Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is simple to make yet impressive to serve. The flavor is classic and versatile, pairing beautifully with glazes, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Its moist texture ensures it stays delicious for days, and the bundt shape makes slicing and serving a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
All-purpose flour
-
Baking powder
-
Salt
-
Unsalted butter, softened
-
Granulated sugar
-
Large eggs
-
Pure vanilla extract
-
Whole milk or buttermilk
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Mix in vanilla extract.
-
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
-
Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
-
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Serves 12–14 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
-
Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
-
Almond Flavor: Replace part of the vanilla with almond extract.
-
Marble Cake: Swirl in melted chocolate or cocoa batter.
-
Glazed: Drizzle with vanilla or citrus glaze after cooling.
-
Berry Topping: Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand or stand mixer works well.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, making sure to coat all crevices.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly.
Can I replace milk with buttermilk?
Yes, it will make the cake extra tender.
How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make mini bundt cakes?
Yes, reduce baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
Can I frost this cake?
Yes, cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with it.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Can I add mix-ins?
Yes, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit work well.
Do I have to cool it before serving?
Yes, cooling helps it set and prevents breaking when slicing.
Conclusion
Vanilla Bundt Cake is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavor, tender crumb, and beautiful presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation for years to come.
PrintVanilla Bundt Cake
Vanilla Bundt Cake is a classic, buttery dessert with a tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, baked in a beautiful ring shape for an elegant presentation. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.For extra flavor, add citrus zest or almond extract.Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a glaze.Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/14 of cake)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg