Easy Gingerbread Bundt Cake Recipe: Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert with Salted Caramel Frosting
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In my kitchen, the aroma of gingerbread isn’t just a holiday scent; it’s a beacon of family togetherness, drawing us all in to mix, laugh, and create memories. My gingerbread bundt cake recipe is a no-fuss delight that fits perfectly into our hectic life. If you’ve enjoyed my Christmas Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Frosting, then I’m excited for you to try this recipe with its unique salted caramel twist.
I often lean on the convenience of cake mix on busy days, similar to the approach I took with my Lemon Cranberry Bundt Cake with Sugared Cranberries. And just like my Lemon Bundt Cake, this gingerbread version is straightforward yet satisfying, offering all the festive flavors without extensive prep time.
The real star of this cake is the salted caramel frosting, reminiscent of the rich textures in my Red Velvet Bundt Cake and the playful essence of my Funfetti Bundt Cake. And, just as my 4th of July Bundt Cake brings a pop of festive color, this gingerbread cake adds a dash of holiday spirit.
For those curious about glazing and frosting, you might remember my tips from Easy Bundt Cake Glaze and Easy Bundt Cake Frosting. They’re perfect for adding that special touch to this holiday cake. If you appreciate the ease of recipes like my Simple Vanilla Bundt Cake From Box Cake, then this gingerbread delight will be a breeze.
Through my journey of sharing Bundt Cakes Recipes, I’ve found joy in dressing up each cake for different occasions. This gingerbread cake follows suit, and my Dress Up Bundt Cake For Any Occasion post is packed with ideas to embellish it. If you’re ever in need of a baking toolkit refresher, check out my Bundt Cake Baking Tools and Equipment guide.
Turning a cake out of its pan can be a tense moment, which is why I’ve provided a step-by-step in How to Remove a Bundt Cake from a Bundt Pan. And, to ensure a seamless baking experience, my Bundt Cake Baking Hacks are at your disposal.
Patience is a virtue, especially when waiting for a bundt cake to cool, a topic I’ve covered in How Long Should a Bundt Cake Cool. Starting on the right foot is crucial, so I always recommend the method from How To Grease a Bundt Pan For Chocolate Bundt Cake for a smooth release. And for those who loved my Carrot Bundt Cake From Cake Mix, I’m thrilled to introduce this gingerbread version as your next quick and delightful bake.
Why I Love This Recipe
During the holiday hustle, my kitchen becomes a refuge where I can quickly create something special without spending the whole day baking. That’s why I adore this gingerbread bundt cake recipe, similar to the ease and delight of my Simple Vanilla Bundt Cake From Box Cake. It’s my little secret for crafting a show-stopping dessert with half the effort. Using a cake mix, much like I did in my Carrot Bundt Cake From Cake Mix post, cuts down on prep time and ensures a perfectly moist result every time, leaving me room to infuse personal touches.
One such personal twist is the salted caramel frosting, a flavor I explored after the success of my Easy Bundt Cake Frosting guide. It melds sweet and salty to transform a simple gingerbread cake into an extraordinary treat, echoing the surprise element I loved in my Funfetti Bundt Cake.
This cake impresses my friends and family, making them think I’ve spent hours in the kitchen, much like the creations I shared in my Bundt Cakes Recipes collection. From my early baking days to now, this recipe has remained a favorite, proving that you don’t need complex steps to achieve a delectable outcome, a philosophy I’ve adhered to since my first Easy Bundt Cake Glaze experiment.
EQUIPMENT
- Measuring Cup: Used to accurately measure the liquid ingredients, ensuring the correct moisture balance in the cake batter.
- Measuring Spoons: Essential for measuring smaller amounts of dry and wet ingredients, like spices and extracts, to get the flavor profile just right.
- Wilton Candy Melting Pot (optional): While not essential, it’s perfect for melting the shortening and cocoa powder smoothly for greasing the bundt pan, ensuring the cake releases perfectly after baking.
- Blending Whisk: A versatile tool for mixing batter ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps and the batter is smooth for an even bake.
- Hand Mixer: Used to efficiently combine the frosting ingredients, achieving a smooth and fluffy texture for the salted caramel frosting.
- Glass Mixing Bowl: Ideal for mixing the cake batter and frosting, glass bowls are sturdy and don’t retain odors or flavors, ensuring the pure taste of the cake and frosting.
- Spatulas: Necessary for scraping the batter into the bundt pan and frosting the cooled cake, ensuring no mixture is wasted and the frosting is spread evenly.
- 1 Bundt Cake Pan: The centerpiece tool, it gives the gingerbread cake its distinctive ring shape and decorative design, integral for a traditional bundt cake appearance.
- Bundt Cake Box: Used for the safe transportation or gifting of the cake, protecting its shape and decoration while presenting it attractively.
- Heat Thermometer: Crucial for checking the done-ness of the cake without opening the oven frequently and for ensuring the cake has cooled to the right temperature before frosting.
- Round Cooling Grid: Allows air to circulate around the whole cake, cooling it evenly and quickly to prevent overbaking and to prepare it for frosting.
How to Grease a Pan
INGREDIENTS
Bundt Cake Grease
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Shortening: Or substitute for a healthier option like coconut oil, which has a higher smoke point and contains beneficial fatty acids.
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Keep as is, as cocoa powder is already a healthy choice, rich in antioxidants.
Bundt Cake
- 2 Eggs: Or substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) for a cholesterol-free vegan option.
- 1 1/4 cup Milk: Or substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a lower calorie, dairy-free alternative.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter: Or substitute with applesauce or mashed bananas for a lower fat content and added nutrients.
- 1 Gingerbread Cake Mix: Look for a whole grain or gluten-free cake mix for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: Or substitute with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 can Salted Caramel Frosting: Or substitute with a homemade frosting using reduced-fat cream cheese, natural sweeteners like honey or pure maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt for flavor enhancement.
Gingerbread Men Sprinkles
- Or opt for natural or homemade sprinkles made from colored sugars using natural food dyes, avoiding artificial colors and flavors.
Instructions
Greasing Bundt Cake
- Prep and measure ingredients; preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a candy melting pot, combine vegetable shortening and unsweetened cocoa powder; turn to high heat.
- Once melted, whisk the shortening and cocoa powder until combined. Alternatively, use a microwave for melting.
Bundt Cake 4. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly with a blending whisk.
- Add the milk to the eggs and whisk vigorously until fully combined.
- Pour in the gingerbread cake mix and melted (cooled) butter to the egg mixture.
- Mix with a hand whisk until smooth.
- Add 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour and whisk again until smooth.
- Use a silicone brush to coat the Bundt cake pan with the vegetable shortening mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a round cooling grid to cool completely (1-2 hours). Check the temperature to reach 70-75°F with a heat thermometer.
Cream Cheese Frosting 14. Transfer the salted caramel frosting into a medium bowl and whisk on high with a hand mixer.
Decorating the Bundt Cake 15. With a silicone spatula, spread the frosting over the cake and create swirls.
- Sprinkle gingerbread man sprinkles atop the frosting.
Packaging Bundt Cake for Transportation or Gifting 17. Place the decorated cake into a Bundt cake box for transportation or gifting.
- Secure the box and add a ribbon and personalized sticker for a special touch.
More glaze for bundt cakes
Storing Your Bundt Cake: Ensuring Freshness and Flavor
Whether you’re enjoying leftovers or preparing your cake in advance, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- At Room Temperature:
For short-term storage (up to three days), keep the cake under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap on the counter. Your Bundt cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This method is perfect for cakes that will be eaten in a short period. - Refrigerate for Longevity:
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container if you need to keep it fresh for up to five days. It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavor. - Freeze for Future Enjoyment:
Freezing is ideal for extended storage. Wrap your Bundt cake securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze. Before freezing, mark the packaging with a Sharpie to note the date. Your cake will remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to reach room temperature before enjoying. This method is ideal for planning ahead or keeping leftovers tasting as good as new.
By following these detailed serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Bundt cake at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or saved for later. Proper storage ensures every bite remains moist, flavorful, and just as satisfying as when it first came out of the oven.
Bundt Cakes
As we wrap up this journey from simple cake mix to a festive gingerbread masterpiece, I’m reminded of the power of baking to bring joy and warmth into our homes, especially during the holiday season. This Gingerbread Bundt Cake, with its rich spices and salted caramel frosting, is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of family traditions and the joy of sharing. And if you’re as fond of bundt cakes as I am, you’ll love exploring variations like my Lemon Bundt Cake or the cozy Christmas Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Frosting.
I’ve found that baking is as much about the memories we create as it is about the treats we bake. Whether you’re making this cake for a special holiday gathering, as a gift, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea on a chilly evening, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. For those interested in further adventures in bundt baking, my guides on Bundt Cake Baking Tools and Equipment and How To Grease a Bundt Pan For Chocolate Bundt Cake provide valuable tips to enhance your baking experience.
Thank you for joining me in creating this delightful gingerbread bundt cake. I look forward to hearing about your baking adventures and seeing your own gingerbread creations. Don’t forget to check out my Bundt Cakes Recipes for more inspiration, and remember, every cake you bake is a story you create, flavored with love and sprinkled with the joy of the season.
Gingerbread Bundt Cake From Cake Mix With Salted Caramel Frosting
Equipment
- Wilton candy melting pot optional
Ingredients
Bundt Cake Grease
- 2 tbsp Vegetable shortening
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Bundt Cake
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 Gingerbread cake mix
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
Instructions
Greasing Bundt Cake
- Prep and measure ingredients; preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a candy melting pot, combine vegetable shortening and unsweetened cocoa powder; turn to high heat.
- Once melted, whisk the shortening and cocoa powder until combined. Alternatively, use a microwave for melting.
Bundt Cake
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly.
- Add the milk to the eggs and whisk vigorously until fully combined.
- Pour in the cake mix and melted (cooled) butter to the egg mixture.
- Mix with a hand whisk until smooth.
- Add 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour and whisk again until smooth.
- Using your hand whisk, mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Use a silicone brush to coat the Bundt cake pan with the vegetable shortening mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (1-2 hours). Check the temperature to reach 70-75°F with a digital thermometer.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Transfer the store-bought Salted Caramel Frosting into a medium bowl and whisk on high with a hand mixer.
Decorating bundt cake
- With a silicone spatula, spread the frosting over the cake and create swirls.
- Sprinkle gingerbread man sprinkles on top of the frosting.
Packaging bundt cake for transportation or gifting
- Place the decorated cake into a white paper box for transportation or gifting.
- Secure the box and add a ribbon and personalized sticker for a special touch.
Nutrition
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