Bundt cakes from scratch are a timeless classic, known for their beautiful, intricate shape and moist, tender crumb. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or simply as a treat for yourself, a homemade Bundt cake from scratch is always a crowd-pleaser. One of the best things about Bundt cakes is their versatility — from the flavor combinations you can create to the many ways you can decorate and glaze them.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to bake the perfect Bundt cake from scratch, including tips on mixing, baking, and decorating your cake. If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this elegant dessert, follow this step-by-step recipe and get ready to enjoy a Bundt cake that’s golden, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious!
Why Bake a Bundt Cake From Scratch?
Bundt cakes are beloved for their unique, sculptural design, which allows for even baking and a beautiful presentation. The Bundt pan’s fluted sides and central tube shape not only make for a striking appearance but also help bake the cake more evenly, ensuring a moist interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Whether you’re making a simple vanilla Bundt cake or experimenting with more adventurous flavors, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious.
Plus, the Bundt cake’s shape is ideal for drizzling with glazes or icing. You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or you can get creative with zesty citrus glazes, chocolate drizzles, or even a rich cream cheese frosting. No matter what flavor you choose, the Bundt cake is a versatile dessert that works for any occasion.
Ingredients for the Perfect Bundt Cake From Scratch
To make a Bundt cake from scratch, you’ll need basic pantry ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
For the Bundt Cake From Scratch:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cake that provides structure.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Reacts with the acidic ingredients (like buttermilk) to help the cake rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor and enhances the other ingredients.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional): Adds a refreshing citrus flavor.
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For a simple, sweet glaze.
- 2 tbsp milk or lemon juice: Adds liquid to the glaze, giving it the right consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: For extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Bundt Cake From Scratch
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start mixing ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is essential for even baking. Also, grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly. This step ensures the cake will release easily from the pan once it’s baked. You can use a non-stick baking spray that contains flour, or you can grease the pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, helping the cake rise and bake evenly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Creaming these two ingredients helps to incorporate air into the batter, which results in a light and fluffy cake. Continue to mix until the butter and sugar are pale and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
One by one, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are fully mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the cake’s flavor and balance the richness of the butter.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
To ensure the batter stays light and fluffy, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter and egg mixture. Start by adding about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, followed by 1/3 of the buttermilk. Repeat this process until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Pour the Batter into the Bundt Pan
Once your batter is mixed, pour it evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make sure the batter is evenly distributed. This will help the cake bake evenly and ensure it comes out of the pan without any sticking.
7. Bake the Bundt Cake From Scratch
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and have a slight pull from the edges of the pan. Avoid opening the oven door too often while the cake is baking, as this can cause the cake to deflate.
8. Cool and Remove from Pan
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is crucial to help the cake set and release from the pan. After it has cooled slightly, carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a wire rack and gently remove the cake. Let it cool completely before adding any glaze or icing.
9. Make the Glaze (Optional)
If you want to add a glaze to your Bundt cake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Drizzle it over the cooled cake, letting it run down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Bundt cake is ready to serve! Slice it up and enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. This cake is perfect for any occasion and will stay moist for several days if stored properly.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Bundt Cake From Scratch
1. Grease the Pan Well
One of the most important steps when baking a Bundt cake is making sure your pan is well-greased. The intricate design of the Bundt pan can make it difficult to remove the cake if it sticks. Use a non-stick baking spray that contains flour, or grease the pan with butter and dust with flour, making sure to get into all the grooves.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to become dense and tough. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. This will help keep the cake light and airy.
3. Cool the Cake Before Glazing
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding any glaze or icing. If the cake is still warm, the glaze will melt and slide off the cake. Cooling the cake also ensures that it sets properly and is easy to slice.
4. Customize Your Cake
One of the great things about Bundt cakes is how versatile they are. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite flavors, such as lemon zest, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin puree or apple chunks.
5. Store the Cake Properly
To keep your Bundt cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re making the cake ahead of time, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Why A Bundt Cake From Scratch Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Bundt cakes are not only delicious, but they are also a showstopper dessert for any occasion. Their elegant shape makes them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or even casual gatherings. With a moist, tender crumb and the option to customize flavors and toppings, Bundt cakes are a versatile and impressive dessert that can be tailored to suit any taste preference.
Whether you’re baking a simple vanilla Bundt cake or experimenting with new flavors, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that your Bundt cake will turn out perfectly every time. Plus, with the tips and tricks shared in this guide, you’ll be able to troubleshoot any issues and bake with confidence.
Yummy Rum Bundt Cake
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
- 3.4 Ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 8 Tablespoons Butter Unsalted, room temperature
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 Cup Milk Room temperature
- 4 Eggs Large
- 1/2 Cup Rum
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Teaspoon Butter Rum Flavoring
For The Icing
- 1 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Rum
Instructions
Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Sift the flour, sugar, vanilla pudding mix, salt and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter and vegetable oil, and mix on medium speed until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in the milk and eggs until the mixture is creamy and smooth being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as you mix it.
- Add the rum, vanilla and butter rum flavor and stir these into the batter thoroughly.
- Spritz your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, or grease it and flour the sides well to ensure that the cake releases well.
- Pour the batter into the bundt cake pan and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until done. To determine if done, insert a strand of uncooked spaghetti into the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes, then remove it from the pan placing it on top of your cake plate.
Make The Icing
- Mix the rum with the powdered sugar, and pour it over the cake. If it is too thick to drizzle over the cake, then add 1/2 tablespoons of rum at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Allow the icing to set for 30 minutes before serving.
