Bundt cakes carry a charming aura of nostalgia and warmth, often reminding us of family gatherings and celebrations. Their distinct shape, characterized by a central tube and fluted edges, offers a visually appealing presentation that can elevate any occasion.
Why We Love This Bundt Cake Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic Bundt cake. It’s not just about how it looks; it’s about the flavors and textures that come together in each slice. You get a luscious bite from the combination of rich cream cheese and unsalted butter, lending a moistness that’s deeply satisfying. Add the hint of vanilla, the sweet crunch of sugar, and the tender crumb of perfectly baked flour, and you have the makings of a true dessert masterpiece.
This Bundt cake is versatile. You can enjoy it plain, dressed up with a glaze, or paired with fresh fruits and whipped cream. Each option transforms the cake into a new experience, inviting you to explore tastes that complement each other beautifully. As you gather with loved ones, this Bundt cake becomes the centerpiece, a reason to celebrate the joys of life while creating lasting memories.
Ingredients for Bundt Cake
To create your delectable Bundt cake, gather the following ingredients, which will form the base of this fabulous dessert.
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (78 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
These ingredients work in harmony to produce a moist and flavorful cake with a rich texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Bundt Cake Directions
Creating a Bundt cake involves a few straightforward steps, making it an accessible activity for bakers of all levels. Follow these instructions to ensure your cake is a success.
Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While this happens, take the chance to prepare your Bundt pan. Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray and dust it with flour to ensure an easy release when it comes time to unmold your cake.
Mix the butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Using a mixer set to medium speed, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, changing in color as air is incorporated. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate the sugar and eggs: Gradually add in the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until it is well combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. It’s essential to scrape the sides of the bowl after adding the eggs to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the flour mixture.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: With your mixer set to low speed, begin adding the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well mixed but not overbeaten.
Fill the Bundt pan: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. Ensure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan to achieve a uniform shape once baked.
Bake the cake: Place your filled Bundt pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready.
Cool and invert: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15-30 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying any glaze.
Make the glaze: For the heavenly glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Gradually add milk, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency. It should be pourable yet thick enough to coat the cake without running off entirely.
Glaze your Bundt cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the cake. Give the glaze time to set before you slice into your beautiful creation.
How to Serve Bundt Cake
Serving your Bundt cake can be just as delightful as making it. To present the cake beautifully, place it on a cake stand or a decorative plate. As you slice, you’ll reveal the tender, moist interior adorned with a silky glaze that glistens enticingly.
Consider pairing your Bundt cake with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh fruits like berries or slices of citrus can add a refreshing twist to each bite. You can also brainstorm creative ways to garnish your cake, such as dusting it with powdered sugar or sprinkling it with nuts for added texture.
When serving at gatherings, slice the cake into generous portions, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a hearty piece. Your guests will surely appreciate the effort you put into this delightful treat, making it a highlight of any occasion.
Expert Tips for Bundt Cake
Creating the perfect Bundt cake can be even more rewarding when you incorporate a few expert tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your skills and the overall outcome:
Use quality ingredients: Quality matters when baking. Choose fresh eggs, high-quality butter, and real vanilla extract. These will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your cake.
Room temperature ingredients: For best results, ensure all refrigerated ingredients, like eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly, creating a light and fluffy batter.
Don’t rush the mixing process: Take your time during the mixing steps. Properly mixing each ingredient helps to fully incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a great rise and light texture.
Additional flavorings: Consider adding a twist by incorporating additional flavors such as lemon zest or almond extract. These can enhance the overall profile of your Bundt cake.
Monitor baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. Check for doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry cake.
How to Store Bundt Cake
In the event you have leftovers (if that’s even possible!), storing your Bundt cake properly will keep it fresh for days. Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake snugly, ensuring no air can dry it out.
For longer storage, consider placing the wrapped cake in an airtight container. If you wish, you can freeze your Bundt cake to enjoy later. Just be sure to wrap it thoroughly to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Variations of Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures. Here are a few variations to inspire your next baking endeavor:
Chocolate Bundt Cake: Replace some of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate treat that pairs wonderfully with a chocolate glaze or frosting.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake: Add lemon zest and poppy seeds to your batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. A lemon glaze would complement this cake beautifully.
Nut and Spice Bundt Cake: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added depth and warmth.
Caramel Drizzle Bundt Cake: After glazing, drizzle caramel over the top of your Bundt cake for an added layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Fruit-Filled Bundt Cake: Fold in fresh berries or diced fruits into the batter to create bursts of flavor in each slice. A cream cheese filling can also add a delightful contrast.
FAQ on Bundt Cake
What is a Bundt cake?
A Bundt cake is a cake that is baked in a Bundt pan, which has a distinctive shape allowing for both aesthetic appeal and even baking. It can come in various flavors and is often topped with glazes or frostings.
Why is my Bundt cake sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, ensure that you thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan before pouring in the batter. Allowing the cake to cool slightly before inverting it can also help.
Can I use a different pan for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for a Bundt pan, you can use a similar-sized tube pan. However, the appearance and cooking time may vary if you choose a different type of pan.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Bundt cake?
Consider adding extracts, spices, or zests to the batter. Chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits can also bring unique flavors and textures to the cake.
Bundt Cake
Equipment
- Bundt Pan
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls:
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup whole milk
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–3 tablespoons milk more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
- Cream the softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add granulated sugar gradually and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15–30 minutes.
- Invert onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely before glazing.
- To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1–3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled Bundt cake. Let set before serving.