Get ready to fill your home with the delightful aromas of holiday baking! This incredible Christmas Bundt Cake recipe makes creating a stunning dessert incredibly simple. We’ve crafted a truly easy, from-scratch cake that promises moist, tender crumb and incredible flavor. Top it with a delightful vanilla icing and festive sprinkles for a dessert that’s perfect for any holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bundt Cake
This gorgeous cake isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s a joy to bake and even better to eat. You’ll quickly discover why this will become your new go-to holiday dessert.
- Effortlessly Easy: This recipe is designed for beginners and busy parents, making festive baking stress-free.
- Festive & Beautiful: The bundt pan creates an instant centerpiece, especially when adorned with icing and sprinkles.
- Deliciously Homemade: Enjoy a rich, tender cake that tastes truly homemade, far better than any store-bought option.
- Perfect for Gifting: Share the holiday cheer by gifting slices or a whole Christmas Bundt Cake to friends and family.
- Crowd-PleaSing Flavor: Its classic vanilla profile appeals to everyone, ensuring no one can resist a slice.
Festive & Easy Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is coated. Tap out excess flour and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to distribute leavening evenly.
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently. Pour in the milk and mix until incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and sprinkles, folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap lightly to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as desired. Pour icing over the cooled cake and top with extra sprinkles immediately before it sets.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your beautiful Christmas Bundt Cake. Ensure your wet ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for the best batter consistency.
According to culinary experts, understanding the scientific reasons behind baking techniques, such as the importance of room temperature ingredients in baking, can significantly improve the outcome of your cakes.
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups granulated white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups cake flour + 2 Tablespoons (OR 3 cups all purpose white flour + 2 TB cornstarch whisked together)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (I used 2%)
- ¼ cup sprinkles (jimmies or quins work best)
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this delightful holiday bundt cake recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. For flour, use cake flour for the lightest texture, or make your own by whisking all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil works perfectly. When making the icing, clear vanilla extract helps maintain a pure white glaze, though regular vanilla extract is fine if a slightly off-white hue is okay. Choose jimmies or quin-style sprinkles to avoid color bleeding into the batter or icing. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can successfully replace traditional dairy milk.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking this festive Christmas Bundt Cake even smoother. You won’t need anything fancy, just standard kitchen essentials.
- 10-inch Bundt Pan: Essential for the cake’s iconic shape.
- Large Mixing Bowls: At least two for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Silicone Spatulas: Ideal for folding and scraping batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your show-stopping Christmas Bundt Cake. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding baking this festive treat can be!
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick spray, then lightly flour it. Ensure the flour coats all crevices, then tap out any excess. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cake flour (or your all-purpose flour and cornstarch mixture), baking powder, and salt. This ensures all leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Alternately Add: Add about half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Next, pour in the milk and continue stirring until it is incorporated into the batter.
- Finish Batter: Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl. Gently fold in the festive sprinkles. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the bundt pan for exactly 5 minutes on a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps the cake firm up slightly before you invert it.
- Invert Cake: After 5 minutes, place your cooling rack on top of the bundt pan. Carefully flip the cake over and lift the pan off. Allow the cake to cool completely on the rack.
- Prepare Icing: While the cake cools, prepare the simple vanilla icing. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of water, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency.
- Decorate: Once the Christmas Bundt Cake has cooled completely, evenly pour the prepared vanilla icing over the top. The icing will drizzle down the sides, creating a beautiful effect. Decorate with extra sprinkles if desired, immediately after icing before it sets.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Bundt Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality Christmas Bundt Cake is easier than you think with these expert tips. These small details make a big difference!
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps ingredients emulsify better, resulting in a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender cake crumb.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Don’t scoop directly from the bag; this compacts flour and can lead to a dense cake.
- Grease and Flour Thoroughly: Use a non-stick cooking spray specifically for baking, then dust generously with flour. Get into every crevice of your bundt pan. Avoid butter for greasing, as it can sometimes stick.
- Cool Before Inverting: Let your cake cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan before inverting. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking when removed.
- Pure White Glaze: Use clear vanilla extract for your icing if you want a bright, pristine white glaze for a truly snowy effect on your holiday bundt cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter only until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake instead of a moist and tender one.
- Tap Out Air Bubbles: Gently tap the filled bundt pan on your counter a few times before baking. This helps release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring an even bake and preventing large holes in your cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy. This ensures proper baking and prevents under or over-baking your beautiful creation.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out completely clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your beautiful Christmas Bundt Cake is versatile and stores well. Explore these ideas to enjoy it even more!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your festive bundt cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh red berries or candied cranberries add a lovely color contrast and a touch of tartness. It also pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, herbal tea, or hot cocoa on a chilly evening. This cake naturally serves as a stunning centerpiece for any holiday dessert spread.
Storage Instructions
Store this delightful cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you live in a warm climate or have used fresh fruit, refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture. For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cake (un-iced is best) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before enjoying.
Variations
Easily adapt this basic Christmas Bundt Cake recipe to create new flavor profiles. Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus note. Try different extracts like almond for a nutty flavor, or a touch of peppermint extract for a classic holiday twist. For alternative glazes, consider a rich cream cheese frosting, a decadent chocolate ganache, or a simple lemon glaze. Mix in festive additions like chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, white chocolate chips, or mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious Christmas Bundt Cake.
For a deeper understanding of dietary components, resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central offer comprehensive nutritional information on a wide range of ingredients and food items.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. We recommend calculating with your specific ingredients for precise information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baking a beautiful bundt cake is straightforward, but a few common questions often arise. We’re here to help you bake with confidence!
What is the best way to grease a bundt pan?
Use a baking-specific non-stick spray, then dust generously with flour, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking.
Do I need to let a bundt cake cool before flipping?
Yes, let it cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan; this helps the cake firm up and release cleanly without breaking.
How many servings does a bundt cake yield?
A standard 10-inch bundt cake typically yields 12 generous servings, perfect for a family gathering.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have cake flour, you can combine all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a similar light texture.
Why did my Christmas Bundt Cake turn out dense/dry?
This often happens from overmixing the batter, which develops gluten, or from baking at too high a temperature.
Can I make this Christmas Bundt Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to 2-3 days in advance and ice it closer to serving time.
What kind of sprinkles are best to avoid color bleed?
Jimmies or quin-style sprinkles work best as their colors are less likely to bleed into the batter or icing.
Conclusion
This easy and incredibly festive Christmas Bundt Cake is a truly special treat for the holidays. Its simple preparation, stunning presentation, and delicious flavor make it an absolute winner for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. We encourage you to whip up this delightful recipe this holiday season and create lasting memories around your table. Try the recipe, share your feedback, and spread the joy with this wonderfully cheerful dessert! Happy baking, and happy holidays!
