The holiday season is synonymous with delicious baked goods that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Among these festive treats, the bundt cake stands out for its elegant shape and versatility in flavors and decorations. This easy holiday bundt cake recipe is designed to impress your guests with its moist, tender crumb and delightful holiday flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will help you create a show-stopping dessert that is both delicious and visually appealing. Alongside the recipe, we’ll provide expert decorating tips to elevate your bundt cake to a centerpiece worthy of any festive table.
Ingredients for Easy Holiday Bundt Cake:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Zest of one orange
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Edible gold or silver sprinkles
- Candied orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Mint leaves
How to Make Easy Holiday Bundt Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick baking spray. Dust lightly with flour to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for a light, tender cake.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until well combined. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm spices in the cake.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and whole milk until smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream-milk mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack and gently lift to release the cake. Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides in an elegant pattern. Use a spoon or a small ladle for even distribution.
- Decorate: For a festive touch, decorate the glazed cake with edible gold or silver sprinkles, candied orange slices, fresh cranberries, and mint leaves. These decorations not only add visual appeal but also enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.
About the Main Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and stability. All-purpose flour is versatile and suitable for most baking needs. It creates a balanced texture, not too dense and not too light.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and browning. Sugar also helps to create a tender crumb by incorporating air when creamed with butter.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Creaming butter with sugar is crucial for incorporating air, leading to a light and fluffy cake.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the cake. Sour cream also helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft, moist crumb.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure. Eggs also add moisture and richness to the cake. Beating them one at a time ensures they are well incorporated, contributing to a stable batter.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb. The fat content in whole milk enhances the cake’s richness and flavor.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These warm spices are quintessential for holiday baking, providing depth and complexity. They complement the citrus notes from the orange zest and the sweetness of the cake.
- Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that lifts the overall taste of the cake. Orange zest contains essential oils that provide a more intense flavor than juice alone.
- Powdered Sugar and Orange Juice (for Glaze): The powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet glaze, while the orange juice adds a fresh, tangy note. This glaze enhances the cake’s flavor and provides a beautiful finish.
Expert Decorating Tips:
- Candied Orange Slices: To make candied orange slices, thinly slice an orange and simmer in a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) until translucent. Let them dry on a wire rack before using as decorations.
- Edible Sprinkles: Edible gold or silver sprinkles add a touch of elegance and festivity. Apply them immediately after glazing so they adhere well.
- Fresh Cranberries: Roll fresh cranberries in granulated sugar for a frosty appearance. They add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet cake.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also a refreshing aroma. Place them strategically around the cake for a festive look.
This easy holiday bundt cake recipe, coupled with these expert decorating tips, will ensure your dessert is the highlight of any celebration. With its moist, flavorful crumb and stunning presentation, this bundt cake is bound to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy baking and decorating this delightful cake, and savor the compliments from your guests!
