring to a cookout.
This one is ideal for special occasions when you want to impress holiday guests with minimal fuss. Infused with nutritious dates and topped with a creamy, decadent toffee sauce, it offers the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and creamy. Enjoy it as a luxurious after-dinner treat or as the centerpiece of a dessert table.
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