The Easy Bundt Cake Recipe is a wonderfully simple and classic dessert that's perfect for almost any occasion-whether you're baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a special celebration. It's a cake that looks impressive thanks to the signature ring shape of the Bundt pan, yet it's surprisingly straightforward to make. You'll love how the golden edges and tender crumb come together effortlessly with a few pantry staples.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Bundt Cake Recipe hits the perfect combination of simplicity and satisfying flavor. I often rely on it when I want a homemade cake without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. The batter comes together quickly and bakes into a cake that's moist yet has a slight golden crust, delivering a reliable crowd-pleaser every time.
- Consistent Texture: The balance of flour, butter, and milk creates a tender crumb that's never dry or dense.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Vanilla and well-creamed butter give this cake a homey, rich taste without being overpowering.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry basics keep prep straightforward and accessible anytime.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: With just 15 minutes to prep and a quick bake, you get an elegant cake ready to impress.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing your ingredients thoughtfully makes all the difference with this Easy Bundt Cake Recipe. I always recommend using fresh, good-quality staples-they really shine through in such a straightforward cake.
- All-purpose flour: Use fresh flour for the best texture; sift it for a lighter crumb if you like.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar works beautifully to give a clean sweetness and nice caramelization on the crust.
- Unsalted butter: Bring it to room temperature for smooth creaming and richer flavor control.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and silkiness-the fat content really helps keep the cake tender.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is key; avoid imitation for the best aromatic depth.
- Baking powder and salt: Always check these are fresh for proper rise and balanced flavor.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Easy Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, give your Bundt pan a good grease with butter or a nonstick spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This little step helps you avoid any sticky situations later and ensures your cake will slip right out. The texture of the cake's crust is lovely when it has those slightly craggy, golden edges from this prep.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, in a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This can take a good 3-5 minutes with a mixer or a bit longer by hand, but it's worth the effort. When you add the eggs one at a time, beat well after each addition. Adding vanilla after the eggs helps marry those flavors smoothly. Finally, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk to keep the batter silky; mix just until combined so you don't overwork it. You'll notice the batter is thick but spreadable-exactly what you want for a moist yet sturdy cake.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Baking takes about 50 to 60 minutes-plan for patience as the toasty aroma builds in your kitchen. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center and watch for it to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. Letting it cool too long in the pan can cause sogginess, so this step helps keep the edges crisp. You'll love seeing the cake's beautiful shape emerge, with its golden crust and tender crumb inviting you to dig in.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make my Easy Bundt Cake Recipe even more foolproof and delicious. They might seem small, but they really take the cake from good to great.
- Doneness Cue: Look for lightly golden edges pulling away from the pan and a clean toothpick test for perfect bake.
- Temperature Trick: Let your butter soften at room temp-not melted-so it creams nicely without greasy spots.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can bake this cake a day ahead and keep it wrapped tightly; flavors deepen overnight.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overmix once adding flour to avoid a tough cake; stop mixing as soon as you see dry streaks disappear.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
A simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonders for this Easy Bundt Cake Recipe, letting that beautiful shape shine through. I also enjoy a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice if you want a bit more sweetness and shine. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a fresh, bright contrast that's both easy and elegant. These finishes bring out the best in the cake's tender texture and buttery flavor without complicating the process.
Great Pairings
You'll find this cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, making it a great afternoon treat. If you want to add a bit more balance, fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a citrus compote brightens each bite. Creamy mascarpone or vanilla ice cream also complements the cake's richness, creating a delightful mix of warm and cold sensations.
Easy Plating Wins
For a casual weeknight dessert, just slice the cake and serve on simple plates with a dusting of sugar. For more special occasions, I love arranging small clusters of fresh mint leaves and berries around the cake on a serving platter. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds a touch of luxury without much extra effort. These simple styling ideas make your cake look as good as it tastes, with very little fuss.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, popping it into the fridge keeps it fresh for another 3 to 4 days. The cake holds onto its moistness well, but I recommend letting chilled slices come to room temperature before serving-they taste best when not too cold.
Freezer Notes
This cake freezes nicely if you wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, preventing freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Freezing may slightly soften the crust, but the texture inside stays beautifully tender.
Reheating Easy Bundt Cake Recipe Without Drying Out
To gently warm slices without drying, use your microwave at 50% power for about 20 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10 minutes. An air fryer can help restore slight crispness to the edges-just 3 to 5 minutes at 320°F does the trick. Adding a tiny dab of butter before reheating helps maintain that tender, silky texture you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
For best results, stick to all-purpose flour as it provides the right balance of protein for structure and tenderness. Using cake flour can make the cake too delicate and might affect the rise, while whole wheat flour will create a denser texture.
Make sure to grease your pan thoroughly with softened butter or nonstick spray and then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Let the cake cool just 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out gently. Overcooking can also cause sticking, so watch your bake time carefully.
Absolutely! This Easy Bundt Cake Recipe is a great base. You can stir in lemon zest, cinnamon, or even fold in fresh berries or chocolate chips. Just remember that extra moisture-heavy add-ins might require a bit more baking time.
Yes, the traditional Bundt pan gives this cake its signature shape and helps with even baking. However, if you don't have one, a regular tube pan or Bundt-style pan can work, but the presentation and texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Easy Bundt Cake Recipe
A classic and easy Bundt cake recipe that yields a moist and tender vanilla-flavored cake, perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe uses common pantry ingredients and requires minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract to be evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth creamed mixture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- If you don't have a Bundt pan, a tube pan or regular cake pan can be used but adjust baking time accordingly.
- You can dust the Bundt cake with powdered sugar or glaze it once cooled for extra sweetness.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before removing from the pan to prevent breaking.
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