There’s something truly special about a homemade bundt cake, and this easy vanilla bundt cake recipe is no exception. Perfectly moist, tender, and with a delightful vanilla flavor, this cake is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. The bundt cake shape not only makes for an elegant presentation but also ensures an even bake. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it accessible for anyone looking to bake a delicious cake without fuss. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients you’ll need to step-by-step instructions for achieving a flawless vanilla bundt cake.
Ingredients for Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
To make this delicious vanilla bundt cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when the cake goes in, allowing for even baking.
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly. You can use non-stick spray or butter, followed by a dusting of flour. This helps the cake release easily from the pan once baked. For extra assurance, you can also use a parchment paper circle at the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine the Flour and Leaveners: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures there are no lumps in the flour. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Beat the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Add Dry Ingredients to the Butter Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
- Check Consistency: The batter should be thick and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into the Pan: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the exact size of your pan.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After cooling slightly, invert the pan onto a wire rack to let the cake cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is the base of the bundt cake, providing structure and texture. Sifting the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt helps to ensure a light, even crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds rich flavor and moisture to the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its texture. It helps to create a tender crumb by interacting with the butter and eggs.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s moisture and richness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake, giving it a warm, aromatic quality. It’s a key ingredient in achieving a classic vanilla flavor.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake. It also helps to create a tender crumb by interacting with the leavening agents.
Whole Milk: Milk provides additional moisture and helps to achieve the right batter consistency. It also contributes to the cake’s overall texture.
Powdered Sugar: For the optional glaze, powdered sugar is used because it dissolves easily, creating a smooth, shiny finish.
Milk (for Glaze): Milk helps to thin the powdered sugar, creating a pourable consistency for the glaze.
This easy vanilla bundt cake recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and elegant dessert. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, this cake is sure to impress with its light, fluffy texture and classic vanilla flavor. Enjoy it on its own, or add a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. With this recipe, you can create a beautiful bundt cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
