If you’ve been hunting for a chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and downright irresistible, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe. I love how this cake turns out every single time — it’s got the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, with a luscious chocolate ganache that seriously makes it feel like a celebration in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be glad you paused your search right here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist Texture: The addition of Greek yogurt keeps the crumb tender without being dense.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and brewed coffee deepen the chocolate notes beautifully.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps makes this cake a breeze.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: It’s equally stunning for family dinners or special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe relies on pantry staples that combine expertly to deliver that rich, luxurious flavor you crave. Using brewed coffee might sound unusual, but it actually enhances the chocolate taste without adding a coffee note, so don’t skip it. And Greek yogurt keeps things moist and tender while adding a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy to avoid dense cake.
- Baking soda: Adds rise and lightness, trust this to keep the cake fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances flavor, balancing out the sweetness and cocoa.
- Brewed coffee: Amplifies the chocolate flavor—don’t worry, the coffee taste won’t overpower the cake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good-quality powder for a deep chocolate punch.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; you won’t want to reduce this.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to cake’s structure and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without adding flavor; canola oil works well.
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds moisture and a slight tang that elevates the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate taste with warmth and depth.
Variations
I love how versatile this Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists that make it uniquely mine, but you can totally personalize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit!
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Tossing in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks gives a lovely crunchy texture that my family can’t get enough of.
- Swap Greek Yogurt for Coconut Yogurt: For a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt works well and adds a subtle tropical flair.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can add warmth or a surprising kick, which I discovered is fantastic for adult gatherings.
- Different Extracts: Try almond or peppermint extract in the ganache to give a seasonal twist—I’m obsessed with almond during the holidays.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). I like to place the rack in the middle so the cake bakes evenly. Grease your 10-inch bundt pan generously with cooking oil to prevent sticking—this is key for a beautiful release later. You can also lightly dust with cocoa powder for extra insurance.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Coffee Mixture
Next, combine your brewed coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-low heat while whisking constantly so everything blends smoothly without clumps. Then take it off the heat and let it cool — this step really enhances the depth of chocolate in the final cake.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set those aside so they’re ready to go when you mix your wet ingredients.
Step 4: Blend Sugar, Eggs, and Oil
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to combine sugar, eggs (make sure they’re at room temp for best results), and oil. Beat this on medium speed for about a minute until everything looks smooth and combined. Then add the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing again until the batter is silky and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything Without Overmixing
Now, gently mix in the flour mixture along with your cooled chocolate coffee liquid. Use low speed and mix just until combined — this part is crucial because overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender. When it’s all blended together, your batter is ready for the pan.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for about an hour — you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges pull away slightly from the sides. Every oven is a little different, so start checking at around 55 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Then Unmold
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This rest time helps the cake to set so it doesn’t fall apart when you flip it out onto your cake plate. Use a gentle hand for unmolding—if you greased and dusted well, it should slide right out.
Step 8: Make the Chocolate Ganache
For the ganache, melt butter, heavy cream, and cocoa powder together in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk occasionally and be careful not to let it boil. Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and almond extract until silky. If your ganache feels too thick, add a teaspoon of cream to loosen it.
Step 9: Glaze and Garnish
Pour the warm ganache evenly over your cake so it drips beautifully down the sides. For a final touch, sprinkle shaved chocolate or chocolate curls on top to make it look extra fancy—I love this detail when serving to guests!
Pro Tips for Making Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and yogurt to room temp helps the batter mix evenly and bake smoothly.
- Don’t Skip the Coffee: Even if you’re not a coffee fan, brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee — I learned this the first time I tried, and it’s a game-changer.
- Proper Pan Prep: A well-greased bundt pan ensures your cake comes out clean — I sometimes use a cooking spray with flour for the best results.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing just until ingredients are combined keeps your cake light and prevents a tough texture, which I used to mess up before figuring this out!
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this cake, I like to add a few simple garnishes that really make it pop. Fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar add a nice contrast and brightness. Sometimes I’ll whip up a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to complement the richness of the ganache—my family goes crazy for that touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. For an adult get-together, I love serving it alongside a rich espresso or a glass of full-bodied red wine—the flavors just elevate the entire experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped the bundt cake in edible gold dust or piped whipped cream rosettes around it. Another fun idea is serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce. Presentation can be simple yet elegant, and your guests will always feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within two days. If your kitchen is warm, pop it in the fridge — just bring slices back to room temperature before serving so the texture and flavor shine.
Freezing
This Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. I slice leftover cake, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for dessert, thaw slices in the fridge overnight and gently warm them a bit for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil. This way, the cake stays moist, and the chocolate ganache softens just right, almost like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I make this cake without coffee?
While coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, you can substitute it with hot water if you prefer. The flavor won’t be quite as intense, but it will still be delicious and moist.
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What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?
A 10-inch bundt pan is ideal to get that classic ring shape and even cooking. Make sure it’s nonstick or well-greased to easily release the cake.
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Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Sour cream adds similar moisture and tang, making it a great substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe.
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How should I store leftover cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.
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Can I make the ganache ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ganache a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before pouring over the cake to regain that smooth pourable texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe always steals the show, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a pretty centerpiece for a celebration. When I first tried it, I was amazed by how simple ingredients come together to create such an indulgent treat. I can’t wait for you to make this in your kitchen — it’s so worth it! Give it a go and watch it become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist Chocolate Bundt Cake features a perfect balance of coffee-infused cocoa flavor and a smooth, luscious chocolate ganache topping. Ideal for gatherings or a decadent treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create an impressive dessert with a tender crumb and deep chocolate taste.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (such as Canola)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven. Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Coffee-Cocoa Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine brewed coffee and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat while constantly whisking to blend into a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add granulated sugar, room-temperature eggs, and vegetable oil. Using a hand or stand mixer at medium speed, blend for about one minute until well mixed. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, then continue mixing for another minute until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry and Coffee Mixtures: Add the flour mixture and the cooled coffee-cocoa mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed for about one minute, ensuring ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain cake tenderness.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges of the cake will also begin to pull away from the pan.
- Cool the Cake: Remove cake from oven and let it cool in the bundt pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the pan onto a cake plate to release the cake and allow it to cool further.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, and cocoa powder. Heat over low heat without allowing it to boil, whisking occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Finish Ganache: Remove the saucepan from the heat, then whisk in powdered sugar and almond extract until the ganache is creamy and smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm ganache evenly over the cooled cake, letting it drip naturally over the sides. Optionally, garnish with shaved chocolate for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Brewing the coffee adds depth and intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Do not skip cooling the coffee-cocoa mixture before mixing it with eggs to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and texture.
- Be cautious not to over-mix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before turning out to avoid breaking the cake.
- The almond extract in the ganache can be substituted with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet ganache, adjust the powdered sugar quantity to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg