Step-by-Step Chocolate Bundt Cake Instructions

Preparing the Chocolate Bundt Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, making absolutely sure to coat every groove and crevice.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and uniform.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together with a rubber spatula.
5. Add the hot water or coffee gradually, stirring gently. The batter will be quite thin — this is correct. It’s what gives the cake its extraordinary moisture.
6. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a long skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes — no longer. Run a thin knife around the edges, then invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, at least 1 hour.

Making the Chocolate Ganache Glaze

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
3. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk from the center outward until completely smooth and glossy.
4. Add the butter and whisk until incorporated. Let the ganache cool until it reaches a pourable, honey-like consistency — about 15–20 minutes.
5. Pour the ganache over the cooled bundt cake, letting it drip dramatically down the sides.
6. Top with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings. Allow to set for 30 minutes before slicing.

Chocolate Bundt Cake Nutritional Values

Per serving (1/12 of cake):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Fat: 22g (Saturated: 13g)
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 36g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg

Chocolate Bundt Cake Variations and Substitutions

Creative Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe Ideas

Mocha Chocolate Bundt Cake: Use strong brewed espresso instead of hot water in the batter. The coffee amplifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Sour Cream Substitute: Greek yogurt works beautifully as a 1:1 replacement for sour cream, giving a slightly lighter texture with the same moisture.

Buttermilk Variation: Replace the sour cream with an equal amount of buttermilk for a more traditional, slightly tangy crumb.

Vanilla Bean Glaze Option: For a different finish, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a classic vanilla glaze instead.

Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter for a festive holiday version. Garnish with crushed candy canes.

Presentation Tips for Chocolate Bundt Cake

The photographs above are your presentation guide. Here’s how to recreate that stunning look:

Let the ganache cool just enough to be pourable but thick — this way it clings to the cake instead of running off completely. Pour from a height for dramatic, natural-looking drips. Arrange whole strawberries with their green tops still on around and on top of the cake — they add elegance and freshness. Scatter dark chocolate shavings made with a vegetable peeler over the top for a professional finishing touch. Place the cake on a wooden board or a dark cake stand for a rustic-yet-sophisticated presentation. When you slice, cut with a serrated knife in long, smooth strokes for clean edges that show off the beautiful interior.

Food and Beverage Pairings for Chocolate Bundt Cake

This rich chocolate bundt cake with ganache glaze pairs exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the contrast of cold and warm, creamy and rich, is absolutely divine. For wine, a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a velvety Merlot stands up beautifully to the intense chocolate. Coffee drinkers will love serving this alongside a bold dark roast. For something lighter, a cup of Earl Grey tea cuts through the richness with its citrus bergamot notes.