Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

The Christmas Bundt Cake isn’t just a treat for the eyes—it’s a glorious, festive swirl of color and flavor that brings holiday cheer straight to your table. This cake is rich, buttery, and tender, with vibrant layers of red and green running through each slice. Topped with a luscious glaze and holiday sprinkles, every piece feels like unwrapping a delicious edible present. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or having a quiet gathering by the fire, this cake is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults, starting a tradition everyone will look forward to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe leans on simple pantry staples, each playing an essential role in flavor, texture, and festive style. With a few clever touches—like vibrant food coloring and a sweet glaze—your Christmas Bundt Cake will be as gorgeous as it is delectable.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cake its rich, tender crumb and classic buttery flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens every bite and creates a perfectly golden crust as the cake bakes.
• Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and add structure for a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors (swap for almond for an extra festive note).
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the batter, creating a cake that’s sturdy yet soft.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures your Christmas Bundt Cake rises beautifully, for an impressive presentation every time.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Infuses moisture for a lovely, tender cake—don’t skimp on the richness.
• Red and green food coloring: These festive hues create the stunning holiday swirl inside each slice—gel colors work best for vibrancy.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Whipped into the glaze for a snowy-sweet finishing touch.
• Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze to just the right drizzling consistency.
• Holiday sprinkles for garnish: They’re fun, cheerful, and the perfect crown for your beautiful cake!

How to Make Christmas Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your Bundt pan a generous greasing. This is essential—you want every festive swirl to release cleanly from the pan. A good layer of butter or baking spray gets into all those lovely nooks and crannies. Set the pan aside and let the anticipation build.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Watch as the ingredients transform, turning pale and wonderfully aerated. This step builds the foundation for a moist, tender Christmas Bundt Cake that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures a silky, cohesive batter. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat once more; the aroma alone will have you feeling the holiday spirit. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great place to opt for almond extract instead!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. By blending these staples upfront, you’ll get a more even rise and avoid any surprises of a salty bite or baking powder pocket later on.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour and Milk

Now, add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients gradually, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture (flour, milk, flour). Mix gently—just until the batter is smooth. You’ll notice it becomes lush and creamy, perfect for swirling with color soon!

Step 6: Divide and Color the Batter

Scoop the batter into three equal bowls. Tint one with red food coloring, another with green, and leave the third bowl plain. Use gel colorings for those bold, unmistakable holiday shades. Each bowl is a new canvas for you to create that iconic swirl.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Spoon the batters into your prepared Bundt pan, alternating colors so that every slice gets a marvelous mix. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the layers together—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the distinct color streaks. This step is pure magic for kids (and adults) who love a burst of color with every bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to fill with a buttery, sweet aroma that signals something special is on the way. Let the finished cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack, then cool completely before glazing.

Step 9: Glaze and Decorate

For a festive finish, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake and shower it with your favorite holiday sprinkles. This is the crowning touch that takes your Christmas Bundt Cake from pretty to absolutely enchanting!

How to Serve Christmas Bundt Cake

Garnishes

This cake absolutely shines with a simple drizzle of glaze and a toss of holiday sprinkles—think edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or even tiny sugar snowflakes. For a truly magical look, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar right before serving to mimic a fresh layer of snow.

Side Dishes

Pair your Christmas Bundt Cake with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or mulled wine for a cozy dessert hour. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream is always welcome.

Creative Ways to Present

Place your Bundt cake on a pretty cake stand and surround it with holly, pinecones, or other festive decorations. Slicing the cake at the table lets everyone see the beautiful swirl inside—a guaranteed showstopper moment! For gifting, slice and wrap individual portions in cellophane with a bit of ribbon for a homemade holiday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Christmas Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen tends to be warm, pop it in the fridge to help preserve that fresh, moist crumb. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the cake even more delicious!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole unglazed cake in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge—wait to add the glaze and sprinkles until after it comes to room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To refresh a slice, zap it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. It’ll come out soft, moist, and as heavenly as if just baked. If you’ve stored the whole cake, let it return to room temperature naturally before adding any finishing touches.

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Bundt Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal measure for the regular flour. Keep an eye on the texture as some blends soak up more moisture than others—add a splash of milk if needed to keep the batter smooth.

What’s the secret to vivid red and green swirls?

Gel food coloring is your best friend here. Gel formulas provide intense hues with just a small amount, ensuring that your colors stay vibrant during baking without thinning the batter.

How can I tell if the Bundt cake is done?

Stick a toothpick or skewer into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is baked through. Be sure to check in a few spots near the center since Bundt pans can sometimes bake unevenly.

Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can! Full-fat coconut milk or a rich oat milk work well as substitutes, keeping your Christmas Bundt Cake moist and delicious. Just avoid anything too watery, as it may affect the cake’s texture.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

Don’t worry! You can bake this cake in a large loaf or tube pan, adjusting the bake time down a bit if needed. Just make sure to grease your pan extra well so those colorful layers don’t stick.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked a Christmas Bundt Cake before, there’s no better time to start a joyful new tradition. With every bite, vibrant swirl, and sprinkle, you’re serving smiles and sweet holiday memories. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch it become the centerpiece of your festive table for many Christmases to come!

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