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Classic Vanilla Bundt Cake Recipe 

This perfect vanilla bundt cake recipe is simple, moist, and packed with flavor. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

vanilla bundt cake recipe

Craving a delicious classic dessert? Look no further than this classic Vanilla Bundt Cake recipe! The perfect treat to share with family and friends, this recipe for vanilla bundt cake is a perfect balance of sweet and simple.

With its perfectly golden crust giving way to a fluffy, moist cake combined with its robust vanilla flavor, this timeless dessert will be the perfect treat at your next family gathering or afternoon coffee break.

With its perfect balance of vanilla flavor and traditional texture, this moist vanilla cake is sure to be a hit! Whether you top with strawberries, ice cream, or nothing at all, you won’t be disappointed in this classic favorite. 

vanilla bundt cake

What is the difference between pound cake vs bundt cake?

Pound cake and bundt cake are both classic desserts, but there are some unique differences between the two.

A pound cake typically has a dense texture and rich, buttery flavor due to its high ratio of fat to flour, compared to other cakes like layer cakes or angel food cakes. Its name comes from its traditional ingredients—one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—used to make the classic recipe. Pound cake is usually baked in a loaf pan.

Bundt cakes on the other hand are all about presentation and shape. They usually come out of the oven looking like a ring-shaped mound which is achieved by pouring batter into an intricately shaped bundt pan (hence the name!).

A good bundt cake is typically lighter than pound cakes because they contain more flour than butter which helps them retain a fluffy texture.

vanilla bundt cake

​​How to Make a Vanilla Bundt Cake

*This recipe makes 2 bundt cakes. Scroll to the bottom for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 ¼ cups cake flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
vanilla bundt cake

Directions:

In a medium pan or pot start melting the butter over medium heat

vanilla bundt cake

Continuously stir, as the butter melts and starts to brown, which will take about 7 minutes

Immediately remove from heat when browned and give off a nutty scent.

Let the melted butter cool for about 10 minutes

vanilla bundt cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Once the butter has cooled, in a large mixing bowl, cream butter with salt and sugar.

vanilla bundt cake

Add the 2 eggs into the bowl along with the vanilla and whisk together again.

vanilla bundt cake

Add in the milk. Lastly add in all the dry ingredients, consisting of the cake flour, baking soda, and baking powder, into the wet ingredients. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl and the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any excess flour.

vanilla bundt cake

To avoid dry cakes, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.

Grease the bundt cake pan with oil or a baking spray before pouring cake batter into the prepared bundt pan.

vanilla bundt cake

Tap the pan lightly against the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick stuck in it comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.

Remove your homemade vanilla bundt cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before flipping over and removing from the pan.

vanilla bundt cake

Cool on a cooling rack for a minimum of 10 minutes before inverting onto a cake plate for additional cooling before glazing or topping with powdered sugar. Serve as is with ice cream or fresh fruit if desired! 

vanilla bundt cake

See Also: How to Make Greek Yogurt | Lemon Pound Cake Recipe | Carrot Cake Recipe | How to Make Whipped Cream | Strawberry Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

vanilla bundt cake

How to Remove a Bundt Cake

Bundt cakes seem intimidating, as they have those intricate ridges and curves that can make it difficult to remove them in one piece. But with the right tools and technique, removing a bundt cake is easy! 

The most important step is to start by preparing your pan. Grease your bundt pan liberally with butter or cooking spray before pouring in your batter. This will help ensure that nothing sticks when you try to unmold it later on.

Allow your cake to cool completely before attempting removal. If you take a hot cake out of its mold, it will likely crumble apart—even if greased well—because of how delicate these cakes are when warm. Letting it cool helps firm up any loose edges before removing from the pan. 

Place an upturned plate on top of your cooled bundt cake and carefully flip the cake upside down together – holding onto both pans so that they stay put together throughout this process (this is important!)

What are some common flavor variations of a classic vanilla bundt cake?

You can make a classic vanilla bundt cake or take it to the next level by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, fresh berries, jam and even cream cheese. By adding some mix-ins you can create an entirely new flavor profile and have a delicious dessert that no one would expect from just your average vanilla bundt cake. 

vanilla bundt cake

How to Make a Simple Vanilla Glaze for your Bundt Cake

In a small bowl, mix together until combined:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsp milk

Pour glaze over your cooled cake.

vanilla bundt cake
How to Store Bundt Cake

Let the bundt cake cool off until it reaches room temperature before attempting to store it. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside or on the outside of the cake and keeps the texture nice and moist. 

Then wrap the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it into an air-tight container. For best results, store your Bundt cake at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

How to Freeze a Bundt Cake

You can also freeze your bundt cakes if you’re looking to save them longer-term. First wrap securely with layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months (defrost slowly in the refrigerator prior eating). 

How many servings are in a bundt cake?

An average 8 inch round bundt cake will yield about 12 – 16 individual slices

vanilla bundt cake

The Best Vanilla Bundt Cake Recipe

Yield: 2 bundt cakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This perfect vanilla bundt cake recipe is simple, moist, and packed with flavor. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups cake flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a medium pan or pot start melting the butter over medium heat

Continuously stir, as the butter melts and starts to brown, which will take about 7 minutes

Immediately remove from heat when browned and give off a nutty scent.

Let the melted butter cool for about 10 minutes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Once the butter has cooled, in a large mixing bowl, cream butter with salt and sugar.

Add the 2 eggs into the bowl along with the vanilla and whisk together again.

Lastly add in all the dry ingredients, consisting of the cake flour, baking soda, and baking powder, into the wet ingredients. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl and the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any excess flour.

To avoid dry cakes, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.

Grease the bundt cake pan with oil or a baking spray before pouring cake batter into the prepared bundt pan.

Tap the pan lightly against the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick stuck in it comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.

Remove your homemade vanilla bundt cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before flipping over and removing from the pan.

Cool on a cooling rack for a minimum of 10 minutes before inverting onto a cake plate for additional cooling before glazing or topping with powdered sugar. Serve as is with ice cream or fresh fruit if desired! 

Notes

How to Remove a Bundt Cake

Bundt cakes seem intimidating, as they have those intricate ridges and curves that can make it difficult to remove them in one piece. But with the right tools and technique, removing a bundt cake is easy! 

The most important step is to start by preparing your pan. Grease your bundt pan liberally with butter or cooking spray before pouring in your batter. This will help ensure that nothing sticks when you try to unmold it later on.

Allow your cake to cool completely before attempting removal. If you take a hot cake out of its mold, it will likely crumble apart—even if greased well—because of how delicate these cakes are when warm. Letting it cool helps firm up any loose edges before removing from the pan. 

Place an upturned plate on top of your cooled bundt cake and carefully flip the cake upside down together – holding onto both pans so that they stay put together throughout this process (this is important!)

How to Make a Simple Vanilla Glaze for your Bundt Cake

In a small bowl, mix together until combined

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsp milk

Pour glaze over your cooled cake.

How to Store Bundt Cake

Let the bundt cake cool off until it reaches room temperature before attempting to store it. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside or on the outside of the cake and keeps the texture nice and moist. 

Then wrap the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it into an air-tight container. For best results, store your Bundt cake at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

How to Freeze a Bundt Cake

You can also freeze your bundt cakes if you're looking to save them longer-term. First wrap securely with layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months (defrost slowly in the refrigerator prior eating). 

How many servings are in a bundt cake?

An average 8 inch round bundt cake will yield about 12 - 16 individual slices

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