Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe

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Craving a rich and indulgent chocolate cake that’s perfect for any occasion? This Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe is your answer!

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake offers the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and a decadent chocolate glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

Made with simple pantry staples and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze, this Bundt cake is both easy to make and incredibly impressive when served.

Ingredients List

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the pan)
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (Dutch process for the best flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the pan)
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for added moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup (to give the glaze a glossy finish)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing this decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake a breeze. Here are the essential items you’ll need:

  1. Bundt Cake Pan: Choose a 10-inch Bundt pan to ensure your cake has plenty of space to rise evenly and maintain its beautiful shape.
  2. Electric Mixer: While you can mix everything by hand, an electric mixer will help you achieve a smooth, well-combined batter in no time.
  3. Cooling Rack: After the cake has baked, a cooling rack will allow the heat to escape and help the cake cool evenly, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy.
  4. Small Saucepan: You’ll need this for making the chocolate glaze. A small saucepan ensures the glaze ingredients melt together smoothly without burning.

Cake Preparation

Preparing the perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake is easier than you might think. With the right steps, you’ll achieve a moist, flavorful cake with a smooth crumb that melts in your mouth. Follow these simple instructions to create a showstopper dessert!

Mixing the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
    Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan generously with butter, then lightly dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Set aside.
  2. Melt Butter and Cocoa:
    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the cocoa powder, kosher salt, and water. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer for a minute or two, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    While the cocoa mixture is cooling, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda in a separate bowl. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
  5. Add Cocoa Mixture and Dry Ingredients:
    Slowly pour the cooled cocoa mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Pouring and Baking

  1. Pour the Batter Into the Pan:
    Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased Bundt pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter, ensuring it fills the pan evenly and reaches all the edges. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
  2. Bake the Cake:
    Bake the Chocolate Bundt Cake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be sure to check the cake after 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  3. Cool the Cake:
    Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This gives it time to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Afterward, carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a cooling rack to release the cake. Let the cake cool completely before glazing.

Chocolate Glaze Preparation

A rich, glossy chocolate glaze can elevate your Bundt cake from delicious to decadent. This simple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, providing a shiny, smooth finish that complements the moistness of the cake. Here’s how to make it:

Melting the Glaze Ingredients

  1. Heat the Heavy Cream:
    Start by placing the heavy cream and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil over.
  2. Add the Chocolate:
    Once the cream is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and corn syrup to the hot cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate has fully melted and the glaze is smooth. The corn syrup will help give the glaze a lovely, glossy finish.
  3. Let the Glaze Cool Slightly:
    Allow the chocolate glaze to cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it thick enough to drizzle over the cake, but not so thick that it won’t pour smoothly.

Glazing the Bundt Cake

  1. Glaze the Cake:
    Once the Bundt cake has cooled completely, pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake. Start from the center of the cake and allow the glaze to drip down the sides, covering the entire surface. You can use a spatula to help spread the glaze evenly if needed.
  2. Let the Glaze Set:
    After glazing, let the cake sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow the glaze to set and harden slightly. This gives the cake a beautiful, glossy finish and helps the glaze stay in place when slicing.

Serving and Decoration

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is stunning on its own with its smooth, glossy glaze, but if you’re looking to add a little extra flair or sweetness, there are a few easy ways to elevate your presentation:

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

  • Powdered Sugar:
    For a classic touch, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a hint of sweetness and gives the cake a beautiful, professional look without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.
  • Chopped Nuts:
    If you love a bit of crunch with your cake, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds over the top. The nutty texture pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Fresh Berries:
    For a burst of color and freshness, serve the Bundt cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cake and adds a delightful contrast.
  • Whipped Cream:
    A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side can add a light, airy contrast to the dense, moist cake. It’s the perfect complement to the rich chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for all kinds of celebrations — from birthdays and holidays to casual get-togethers. Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an irresistible treat. It’s rich enough to stand on its own but versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, toppings, and beverages.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Your Chocolate Bundt Cake Fresh

If you somehow have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing your cake properly will ensure it stays fresh for a few days.

  1. Room Temperature Storage:
    Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful, and the glaze will maintain its glossy finish.
  2. Refrigeration:
    If you want to extend the freshness of the cake, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as chilled chocolate cake may not have the same soft texture.

Freezing the Cake

If you want to keep your Chocolate Bundt Cake for even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or heat it up in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is the epitome of dessert perfection—rich, moist, and utterly decadent. From its smooth chocolate glaze to its melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or simply indulging in a sweet treat, it’s sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and options for customization, you’ll find yourself making this chocolate cake over and over again. Don’t forget the storage tips so you can enjoy it for days after!

I'm Jennifer Tirrell, a self-taught baker, and founder of CakeRe. As an experienced baker and recipe publisher, I have spent over a decade working in the kitchen and have tried and tested countless baking tools and products. From classic cakes to creative twists, I've got you covered. So grab your apron and let's get baking!

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