The Ultimate Foolproof Bundt Cake Recipe

I remember the first time I saw a bundt cake—it looked so impressive and elegant, almost like it belonged in a fancy bakery. But I was intimidated by the idea of baking one at home. Over time, I realized that bundt cake is surprisingly easy and rewarding to make. Today, I’m excited to share with you the ultimate guide to bundt cake, filled with simple recipes and foolproof tips.

Table of Contents

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Bundt Cake Resource

• I teach you exactly how to prevent sticking, so you won’t waste time or ingredients on rescue missions.
• I explain how to get a tender crumb every time, turning you into a confident baker.
• You’ll find a curated list of the best bundt cake recipes, so you don’t have to guess which ones work.
• This guide is designed for busy cooks who want results without stress or confusion.

Watch: How to Get Your Bundt Cake Out of the Pan Perfectly

To ease your bundt cake worries, check out this quick 90-second video with my top tips to release your cake cleanly from the pan every time. It’s the simplest way to conquer the #1 fear of bundt cake baking.

Our Classic, Never-Fail Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake

This vanilla bean bundt cake is the perfect place to start your bundt baking journey. It’s reliable, delicious, and comes together with straightforward steps you can follow easily. Let’s make this recipe together, and you’ll see how approachable bundt cake baking can truly be!

Ingredients

Here is exactly what you’ll need:

• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup vegetable shortening (room temperature)
• ¼ cup unflavored vegetable oil (I use canola oil)
• 2¼ cups white granulated sugar
• 1 cup cream cheese (room temperature, 8 ounces in the US. Use a firm cream cheese.)
• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract/essence
• ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (also known as icing/confectioners sugar)
• 2 tsps vegetable shortening (melted)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract/essence
• 3 tbsp whole milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake this beautiful bundt cake together!

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Set your oven rack in the lower third and preheat to 180 °C (350°F) conventional (see note for convection). Generously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or use a baking spray with flour. Set aside.
2. Sift dry ingredients. Sift together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream shortening, oil, and sugar. In a large bowl, cream vegetable shortening, oil, and sugar for 3 minutes on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Do not overcream.
4. Mix in cream cheese. Add cream cheese and mix on low-medium speed until well combined.
5. Add eggs gradually. Add eggs two at a time, mixing on low speed until each addition is incorporated before adding the next two. Continue until all six eggs are used.
6. Add vanilla extract. Mix in vanilla on low speed until combined. Remove batter from attachments as remaining mixing is by hand.
7. Fold in dry ingredients and milk. Fold half the dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Pour in the milk and fold again until just incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and fold until uniform with no flour streaks. Avoid overmixing.
8. Bake the batter. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan, smooth top, gently shake and tap pan to release air bubbles. Bake for 50–55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean or with few moist crumbs. Check at 45 minutes; cover with foil if browning too fast.
9. Cool before removing. Let cake cool in pan for 45 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling (see note if bundt cake doesn’t release).
10. Prepare the vanilla glaze. When cake is completely cool, combine powdered sugar, melted vegetable shortening, vanilla, and milk. Stir until smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust consistency with sugar or milk as needed.
11. Glaze the cake. Pour glaze evenly over cooled bundt cake and allow to set for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Bundt Cake 101: Your Keys to Success

Understanding the basics transforms a simple cake into a showstopper. Here are the fundamentals that build your baking confidence and guarantee success.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Bundt Pan

Bundt pans come in various materials, most commonly cast aluminum and non-stick. Cast aluminum pans distribute heat evenly for consistent baking, while non-stick pans help with easy release. Choose a 10- or 12-cup capacity pan for most recipes to ensure proper batter volume and rising.

The Foolproof Pan-Prep Method (To Prevent Sticking)

Proper pan preparation is essential:

• Thoroughly grease every nook and cranny: use vegetable shortening or a baking spray containing flour.
• Dust the greased pan with flour, tapping out excess to prevent clumps.
• Alternatively, a homemade cake release (a mix of shortening and flour) provides excellent coverage.

This method ensures your bundt cake releases cleanly without damage or sticking. For more detailed techniques, you can learn how to prevent bundt cakes from sticking.

Mixing, Baking, and Cooling for a Perfect Crumb

• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter and even baking.
• Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep the texture tender.
• Bake on the lower oven rack for balanced heat exposure.
• Allow the cake to cool 45 minutes in the pan before removing to prevent breaking.

Beyond the Bake: Easy Decorating Ideas

Elevate your bundt cake easily with:

• A light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant simplicity.
• Thick chocolate ganache poured over the top for indulgence.
• Fresh berries paired with whipped cream for a fresh, colorful touch.
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adding rich sweetness.
• Chopped nuts or toasted coconut sprinkled on the glaze for texture.

More Bundt Cake Recipes to Love

Now that you have a solid master recipe and know the techniques, it’s time to explore other irresistible flavors. Here are some curated favorites to inspire your baking adventures.

Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cakes

Discover chocolate bundts with rich cocoa intensity and moist crumb. Perfect for cozy nights or special celebrations. Each recipe comes with tips to nail the flavor and texture every time.

Bright & Fruity Bundt Cakes

Liven up your bundt with citrusy, strawberry, or apple notes. These recipes bring freshness and sweetness, ideal for spring or summer gatherings.

Cozy Fall & Winter Spice Bundt Cakes

Embrace warm spices like pumpkin, gingerbread, or apple cider for those chilly months. These recipes fill your home with comforting aromas and festive flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting)

Problem	Cause	Solution
Bundt cake stuck to the pan	Inadequate greasing, no flour	Follow foolproof pan-prep method exactly
Cake dry or dense	Overmixing batter or overbaking	Mix gently, monitor baking time carefully
How to store bundt cake	N/A	Store unglazed cake in dome or plastic; glazed cake covered loosely at room temp
Can you freeze a bundt cake?	N/A	Yes! Freeze unglazed, wrapped tightly; thaw at room temp before glazing

Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?

Common issues include not greasing and flouring thoroughly or trying to unmold the cake too soon or too late. Please revisit the pan-prep section for detailed guidance on preventing sticking.

Why is my bundt cake dry or dense?

Overmixing batter after adding flour develops gluten, causing density. Overbaking removes moisture and dries out the cake. Be gentle with folding and watch your baking time closely.

How do I store a bundt cake?

Store an unglazed bundt cake at room temperature under a cake dome or loosely covered with plastic wrap. For a glazed cake, cover it loosely to protect the glaze without trapping moisture.

Can you freeze a bundt cake?

Absolutely! Freeze your bundt cake unglazed for best results. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw at room temperature before glazing to keep flavors fresh and texture perfect.

Conclusion

Baking the perfect bundt cake is easier than it looks when you have the right tips and recipe in your corner. From pan prep to the final glaze, you can trust yourself to create a beautiful, delicious cake every time. Which of these beautiful bundt cake recipes are you excited to bake first? Let me know in the comments below—I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!