Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe That Everyone Loves

Rich chocolate bundt cake redefines ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary celebrations.

Baking enthusiasts find this classic treat irresistibly decadent and surprisingly simple to master.

Intense cocoa flavors swirl through a moist, tender crumb that promises pure indulgence.

Dense yet delicate textures create a sensory experience that delights both casual and serious bakers.

Elegant in appearance and deeply satisfying, this cake represents comfort and sophistication in a single stunning dessert.

Smooth chocolate notes complement the distinctive ring shape, making every slice a visual and gustatory pleasure.

Home bakers can elevate their skills with this approachable yet impressive recipe.

All About That Rich Flavor in Chocolate Bundt Cake

• Brew Coffee Magic: Infusing cocoa powder with brewed coffee creates an intense, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake's richness and complexity.
• Ganache Perfection: The smooth, glossy chocolate ganache drizzled over the bundt cake transforms it from a simple dessert into a stunning, bakery-worthy showstopper with minimal effort.
• Foolproof Technique: The step-by-step mixing method ensures a consistently moist, tender cake with professional-level results, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This decadent chocolate bundt cake works perfectly for casual gatherings, special celebrations, or as an indulgent weekend treat that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Bundt Cake Success

• Brewed Coffee: Deep flavor enhancer with rich chocolate undertones, freshly brewed works best.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and tangy flavor, helps create tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and soft, neutral flavor preferred.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Adds structure and richness to the cake, room temperature recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor, pure extract preferred over imitation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of cake's structure, sifted for smoother batter.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed recommended.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's caramelization, granulated white works best.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates tender crumb.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates smooth, glossy ganache topping, semi-sweet recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, creamy texture for ganache, high-fat content preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Bundt Cake Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warmly grease a 12-cup bundt pan with cooking spray. Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create Coffee Cocoa Mixture

• Brewed coffee
• Cocoa powder

Microwave for 1½- 2 minutes, whisking every 30 seconds. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Initial Ingredients

• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Baking soda
• Eggs
• Egg yolk

Mix on low speed for one minute. Scrape bowl sides with a rubber spatula.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix on low speed for one minute, scraping bowl sides again.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Add flour to mixture. Mix on medium speed for two minutes, scraping bowl sides.

Step 6: Combine Batter

Pour cooled coffee-cocoa mixture into batter. Mix on medium speed for three minutes, scraping as needed.

Step 7: Bake Cake

Transfer batter to prepared bundt pan. Bake on center rack for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Ganache Base

• Chocolate chips
• Heavy cream

Microwave cream for 45-60 seconds until very hot.

Step 9: Create Smooth Ganache

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips. Cover with plate, let sit for 3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Adjust Ganache Consistency

Check ganache thickness. If too thick, add small amounts of warm cream until perfect pouring consistency.

Step 11: Decorate Cake

Generously pour ganache over cake, allowing delicious drips to cascade down sides.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Gently tap cooling rack to help ganache settle evenly. Serve immediately or allow ganache to set.

Chocolate Bundt Cake Tips That Actually Work

• Brew Coffee Perfectly: Use freshly brewed, strong coffee at room temperature for deeper chocolate flavor and enhanced moisture.
• Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Test cake with a toothpick near the center, looking for moist crumbs rather than completely clean stick.
• Create Smooth Ganache: Heat cream just until steaming, not boiling, and let chocolate sit covered for exact three minutes before whisking for silky texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously spray bundt pan with baking spray, making sure to coat every crevice for easy cake release.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Bundt Cake Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the ganache intact to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: Slice the cake before freezing, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance chocolate flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

Smart Pairings to Complement Chocolate Bundt Cake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold, full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate flavor. The wine's tannins will beautifully balance the cake's sweetness and enhance its deep cocoa notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a classic dessert combination by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture contrasts perfectly with the warm, dense bundt cake, while the vanilla provides a delightful counterpoint to the intense chocolate.
• Match with Espresso Martini: Elevate the dessert experience with a sophisticated espresso martini. The cocktail's coffee undertones mirror the cake's brewed coffee ingredient, creating a harmonious flavor profile that intensifies the chocolate's depth and complexity.
• Accompany with Fresh Raspberries: Scatter some fresh, tart raspberries around the cake to cut through the richness. Their bright, acidic flavor provides a refreshing contrast and adds a pop of color to the elegant chocolate dessert.

Delicious Variations to Refresh Chocolate Bundt Cake

• Espresso Chocolate Cake: Replace brewed coffee with strong espresso for a more intense coffee flavor that deepens the chocolate notes.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Swap chocolate ganache with homemade salted caramel sauce, creating a rich and decadent topping that complements the chocolate cake.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts over the ganache for added texture and a nutty complexity to the dessert.
• Raspberry Chocolate Swirl: Fold in fresh raspberries or add a raspberry jam swirl to the batter for a fruity contrast against the deep chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Moist chocolate bundt cake brings rich, indulgent flavors from classic German baking traditions. Deeply intense cocoa notes and smooth ganache glaze create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Wet):

• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) brewed coffee
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (237 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (450 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder (regular or Dutch processed)
• 2 ½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda

Ganache Ingredients:

• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
• 6 ounces (170 g) quality chocolate chips (dark or bittersweet)
• 1–3 tablespoons (15–45 ml) heavy cream (if needed)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 12-cup bundt pan with baking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Combine brewed coffee and cocoa powder in a microwave-safe bowl, heating and whisking intermittently until smooth and well-blended.
3. In a mixing bowl, blend sugar, kosher salt, baking soda, eggs, and egg yolk until uniformly incorporated, using a low-speed setting.
4. Introduce buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mixture, continuing to mix at low speed and scraping bowl edges to ensure even distribution.
5. Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, mixing at medium speed until a consistent batter forms with no visible flour pockets.
6. Pour the cooled coffee-cocoa mixture into the batter, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, dark chocolate base with a smooth texture.
7. Transfer batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly and ensuring no air pockets remain.
8. Position the pan on the center oven rack and bake until a inserted toothpick reveals minimal moist crumbs, approximately 50-60 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and allow cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a cooling rack to release completely.
10. Position the cooling rack over a cookie sheet to catch any potential drips during the glazing process.
11. Create ganache by placing chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl and covering with scalding hot heavy cream.
12. Let the chocolate and cream mixture sit undisturbed for several minutes, then whisk until achieving a silky, glossy consistency.
13. Adjust ganache thickness by adding small amounts of warm cream if needed, ensuring a pourable yet clingy texture.
14. Generously drizzle ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides in an attractive pattern.
15. Gently tap the cooling rack to help the ganache settle evenly and create a professional, polished appearance.

Notes

• Brew strong coffee to enhance the rich chocolate flavor, ensuring a deep, complex taste profile.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and mix it thoroughly with hot coffee to create a smooth, intense chocolate base.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Cool the cake completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and ensure a clean, glossy finish.
• Tap the cooling rack gently after pouring ganache to create a professional-looking, even chocolate coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg