Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something truly magical about the smell of a freshly baked Christmas bundt cake wafting through the house. It instantly brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d gather as a family, laughing and sharing stories while we baked. This cake is not only festive with its cozy spices and vibrant cranberries, but it’s also incredibly moist and delicious. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step to create a stunning bundt cake that’s perfect for your holiday celebrations. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Christmas Bundt Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries

How to Prepare Christmas Bundt Cake

Let’s get baking! This Christmas bundt cake is not just a treat; it’s a holiday centerpiece. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, delicious cake ready to impress your guests or family.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your bundt pan and give it a good greasing with butter or non-stick spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This little trick helps your cake slide right out without any fuss!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, mixing it well is key to getting that soft, moist texture we all love!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, it’s egg time! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully incorporated and helps the batter emulsify. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious, warm flavor!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure to get rid of any lumps. This step is super important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients for the best results. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it, or your cake might come out tough!

Step 6: Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries with a spatula. This not only adds great texture but also brings in those festive flavors we adore during the holidays!

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bundt Cake

It’s bursting with festive flavors from warm spices and juicy cranberries.
The moist texture will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
It’s straightforward to prepare, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
This cake makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
It’s great for sharing—slice it up and spread the holiday cheer!
Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Tips for Success with Your Christmas Bundt Cake

To ensure your Christmas bundt cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips I’ve learned over the years:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures everything blends beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Greasing: Greasing and flouring the bundt pan is a must! It prevents the cake from sticking and makes for a beautiful release. You can also use parchment paper at the bottom for extra insurance.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes! Ovens can vary, so start checking it a few minutes before the recommended time. Remember, it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool It Right: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to release. If you try to take it out too soon, it might fall apart—so be patient!
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the spices and gives the cake a delightful twist!
Storage Tip: Store your bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will taste even better as the flavors meld together!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to impressing your family and friends with a stunning and delicious Christmas bundt cake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Christmas bundt cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat unless you prefer it warm—if that’s the case, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy that festive flavor all over again!

Nutritional Information for Christmas Bundt Cake

Curious about what’s in this delightful Christmas bundt cake? Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values based on a standard serving size of one slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake):

Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g

These values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and measurements you use, but it gives you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite of this festive treat!

FAQ About Christmas Bundt Cake

Can I substitute the walnuts or cranberries?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can use pecans or even chocolate chips for a different twist. For the cranberries, dried cherries or raisins work beautifully too!

What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This Christmas bundt cake is fantastic on its own, but you can dress it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners!

How do I store leftovers?
Keep your bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This cake actually tastes better after a day as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance, store it properly, and bring it out when you’re ready to serve.

Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
Oh no! This can happen if the pan isn’t greased and floured properly. Make sure to grease every nook and cranny of the pan, and dust it lightly with flour before pouring in the batter. If you’re still having trouble, try using parchment paper at the bottom!

Christmas Bundt Cake: 7 Steps to a Delicious Delight

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and moist Christmas bundt cake perfect for holiday celebrations.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a bundt pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Fold in the walnuts and cranberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.

Notes

Store the cake in an airtight container.
Can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Best enjoyed after a day for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: christmas bundt cake

Spread the love