Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch)

There’s something undeniably special about a chocolate bundt cake. Its rich, moist texture and deep cocoa flavor make it a beloved dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, this Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch) is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a stunning cake that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into the details!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch) stands out for several reasons. First, it uses common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for anyone to whip up on a whim. Second, the combination of Dutch cocoa powder and espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a cake that’s rich and indulgent without being overly sweet. Lastly, the addition of Greek yogurt ensures a tender crumb that will keep your cake moist for days. Plus, who can resist a bundt cake? The beautiful shape adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table!

Ingredient Breakdown

To make this delightful cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups Cake Flour or all-purpose flour – This will form the base of your cake, providing structure.
• 1 1/3 cups Dutch Cocoa Powder or regular – For a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda – Works alongside the baking powder for a perfect lift.
• 1 teaspoon Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake.
• 3/4 cup Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
• 3 large Eggs (room temperature) – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature) – Contributes to the cake’s tenderness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil – Ensures a moist texture.
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full-fat) – Adds creaminess and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon Espresso Instant Coffee Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 3/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips – For extra chocolatey goodness.
• 1 1/2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – For the decadent ganache topping.
• 3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream – Used to create a silky ganache.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – For the ganache, enhancing its flavor.

Hardware & Gadgets

To successfully make this Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch), you will need a few essential tools:

• Bundt Pan – The star of the show, giving the cake its iconic shape.
• Mixing Bowls – For mixing your wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and efficient.
• Rubber Spatula – Perfect for folding in the ingredients without deflating the batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a perfect bake.
• Cooling Rack – Allows the cake to cool evenly.

Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch): From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch).

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray and coat it with a dusting of flour. This will help the cake slide out easily after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and espresso powder until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Incorporate Buttermilk and Oil

Mix in the buttermilk and vegetable oil until well combined. The batter will be quite wet at this point.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 8: Fold in Yogurt and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the Greek yogurt and mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 9: Pour into Bundt Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking.

Step 11: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Make the Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 13: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Seasonal Adaptations

This Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch) is versatile and can be adapted for various occasions:

• Spring: Add zest from an orange or lemon for a fresh twist.
• Summer: Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert.
• Fall: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
• Winter: Top with peppermint extract in the ganache for a festive touch.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while baking, here are some helpful tips:

• If your cake sinks in the middle, it may be due to overmixing or not baking long enough.
• For a dense cake, ensure you’re using the correct flour measurement and not packing it too tightly.
• To prevent sticking, make sure to thoroughly grease the bundt pan and dust with flour.
• If the cake is dry, it may have been overbaked; always check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your chocolate bundt cake fresh:

• Store: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.

Your Top Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used in place of cake flour. However, the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, you can substitute each cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake keeps well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still taste delicious!

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives or similar recipes, check out these options:

Next Steps

Now that you have this Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe (From Scratch) in your baking repertoire, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Baking is always more enjoyable when you can share the love. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade chocolate bundt cake!