Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
BUNDT CAKE BLISS
Southern Praline Bundt Cake Italian Cream Bundt Cake Kentucky Bourbon Bundt Cake Apple Cider Bundt Cake Crème Fraîche Bundt Cake Sour Cream Bundt Cake Watergate Bundt Cake Birthday Bundt Cake Chocolate Birthday Bundt Cake Rosemary-Lemon Bundt Cake Orange Date Nut Bundt Cake Brown Sugar Date Nut Bundt Cake French Apple Bundt Cake Almond-Olive Oil Bundt Cake Apricot Almond Bundt Cake Strawberry Bundt Cake with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce Sweet Tea Bundt Cake Orange Sweet Tea Bundt Cake Pineapple-Coconut Bundt Cake Golden Pineapple Bundt Cake Almond–Poppy Seed Bundt Cake Lemon–Poppy Seed Bundt Cake Zucchini–Thyme Bundt Cake Cappuccino Bundt Cake Caramel Macchiato Bundt Cake Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake Tomato Soup Spice Bundt Cake
Southern Praline Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
When a trip to the French Market in New Orleans is just not possible, enjoy the next best thing. Savor a slice of this Southern Praline Bundt Cake and sip on chicory coffee. Better yet, invite friends over and create your own version of Southern hospitality. "Let the good times roll!"
Nonstick baking spray with flour
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 15-cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in the pecans by hand.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and let cool completely.
7. Set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips and drizzle with the Praline Icing.
TIPS:
For a decorative presentation, place pecan halves evenly over the top of the iced cake.
Bundt cakes make delicious cupcake-size Bundt cakes (often called Bundtlettes) or small cakes. Spray the pan with nonstick baking spray with flour, then fill the pan about one-half to two- thirds full of batter. Bake, using the oven temperature stated in the recipe, but reduce the baking time. Generally begin checking for doneness after about 15 minutes, then watch carefully to avoid overbaking. Bake the cake until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Italian Cream Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
There isn't much authentic history regarding the origin of Italian cream cake, but it appears to be more of a favorite in the Southern United States and not so much in Italy. It's definitely a favorite of folks who enjoy creamy and crunchy with every bite, even if they live north of the Mason-Dixon Line. This moist, flavorful Italian Cream Bundt Cake is perfect for any occasion but is especially well suited for family gatherings or potlucks, where lots of people can enjoy a slice — there will be plenty to go around.
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer on low speed, blend together the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl well and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in the coconut and pecans by hand.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely.
5. Set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips and drizzle with the Cream Cheese Glaze. Sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans and toasted coconut.
6. Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Keep any leftovers refrigerated.
TIP:
To toast coconut, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread the coconut evenly over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the coconut is light golden brown. Let cool completely before sprinkling the coconut on the glazed cake.
Kentucky Bourbon Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
We recently spent some time in Louisville, Kentucky, at a culinary conference. That road trip convinced us that everything is better with bourbon!
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a measuring cup, stir together the bourbon and buttermilk. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour mixture in three steps, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Place the cake on a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment paper. While the cake is still in the pan, use a skewer to poke holes in the cake. Drizzle the cake with about two-thirds of the Bourbon Glaze. Invert the cake onto the rack. Brush the remaining glaze over the top of the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.
VARIATION:
Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Substitute apple cider for the bourbon. Prepare and bake the cake as directed. Glaze with Apple Cider Glaze (here) instead of Bourbon Glaze.
TIP:
If desired, add 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans to the batter before baking (see here for instructions on toasting nuts).
For a delicious and beautiful presentation, slice the cake and serve each slice with fresh berries on top, then dollop with whipped cream.
Crème Fraîche Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
It's no secret that Roxanne would move to France in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. In the meantime, she travels there whenever she can and incorporates the French way of cooking into her routine as much as she can. Crème fraîche is easy enough to make (see Tip).
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and blend well.
4. Stir half the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. (Do not use a mixer.) Add the crème fraîche and stir gently to combine. Add the remaining flour mixture and gently stir until well incorporated.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and let cool for 1 hour.
7. If desired, set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper and sift confectioners' sugar over the top to garnish.
VARIATION:
Sour Cream Bundt Cake
Substitute sour cream for the crème fraîche. Prepare and bake the cake as directed.
TIPS:
Crème fraîche is available at some grocery stores, but if you would like to make your own, it is easy. In a small bowl, stir together 1½ tablespoons buttermilk and 1 cup heavy cream. Allow the mixture to stand, covered, at room temperature for 8 hours. Stir, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. Measure out 1 cup crème fraîche to use in this recipe.
For a delicious and beautiful presentation, slice cake and place it on a serving plate. Top with fresh fruit and a dollop of crème fraîche.
Watergate Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
This retro recipe takes us back to the days of the Watergate scandal. The title was given to the event that took place forty-five years ago when there was a break-in at the Democratic National Party headquarters in the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. By 1976, Watergate cake was all the rage, and to this day many a potluck or Thanksgiving feast would not be complete without this iconic recipe.
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the instant pudding mix for use in the glaze.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, blend together the cake mix, remaining pudding mix, eggs, oil, and club soda on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl well and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and let cool completely.
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the reserved 2 tablespoons pudding mix, the confectioners' sugar, and the milk until smooth.
7. Set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or pecans, if desired.
TIPS:
If desired, add 1 or 2 drops green food coloring to the glaze. You can substitute still water for the club soda or sparkling water.
Birthday Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
Don't you dare visit the trendy bakery down the street or go to the grocery store bakery and "pick up" a birthday cake when you have the secret to a perfect birthday celebration right under your nose. The convenience of cake mix makes this Birthday Bundt Cake a go-to celebration cake, and no one can resist smiling when they see the sprinkles both inside and out!
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, blend together the cake mix, pudding mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl well and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in the sprinkles by hand.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and let cool completely.
5. Set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips and drizzle with the White Chocolate Glaze. Garnish with additional sprinkles.
VARIATION:
Chocolate Birthday Bundt Cake
Substitute chocolate cake mix for the vanilla cake mix and chocolate instant pudding mix for the vanilla instant pudding mix. Prepare and bake the cake as directed. Drizzle with the White Chocolate Glaze as directed, then garnish with sprinkles.
TIP:
You could substitute a box of yellow cake mix for the white cake mix.
Rosemary-Lemon Bundt Cake
MAKES 1 BUNDT CAKE
Sweet and tender with the perfect tint of yellow flecked with rosemary makes this Rosemary-Lemon Bundt Cake intriguing. Roxanne once offered a slice to her neighbor, who exclaimed, "Oh, no, thank you, I love lemon, but rosemary, not so much." Roxanne insisted she give this one a try, and guess what? The flavor combo was a winner, and Roxanne sent plenty of cake home for her neighbor to enjoy. This is a winner — give it a try!
Nonstick baking spray with flour
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the lemon extract and the vanilla and beat well.
4. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir the lemon zest and rosemary into the batter by hand.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and let cool for another 10 minutes.
7. Set the cake on the rack over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips. Use a skewer to poke holes in the cake and drizzle the Lemon Glaze over the cake. If desired, sprinkle with lemon zest and stick a sprig or two of rosemary into the cake to garnish.
TIP:
We prefer the flavor of this cake with the lemon zest, but in a pinch you could omit it.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Delicious Bundt Cakes"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Roxanne Wyss and Kathy Moore.
Excerpted by permission of St. Martin's Press.
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