Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

If there’s one treat sure to capture the spirit of the season, it’s this Christmas Bundt Cake. Swirled with festive red and green, rich with buttery vanilla and almond flavors, and finished with a sweet glaze and holiday sprinkles, this cake is my absolute go-to when I want to wow guests or treat my family to something special. Every slice looks like a stained-glass window, and the taste is pure holiday magic. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so delightful and how easy it is to bake up some Christmas cheer in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Bundt Cake is that its ingredients are straightforward, familiar, and each one truly makes a difference. From the creamy sour cream to the playful food coloring, every item plays a starring role in creating a cake that’s as impressive as it is irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The structural backbone; sift for a finer crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives that perfect lift and a lovely soft texture.
• Baking soda: Works with the sour cream for that dreamy, tender bite.
• Salt: Just a bit brings out all the cozy, balanced flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Desserts always taste dreamier with real butter—make sure it’s room temp for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Large eggs: Four eggs make the cake rich, moist, and golden-hued.
• Vanilla extract: The classic bakery aroma you can’t live without during the holidays.
• Almond extract: Just a hint elevates the flavor profile—don’t skip it!
• Sour cream: Secret to extra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Whole milk: Creates a smooth, luscious batter.
• Red and green food coloring: Gel types keep the colors bold without watering down the cake.
• Powdered sugar: For the classic, candy-like glaze on top.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk: Whisks smoothly into the powdered sugar for a pourable glaze.
• Holiday sprinkles (optional): The finishing touch for that extra festive sparkle.

How to Make Christmas Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan, making sure every groove is covered. This ensures your Christmas Bundt Cake releases beautifully, capturing all the pretty designs that make this cake so festive.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first distributes the leavening and salt evenly, guaranteeing that every bite is fluffily tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and very fluffy. This stage is key for an airy, delicate cake—don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Your kitchen will start smelling like a bakery—pure happiness!

Step 5: Mix in the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Stir in the sour cream for moisture, then gently mix in the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between dry and wet additions. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense instead of pillowy-soft.

Step 6: Color and Marble the Batter

Divide your batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, tint the second with red food coloring, and the third with green. Drop alternating spoonfuls of each colored batter into the Bundt pan, then swirl gently with a knife. This step is pure holiday fun—kids love helping with it!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack; then let it cool completely. Have patience! The anticipation makes that first slice even sweeter.

Step 8: Glaze and Garnish

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth, slightly thick glaze. Drizzle over the cooled Christmas Bundt Cake and, if you like, shower it with holiday sprinkles for a final touch of magic.

How to Serve Christmas Bundt Cake

Garnishes

This cake looks spectacular with just the white glaze and a tumble of sparkling holiday sprinkles. For a show-stopping finish, try adding sugared cranberries, edible glitter, or a dusting of powdered sugar “snow.” Each one adds a different visual and a little extra holiday flair.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness by pairing your Christmas Bundt Cake with fresh berries, a bowl of whipped cream, or even a simple fruit compote. Coffee and spiced tea are classic accompaniments, but on Christmas morning, you might even serve it with a cheerful glass of eggnog or hot chocolate!

Creative Ways to Present

Place your cake on a pedestal stand surrounded by pine branches and tiny ornaments for a centerpiece-worthy dessert table. Slice, arrange on a platter, and nestle candied oranges or marzipan holly between the slices for festive flair. Individual slices can be wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon for the sweetest take-home party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Bundt Cake fresh for up to three days by covering it tightly and storing it at room temperature. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so each slice stays tender. If your kitchen runs warm, feel free to keep it in the fridge instead.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually (or the whole cake) in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature still wrapped for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that “just baked” coziness, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. For larger portions, warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If you’ve applied the glaze and sprinkles already, reheat gently so the topping stays pretty and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Bundt Cake without almond extract?

Absolutely! Vanilla alone is lovely, although almond does add that special holiday bakery note. If you need a substitute, a bit more vanilla or a splash of orange zest can highlight the festive flavors beautifully.

What food coloring works best for vibrant holiday colors?

Gel food coloring is your best bet—it delivers bold red and green without thinning the batter, so your swirls stay sharp and bright. A little gel goes a long way for dramatic results.

How do I prevent my Bundt cake from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease every nook and cranny of your pan with butter or a baking spray containing flour. Make sure there aren’t any dry spots, as these lead to sticking. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to help it set before turning it out.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Definitely! Christmas Bundt Cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld. After glazing, keep it covered at room temperature, or freeze (unglazed is best for freezing) and decorate right before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different, but adding an extra dollop of sour cream can help keep the cake moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts light up the holidays quite like a homemade Christmas Bundt Cake. Every colorful slice is a crowd-pleaser and a festive reminder of how joyful holiday baking can be. Gather your favorite people, turn on some festive tunes, and bake a little magic into your season—you might just start a new Christmas tradition!

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