Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, inviting aromas of the holidays and treat your loved ones to a truly memorable and festive dessert, this Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a tender, spiced cake studded with dried cranberries and crunchy nuts, perfectly balanced with a luscious vanilla glaze that hugs the curves of every slice. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines classic holiday flavors with a beautiful presentation, making it a must-have for your seasonal baking traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether providing structure, spice, or that moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this cake so special.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender crumb to support all the holiday flavors.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Adds lift while balancing the acidity in the sour cream.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Classic warmth and spice to evoke festive cheer.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a nutty aroma crucial to holiday baking.
• ½ tsp ground ginger: Delivers a subtle zing that awakens the palate.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moistness for that indulgent bite.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness and helps create a light airy texture.
• 4 large eggs: Bind the batter and add essential moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: The secret to rounding out the flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• ½ cup milk: Balances the batter’s consistency.
• ½ cup dried cranberries (optional): Bursts of tartness and festive color throughout.
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Crunch and nutty flavor to complement the soft crumb.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet, silky glaze finish.
• 2-3 tbsp milk: To adjust glaze consistency perfectly.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds that luxurious aroma to the glaze.
• Red and green sprinkles: The cheerful, festive garnish that makes each slice feel like a holiday celebration.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: Optional, but adds a snowy, elegant touch when serving.

How to Make Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly so the cake releases easily and your design stays intact. Next, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl. This dry spice blend is the heart of the Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe’s cozy flavor profile.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—it incorporates air and creates the perfect texture foundation for your cake to rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract to fill your kitchen with that irresistible holiday scent.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in the sour cream and milk, blending until you get a smooth, luscious batter. This mixture keeps the cake moist with just the right tang, elevating the deeper spice notes beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour and spice mixture into the wet batter. Be careful not to overmix here; gentle folding keeps the crumb tender and light.

Step 6: Add Cranberries and Nuts (Optional)

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans or walnuts for extra bursts of flavor and texture that exemplify the Christmas spirit in every bite.

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake rest for 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more milk if necessary. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake so it gracefully drapes each curve.

Step 9: Decorate Festively

Finish by sprinkling red and green sprinkles for a joyful holiday look. If you like, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of snowy magic.

How to Serve Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a classic holiday presentation, add a sprinkle of festive red and green sugar crystals on top of the glaze. Fresh cranberries or a few sprigs of rosemary can also add elegant seasonal flair, making the cake look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot mulled cider or a smooth cup of eggnog. If you love coffee, try serving it alongside a rich espresso to balance the sweet spices with some bold contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake and serving it on a wooden board surrounded by pine cones and cinnamon sticks for rustic charm. Or plate individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra glaze to spoil your guests. You could even turn slices into mini dessert trifles layered with whipped cream and more cranberries for a fancy spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered ensures it stays moist and the glaze stays fresh.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the cooled cake before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the glaze and decorations before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to take the chill off without drying the cake out. This brings back some of that just-baked warmth that feels so comforting during the holidays.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum to help with structure. The texture might differ slightly, but the festive flavors will still shine brilliantly.

Are the cranberries and nuts necessary?

They’re optional but highly recommended! The dried cranberries add a lovely tart contrast, while the nuts bring crunch and depth. If allergies or preferences come into play, feel free to omit or substitute them.

How should I adjust baking time if I use a different pan?

If you use a smaller or larger Bundt pan, expect the baking time to vary. Keep an eye on the cake starting around 40 minutes and test with a toothpick until it comes out clean to avoid overbaking.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Whisk again before using and add a tiny splash of milk if it thickened too much to reach the perfect drizzle consistency.

What’s the best way to ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan?

Greasing and flouring the Bundt pan thoroughly is key. Use a pastry brush or your fingers to get into all the nooks, especially the detailed curved edges. This step makes unmolding a breeze and keeps your cake picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe a try — it’s a delightful celebration of holiday flavors that’s just as suited for a cozy family gathering as it is for a festive party. Every slice feels like a warm hug, packed with spice, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia. Baking this cake means not just creating a dessert but making memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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