Chocolate Bundt Cake

Chocolate Bundt Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, boasting a rich, moist texture and a luscious flavor that melts in your mouth. This cake is a showstopper, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a sweet escape. The decadent ganache cascading over the top elevates this dessert from a simple cake to a masterpiece of chocolatey goodness. This guide will take you through each step to create this stunning cake, ensuring a perfect result every time.

Ingredients Breakdown For Chocolate Bundt Cake

This cake’s success lies in the quality of its ingredients and the balance of flavors they provide. Granulated sugar adds sweetness while also contributing to the cake’s tender texture. All-purpose flour gives structure, ensuring the cake holds its form without becoming too dense. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, giving the cake its light, airy rise. Salt enhances the flavors, while ground cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Butter and oil are both used in this recipe to create the ultimate moist texture; butter adds richness, while oil keeps the cake soft even after chilling. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the heart of the chocolate flavor, so choosing a high-quality cocoa will make a noticeable difference in the taste. Water helps to bloom the cocoa, intensifying its deep, rich flavor.

Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess and extra moisture, working alongside the eggs to bind the ingredients and provide structure. Vanilla extract infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic depth. Mini chocolate chips are folded into the batter, creating pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake, while extra chips sprinkled on top add a delightful texture.

The ganache topping, made with heavy cream and chocolate chips, creates a silky, shiny finish that complements the cake’s moist crumb. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to achieve a balanced ganache that’s neither too sweet nor too bitter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the bundt pan is the first crucial step in ensuring your cake releases cleanly and maintains its intricate shape. Generously grease the entire pan with shortening, reaching into every crevice, then dust with flour. This combination prevents sticking, allowing the cake to slide out easily once baked.

Making the batter involves heating butter, oil, cocoa powder, and water in a saucepan. This step is key to blooming the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor. Once this mixture reaches a gentle boil, pour it into the dry ingredients, stirring just enough to combine. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so it’s important to fold until the ingredients are just blended.

Adding buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the warm batter infuses the cake with moisture and flavor. Gently whisk until smooth, then fold in mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, ensuring it spreads evenly to avoid lopsided baking.

The baking time is crucial start checking the cake around 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, signaling that the cake is done but not overbaked. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about five minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. This short cooling period allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to handle without breaking.

Making the Perfect Ganache

Creating the ganache is a simple yet transformative step that takes this bundt cake to the next level. Heat the heavy cream until it’s just simmering, but not boiling, which helps to melt the chocolate chips smoothly. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let them sit undisturbed for five minutes this rest time allows the chocolate to melt gently without seizing.

Whisking the mixture will reveal a glossy, thick ganache that drapes beautifully over the cake. If the ganache seems too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too runny, allow it to cool slightly, thickening as it sits. For a show-stopping presentation, drizzle the ganache generously, letting it cascade down the sides in thick, luscious ribbons.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Best practices for ensuring the cake turns out moist and flavorful: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a better batter consistency.
• Ideas for adding extra flavor: Incorporate espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor or add orange zest for a bright, citrusy contrast.
• Storage tips to keep the cake fresh: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make the cake dense. Also, be sure not to overbake; the cake should be moist, not dry.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, add a burst of freshness that contrasts with the rich chocolate. Whipped cream provides a light, airy complement, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy element that melts perfectly with each bite. For beverages, coffee or espresso highlights the cake’s cocoa notes, while a glass of milk offers a classic pairing. For an adult twist, consider serving with a glass of red wine, like a rich Merlot, which pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its moist crumb, rich flavor, and decadent ganache make it a memorable centerpiece for any gathering. Customize it for special occasions with sprinkles, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or indulging on your own, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lover. Try this recipe and let each bite transport you to a world of chocolate bliss!

Chocolate Bundt Cake

This easy homemade Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe is heavenly, topped with chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 15

Author: Jessica Harmon

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips extra for garnishing, optional

For the ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

For the Chocolate Bundt Cake:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a standard bundt pan with shortening, ensuring all crevices are coated, then dust lightly with flour, shaking out the excess. This prevents sticking and ensures a smooth release.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
• Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the oil, cocoa powder, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to blend the ingredients.
• Carefully pour the heated cocoa mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
• Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the mixture. Using a whisk, blend everything together until smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, if you’re using them.
• Transfer the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs.
• Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

• To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl for around 2 minutes, or until it begins to simmer.
• Add the chocolate chips to the hot cream and let them sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate.
• Whisk the mixture until it becomes silky and smooth.
• Drizzle the luscious ganache over the cooled bundt cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top if desired.