Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with our irresistibly moist and tender Chocolate Bundt Cake, beautifully crowned with a luscious vanilla glaze. This dessert is a dream come true for any chocolate lover, offering a rich, deep flavor profile and a wonderfully soft crumb. Whether you serve it simply glazed, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, an assortment of seasonal berries, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream, this cake promises an easy yet elegant finish to any meal or a delightful treat for any occasion.
What is a Bundt Cake? The Secret to Superior Moistness
A Bundt cake is defined not by its ingredients, but by the distinctive pan in which it’s baked. The Bundt pan features a characteristic round shape with fluted or decorative sides and a hollow tube in the center. This unique design isn’t just for aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in the cake’s texture and cooking process. The central tube allows for more of the cake batter to come into contact with the hot pan, facilitating faster and more even heat distribution. This means Bundt cakes often bake more quickly and uniformly than cakes in traditional round pans, significantly reducing the risk of a raw center or dry edges. The increased surface area also contributes to a perfectly moist and dense cake, making Bundt pans ideal for recipes that benefit from a rich, tender crumb.
The Ultimate Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake: A Double Chocolate Delight
Prepare to delight every chocolate aficionado in your home with this exceptional glazed chocolate Bundt cake. Our recipe achieves an unparalleled depth of flavor by incorporating a double dose of chocolate: rich cocoa powder for an intense chocolate base and abundant chocolate chips scattered throughout the batter, which melt into pockets of pure bliss. What truly sets this cake apart is the inclusion of sour cream in the batter. Sour cream introduces a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate, but more importantly, it’s the secret weapon for an incredibly moist, tender, and finely crumbed cake that practically melts in your mouth.
Bundt cake pans are inherently fantastic for baking cakes that are both moist and dense. The generous surface area means the cake doesn’t need to spend as long in the oven, allowing it to retain moisture and achieve that coveted tender texture. This design ensures that every slice is as perfect as the last, with no dry spots to be found.
While delicious on its own, this chocolate Bundt cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. For an extra layer of decadence, consider serving it with a warm Hot Fudge Sauce, a drizzle of luscious homemade chocolate syrup, a rich chocolate ganache frosting, or even a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. These additions elevate the cake to a level of indulgence typically associated with elaborate layered cakes, but without any of the extra effort. For those who enjoy fruit pairings, it’s also exquisite topped with a velvety caramel sauce, juicy macerated strawberries, or a vibrant homemade strawberry sauce. The possibilities are endless for customizing this delightful dessert!
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake
Crafting the perfect chocolate Bundt cake begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cake. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure without making the cake too dense. For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact it and lead to a dry cake.
- Cocoa Powder: The source of our rich chocolate flavor. For this recipe, we recommend a higher quality natural cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder is acidic and reacts with baking soda to create lift, ensuring a tender crumb. Dutch-processed cocoa, which is less acidic, would require adjustments to the leavening agents.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are our leavening agents, working in tandem to give the cake its beautiful rise and airy texture. Baking soda specifically reacts with the acidic sour cream, while baking powder provides an additional boost. Ensure both are fresh for optimal results.
- Sour Cream: A star ingredient that contributes significantly to the cake’s extraordinary moistness and tender texture. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. You can use full-fat or light sour cream, and for a slight flavor variation, Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as binders, providing structure and richness to the cake. They also help with leavening. Like sour cream, using room-temperature eggs allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more uniform cake texture.
- Butter: Melted butter infuses the cake with rich flavor and moisture. Melting it first helps create a dense yet tender crumb characteristic of many Bundt cakes. Make sure to let your melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar plays a vital role in moisture retention and contributing to a tender crumb and even browning.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to enhance all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate, making them more pronounced and balanced.
- Chocolate Chips: These provide delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake, intensifying the chocolate experience. Feel free to use regular, mini, or even chocolate chunks. Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored chips like peanut butter or white chocolate for an exciting twist.
The Simple & Sweet Glaze for Chocolate Bundt Cake
A simple yet elegant glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to our chocolate Bundt cake. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients:
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this forms the base of our smooth, pourable glaze. Sifting it before use is crucial to remove any lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.
- Milk: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work to thin the glaze to your desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that beautifully complements the chocolate. For a subtle alternative, a touch of almond extract can also be used.
How to Make This Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this stunning chocolate Bundt cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect bake every time:
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the cake goes in, promoting an even rise. Properly prepare your 9 or 10-cup Bundt cake pan by thoroughly greasing it with butter or baking spray, then lightly flouring it. Make sure to tap out any excess flour, leaving only a thin, even coating. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Sifting the flour and cocoa powder can help prevent lumps and ensure a lighter texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream and eggs until the eggs are fully broken up and incorporated. Then, gradually add the slightly cooled melted butter to this mixture, whisking until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Gently add the dry ingredients into the sour cream mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together until they are almost completely mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Just before the batter is fully combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed. The batter will be quite stiff, which is perfectly normal for a moist Bundt cake.
- Fill and Bake: Scrape the thick cake batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
- Cool and Invert: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling period is vital; it allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to release from the pan without breaking. After this initial cooling, place a serving plate or cooling rack over the top of the Bundt pan and carefully flip the cake onto it. Lift the pan off and let the cake cool completely on the rack before glazing.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This cake is absolutely divine served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries, or simply enjoyed on its own. Enjoy your heavenly chocolate creation!
Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake Glaze
The sweet vanilla glaze provides a beautiful contrast and an extra layer of flavor to the rich chocolate cake. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps.
- Adjust Consistency: The key to a perfect glaze is its consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a half-teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable but not watery consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the cake but still flow smoothly.
Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Bundt Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality Bundt cake is easy with these simple tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the melted butter, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in your finished cake.
- Proper Pan Preparation is Key: Don’t skimp on greasing and flouring your Bundt pan. Use a generous amount of butter or baking spray (one that contains flour) and get into every crevice. Then, dust with flour, rotating the pan to coat thoroughly, and tap out any excess. This is the most critical step to prevent sticking.
- Do Not Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dry cake. A few small lumps are better than an overmixed batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Bundt cakes can dry out quickly if baked for too long. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested baking time (around 30 minutes for this recipe). A toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes is essential. This time lets the cake structure stabilize, making it much easier to invert without breaking. Flipping it too soon can cause it to collapse, and waiting too long can make it stick.
- Sift Powdered Sugar for Glaze: For a truly smooth glaze without any grainy bits, always sift your powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Bundt Cake
How Do I Keep Cake From Sticking to a Bundt Pan?
Preventing your Bundt cake from sticking is a two-part process. First, ensure proper pan preparation: thoroughly grease every crevice of your Bundt pan with butter, shortening, or a baking spray that contains flour. Then, lightly flour the entire surface, tapping out any excess. Second, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes after baking before attempting to invert it onto your serving plate. This cooling period allows the cake to firm up and pull away from the pan’s edges. If you’re still experiencing difficulty, a thin, flexible knife can be gently run around the edges to help release it, but careful preparation and cooling are usually sufficient.
How should I store leftover glazed chocolate cake?
To keep your glazed chocolate Bundt cake fresh, wrap any unfinished portions tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight cake carrier. Stored this way, the cake will remain wonderfully moist and delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. This helps preserve its texture and flavor.
Can I freeze a Bundt cake?
Yes, Bundt cakes freeze beautifully, especially if unglazed. To freeze, ensure the cake is completely cool. Wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once thawed, you can prepare and apply the glaze as directed and serve.
Do I have to use a Bundt pan to make this cake?
While the Bundt pan offers its unique aesthetic and baking advantages, you absolutely can make this chocolate cake in other pans. The baking time will vary, but here are some suitable substitutions:
- Two 8”x4”x2 ½” loaf pans
- One 9”x3” angel food cake pan
- One 9”x3” regular springform pan
Always adjust baking times and check for doneness with a toothpick, as different pan sizes and materials conduct heat differently.
Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
This moist and tender chocolate bundt cake recipe is full of chocolate flavor and topped with a sweet vanilla icing. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an easy, heavenly chocolate lover’s dessert.
10 mins
35 mins
45 mins
12 people
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Bundt Cake Icing
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease and flour a 9 or 10 cup bundt cake pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and eggs and whisk to break up the eggs, then add the melted butter and whisk again.
- Add the dry ingredients into the sour cream mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until almost completely mixed, then carefully fold in the chocolate chips until mixed completely. Scrape the cake batter into the prepared bundt cake pan and spread evenly—the batter will be stiff.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool for about 5 minutes, then put a plate or serving dish on the top of the bundt cake pan and flip the cake onto the serving plate.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake and let it set up before slicing to serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. Enjoy!
Bundt Cake Glaze
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Add more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Storing instructions: wrap leftover cake in aluminum foil and store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or up to 1 month in the freezer.
Nutrition
Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 492IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Dessert
American
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More Delicious Bundt Cake Recipes to Explore!
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and elegance of Bundt cakes, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of the Bundt pan allows for endless creative possibilities. Here are some more fantastic Bundt cake recipes from our collection that you might enjoy:
- Bright and Zesty Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
- Celebratory Funfetti Bundt Cake
- Tangy and Refreshing Lime Bundt Cake
- Sweet and Tart Lemon Raspberry Bundt Cake
- Exotic Coconut Filled Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Rich and Dense Chocolate Pound Cake
- Discover more delightful Cake Recipes
- Browse our full collection of Dessert Recipes
- And don’t miss our classic Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
This Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake is truly a standout—simple to prepare, yet delivering a luxurious double dose of chocolate flavor thanks to both cocoa powder and chocolate chips, all perfected with a sweet vanilla icing. It’s the ideal dessert for impressing guests or simply treating yourself and your family to something truly special.