Chocolate Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe
Are you craving a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, butter, and cream? Look no further! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making a Christmas decadent chocolate Bundt cake step by step. From blooming cocoa powder to preparing a luscious chocolate ganache topping, we’ve got you covered. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on this heavenly chocolate journey!
Ingredients You Need
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather the ingredients required to create this delectable chocolate Bundt cake:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hot Water | 1½ cups (360ml) |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 1¼ cups (125g) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3½ cups (420g) |
| Granulated Sugar | 2½ cups (500g) |
| Baking Soda | 2½ teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (213g) |
| Sour Cream (room temperature) | 1 cup (220g) |
| Vegetable Oil | ½ cup (120ml) |
| Large Eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| For the Ganache Topping: | |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chopped Bars | 4 ounces (113g) |
| Heavy Cream | 7 tablespoons (105ml) |
| Butter (softened) | 1 tablespoon |
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start crafting this delightful cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Blooming the Cocoa Powder:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a Bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, pour the hot water over the unsweetened cocoa powder, stirring until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Set it aside to cool.
-
Preparing the Bundt Pan:
- Coat the Bundt pan with butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is well-covered.
- Dust the pan with cocoa powder or flour, tapping out any excess.
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Mixing the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the unsalted butter, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together until you have a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
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Incorporating the Cocoa Mixture:
- Pour the cocoa powder and hot water mixture into the batter.
- Mix until the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving it that rich, chocolaty flavor.
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Baking the Cake:
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cooling and Preparing the Ganache:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the chocolate ganache by melting the semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and softened butter in a heatproof bowl. Stir until smooth.
-
Unmolding and Ganache Topping:
- Carefully invert the Bundt cake onto a serving platter.
- Pour the prepared chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a decadent finish.
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Serving and Enjoying:
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve your decadent chocolate Bundt cake to delighted guests, and savor each bite of chocolatey perfection!
Amazing Chocolate Bundt Cake
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different type of cocoa powder for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor.
Q: Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt? A: While sour cream adds a unique texture and tang to the cake, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.
Q: How should I store the leftover cake? A: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Q: Can I freeze the chocolate Bundt cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to three months.
Q: What can I serve with this cake? A: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter? A: Certainly! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Now you have all the tools and knowledge to create a decadent chocolate Bundt cake that will impress your friends and family. Follow the step-by-step instructions, and don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and accompaniments. Enjoy the rich, chocolaty goodness of this dessert, and make every occasion a little sweeter with your homemade masterpiece!
