Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake is a unique recipe, super moist, can be festive or not, includes the best chocolate cake glaze and is definitely worth a try!
Vanilla Bundt Cake Recipe
Everyone need a fabulous vanilla bundt cake recipe and you have just found a definite keeper. This cake is super moist and takes minimal effort to create.
A bundt cake is named after the tin it's baked in. It's round with a funnel in the center.
The funnel in the center allows for more of the cake to be touching the sides of the tin where it is the warmest.
In other words, you get a firm crust all over the cake instead of just being around the outside edges. It creates a firmer cake but you have to watch the mixture so the cake doesn't come out dry or dense.
In my opinion, the cake tastes better when baked that way, but as my husband points out, it tastes exactly the same. He is right, but I still feel that way.
This may sound ridiculous to many of you but I think it's kind of true, in a way. The fancier the cake looks the better it tastes. My grandma used to always say that and I believed her while I was growing up. Guess what? I still do!
Moist Bundt Cake Recipe
Bundt cakes can turn out dry or dense sometimes and that leads to disaster in the kitchen, as I always say. When made correctly a bundt cake can be a wonderful thing and a delicious way to celebrate any occasion.
It should be light and moist with a fluffy texture and this recipe definitely meets those requirements.
I once went to a restaurant and ordered a slice of bundt cake and was absolutely disgusted. It was dry as heck and tasted like a dense, grainy thing that reminded me of a rock. I complained and got the cake for free but I was so disappointed with the experience.
How could a restaurant serve something like that I thought and was instantly grateful for this recipe handed down to me. In my opinion, everyone should have a great vanilla bundt cake recipe in their back pocket.
Tips For Making the Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
- be careful not to over mix the ingredients to avoid a dense cake
- fill the bundt cake pan to a maximum of ¾ full otherwise the cake may overflow
- allow all ingredients to achieve room temperature before measuring so your batter will be blended properly and not produce a dense cake
- the cake needs to be totally cool before you turn it on to a rack or lightly sugared plate
- it's a good idea to decide how you're going to decorate your cake before you choose which bundt pan to use, with all the cool shapes and sizes you don't want to cover up the funky designs
Bundt Cake Recipe Swirl
You do not need to include the colorful swirl even though I like to as it just adds some color to an otherwise potentially plain looking cake. The swirl color usually determines the color of the sprinkles or sparkles that end up on top.
My husband and son COMPLETELY disagree with me and don't waste time with the swirl or the sprinkles.
As a matter of fact my son made this specific cake last night and skipped color altogether and even used the vanilla glaze that is listed below, not even the chocolate shown in the photo.
I love them both dearly and just don't understand it.
Best Bundt Cake Coloring
Do you need to add food coloring?
Well, yes. In order to make it look truly like a St. Patrick's Day or Valentine's Day or Halloween cake, you must add food coloring or gel. Just make the color appropriate for the occasion.
That being said, if you like, you can also skip the coloring all together and just enjoy an awesome cake!
The only way to make your vanilla bundt cake green is with green food coloring, liquid or gel.
You can use a couple of tablespoons from the bottles of liquid food coloring that I sometimes use but I find that a drop or two of the gel coloring works better.
At times, the cheaper varieties of liquid food coloring can make the cake cheaper to make but you won't get the same intensity of color.
A great selection of gel based food coloring or just a set of four colors are the best way to go.
If you're making a bundt cake for a certain holiday, just make sure that the sprinkles, sparkles or any other decorations you want match the color inside the cake. It's an easy way to impress and wow your friends and family.
Best Bundt Cake Pan
I have an absolute love for bundt pans. For so many years there was only the same old style. Nowadays, the patterns and designs are so exciting that I just had to share some with you.
My two favorite basic bundt pans that are non stick and have handles are listed below. They are both extremely reliable and reasonably priced. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a pan but I wouldn't buy the cheapest out there either!
My only issue is the pattern, the same regular old pattern that I have been making for years.
What's the BEST kind of Bundt Cake pan to buy?
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 9-Inch Fluted Tube Pan
Nordic Ware ProForm Bundt Pan with Handles
As soon as I found out that there are so many different bundt cake pan patterns I have been going a little crazy with them, to the point my husband even noticed.
I have now stopped at 6 new patterns and I have decided, at least for now, to stop buying more. I just love using all of them and even frosting, glazing or icing them is a lot of fun too! Some are so amazing you hate to start to decorate them, let alone slice into them!
I had to include the different patterns I currently own and there are still so many to choose from, oh my goodness I wish I could buy them all, well almost all of them! Different and definitely spectacular looking and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on your favorites!
Unique Bundt Cake Pans
There are so many more different shapes to choose from, it's just amazing. I won't bore you with showing you any more of them. I am sure you can search for them yourself if you are interested in checking them out.
The most important thing I need to let you know is that with these incredibly shaped bundt pans you have to make sure they are greased and greased well so your bundt cake doesn't stick to your bundt pan.
How do you prevent your cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
If you want your cake to release from the pan without sticking it is possible so don't fret. Even good nonstick pans become less reliable with age. Below I have a few option for you to try to ensure success.
Shortening and Flour
Using shortening and flour will reduce the possibility of sticking to the pan. It is important to keep in mind that using butter is NOT the way to go. Believe it or not but butter can have the opposite effect and become an adhesive. Quite messy and no fun.
Cake Release Coating
There are many pan coating products out there specifically made for baking and cake release. One of my favorites is called Wilton’s Cake Release and I swear by it time and time again. Sometimes I even buy 2 at a time. If this interests you, take a look here.
Simply spray the pan before you put the batter in and you're good to go.
Homemade Pan Release
My grandma passed down a family recipe for homemade non stick pan release that I just have to share with you. You use EQUAL parts of vegetable oil, vegetable shortening and all purpose flour.
You can make as little or as much as you like as it stores on the shelf nicely for about 2 to 3 months and in the fridge for much longer. I swear it is like GOLD and for those of you who like things au naturel, it will become your go to when baking.
Simply use a paper towel or pastry brush and generously coat the inside of the pan, making sure to hit every nook and cranny, especially with those new and artistic designs out there.
How to Glaze a Bundt Cake
I use a good sized resealable bag, add your glaze mixture to it and press it into one corner. Cut the tip off of that corner leaving an opening of about ¾ of an inch.
Hold bag above your totally cooled bundt cake and squeeze all of the thick glaze out slowly, at a steady pace, on to the middle of your cake, going around in a circle, trying not to stop, if possible.
As soon as you get back to where you began just continue on until your bag is empty or you believe you have enough glaze on your cake.
You need your glaze to be thick, yet easily stirred, as you want it to slowly run down the sides of your totally cooled cake while turning your plate or cake stand by hand, especially if you are like me and don't own a turntable.
If you want the glaze to run down a specific side of the cake, depending on your cakes pattern, just stop circling with your glaze for a quick moment, add a bit extra glaze and then keep on going in your circle pattern.
The glaze will be piled up high but do not worry. Next, take the plate or stand supporting your cake and give it a shake up and down to settle the glaze. Lean the cake from one side to the other and the glaze will start to settle and slowly run down the sides of your cake.
Add any decorations you want to at this time while your glaze is still wet. and allow the glaze to set and stiffen for at least an hour before serving.
Perfect Bundt Cake Glaze
Chocolate glaze or sometimes known as ganache is very easy to make and if you need more detailed instructions then see below. I have just included here for your information, the simplified version.
- ½ cup heavy cream, heated
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Make chocolate glaze by whisking together chocolate chips and heated heavy cream until thick and smooth. Pour over your cake, then add decorations if desired. Let icing set and stiffen, then serve as desired.
Vanilla Bundt Cake Glaze
In my opinion the perfect glaze for a bundt cake is chocolate but I still have the need to know a vanilla because the rest of my family loves vanilla!
- 1 cup powdered or icing sugar
- 3-5 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine until totally smooth. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time. If the mixture is too thick, add more cream, a tablespoon or two at a time.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered/icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon milk
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Pour out over your cake, and shake gently from side to side to ensure the glaze drips down.
Cream Cheese Swirl Cake Technique
If you are interested in including a cream cheese swirl in your bundt cake I have included the recipe below, just in case.
Easy Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup sugar
In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine cream cheese, egg, vanilla and sugar until smooth.
Add roughly half of your cake batter in the prepared pan.
Follow that with spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture, all around the bundt pan, in the center of the chocolate batter as much as you possibly can. Be careful not to get it on the sides of the pan.
Finally, add the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese mixture and spread out as evenly as possible.
I usually use a spatula to scoop portions of the remaining batter all over the cream cheese mixture and then try and flatten the chocolate batter out as best you can. Don't stress about it just do your best.
Ingredients in Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
- butter
- sugar
- eggs
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
- milk
- vanilla extract (or mint if you like)
- heavy cream, heated
- chocolate chips
- sprinkles
- food coloring liquid or gel
How to make an Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
Cake
In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar, then the eggs until blended.
Gradually beat in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat in milk until smooth, then scoop out 1 ½ cups and set aside.
Add ¾ cup of white batter to the bundt pan and put rest aside.
Mix remaining batter with green gel coloring, or whatever color, and start pouring batter into a bundt pan, a little at a time, avoiding the edges of the pan.
Add left over ¾ cup of white batter.
Take a hot spoon handle or knife and swirl batter slightly to marble.
Bake at 350 degrees 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and edges turn slightly golden.
Once fully baked, set aside to cool before turning out onto a plate.
Chocolate Glaze for Bundt Cake
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just simmers.
Add chocolate chips and stir until melted.
Let stiffen and then serve as desired.
How do you serve and store an Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
After you ice or frost the cake it needs to be stored in fridge in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 days. When you want to serve the cake, remove it from your refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before you want to serve it. This removes the chill from the cake.
Can you freeze a Vanilla Bundt Cake
It is possible to freeze the vanilla bundt cake but it is recommended to do it without the frosting already on top. Either way it will still freeze for up to 3 months. Just wrap the cake in parchment or plastic wrap and then tinfoil and into a freezer bag or airtight container.
With or without the icing/frosting, I find that parchment paper is better for not sticking and protects the cake better.
Can you make this Best Bundt Cake ahead of time
If you want to make the cake ahead of time, it's no problem. You can make it up to 2 days before you want to serve it and store it in your fridge. I personally like to make a cake or 2 and keep them in the freezer until I need one.
If it is frozen, I remove it from the freezer the morning of the day that I want to serve it. I freeze mine unfrosted so I then prepare the frosting so I can decorate it when it's room temperature.
If you love bundt cakes as much as I do and want to try out some other recipes. Here are a bunch that I'm quite proud of and have heard rave reviews over. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them and which one is your favorite.
Festive Bundt Cake Recipes
Grandma’s Chocolate Orange Cake
Unique Bundt Cake Recipes
Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake Video
Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
Equipment
- 10 cup bundt pan
- Knife
Ingredients
Bundt Cake
- 1 ½ cups butter or 3 sticks, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or mint if you like
Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup heavy cream heated
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Vanilla Bundt Cake Glaze
- 1 cup powdered or icing sugar
- 3-5 tablespoons heavy or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorations
- sprinkles or sparkles
Instructions
- Get out all of the ingredients and measure them.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl.
- Beat together butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and beat until incorporated.
- Then gradually beat in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat in milk until smooth, then scoop out 1 ½ cups and set aside.
- Fill bundt pan with ¾ cup cups of white batter and set rest aside.
- Mix remaining batter with green gel coloring, and start pouring batter into the bundt pan, a little at a time, until finished. Make sure to avoid the sides of the pan.
- Add remaining white batter to the bundt pan.
- Take a hot spoon handle or knife and swirl batter slightly to marble the batter.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and edges turn slightly golden.
- Once fully baked, set aside to cool before turning out onto a plate.
Chocolate
- In a pot, heat heavy cream until it just simmers, stirring constantly.
- Add chocolate chips and whisk together with heated heavy cream until thick and smooth.
- Let icing stiffen,
- Pour over your cake,
- Add sprinkles.
- Serve as desired.
Vanilla
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine until totally smooth. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time. If the mixture is too thick, add more cream, a tablespoon or two at a time.
Nutrition
Ronak says
Wow. It looks delicious. I love vanilla cakes. So, I will try to make it. Your recipe will help me. Thanks for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! Hopefully you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! All the best. Karin