Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe

Chocolate Bundt cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.

This luscious cake features a deep, rich chocolate flavor, a moist texture, and a silky ganache topping that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups hot water (360ml)
• 1¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder (125g)
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (420g)
• 2½ cups granulated sugar (500g)
• 2½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (213g)
• 1 cup sour cream (room temperature, 220g)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Ganache Topping:

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bars (113g)
• 7 tablespoons heavy cream (105ml)
• 1 tablespoon butter (softened)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing your Chocolate Bundt Cake, having the right kitchen tools can ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need to make this cake come out perfectly every time:

1. 10-12 Cup Bundt Pan: A Bundt pan is crucial for shaping the cake and allowing it to bake evenly. Make sure it’s well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium-sized bowl for whisking together the cocoa powder and hot water, and a large bowl for combining your dry and wet ingredients.
3. Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the cocoa powder into the water and for combining the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
4. Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can mix the ingredients by hand, using an electric mixer or stand mixer will save you time and ensure everything is evenly incorporated, especially when working with butter and sugar.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Be sure to measure your ingredients correctly to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
6. Wooden Pick or Cake Tester: This is used to check if the cake is fully baked. A few moist crumbs should cling to the pick when inserted into the center of the cake.

Cake Preparation

The process of making this chocolate Bundt cake is simple but requires attention to detail for the best results. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your cake turns out moist, rich, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Cocoa Mixture

Start by whisking the hot water and unsweetened cocoa powder together in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and well combined. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before moving to the next step. This creates a rich chocolate base that will infuse the entire cake with its deep flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise evenly during baking.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

To the cooled cocoa mixture, add the melted unsalted butter, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This mixture will create the rich, moist crumb of the cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet cocoa mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the two together until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture. Once fully combined, pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan.

Baking and Ganache Preparation

Now that your cake batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake to perfection and prepare a smooth, glossy ganache topping to make it even more indulgent.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure that your oven rack is in the center position. Butter your Bundt pan thoroughly and dust it with flour or cocoa powder to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Bake the cake for about 55 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Every oven is different, so check the cake a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache.

Step 2: Prepare the Ganache

While the cake is cooling, make the luscious chocolate ganache topping. Place semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it just starts to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and drop in the softened butter. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes without stirring to allow the ingredients to meld.

Once the mixture has rested, stir until it becomes smooth and glossy. The ganache should be silky and pourable but thick enough to coat the cake.

Step 3: Pour the Ganache and Serve

Place the cooled Bundt cake on a serving plate and pour the warm ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, indulgent effect. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage Instructions

• How to Keep the Cake Fresh: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cake stays moist and delicious for several days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is an irresistible treat that brings a perfect balance of rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth, silky ganache. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this recipe will never disappoint. With the right preparation, your cake will come out moist and flavorful, and the ganache topping will add that extra bit of indulgence. Happy baking, and enjoy every slice of this heavenly cake!