Looking for an easy way to make a delicious Bundt cake using cake mix? Whether you're short on time or just love a shortcut, cake mix Bundt cakes are the perfect solution for moist, flavorful desserts with minimal effort. Here, I'm sharing my expert tips, creative variations, and my foolproof recipe to make the best Bundt cake starting with a simple box mix.
If you ask me, a good Bundt cake is the perfect dessert for just about any occasion. You can get really pretty, intricate pans and end up with a beautiful cake that was super easy to make!
I'm taking it a step further and making it even easier by incorporating store-bought cake mix. We're adding our own spin on it to make sure it's soft and extra delicious. I will talk you through it all below!
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Why Use Cake Mix for Bundt Cakes?
Convenience and Time-Saving
Let's be real, life gets busy. Sometimes you might want a sweet treat, or an easy dessert to take to a holiday dinner or potluck, but you are looking for as many shortcuts as you can get. That's where this recipe comes in!
The boxed cake mix really cuts down on the number of ingredients you need to buy, measure, and incorporate. The whole recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen!
Yet even with store-bought boxed cake mix, this recipe is consistent and reliable. You will end up with a perfectly delicious Bundt cake every time.
Versatility in Flavors
Once you've got this base recipe down (which is really a simple yet irresistible vanilla Bundt cake), you can totally get creative. There are so many different boxed cake mix flavors available that you can test out in this recipe.
A white or yellow cake mix is perfect when you want a neutral base that lets add-ins, like raspberries or white chocolate, shine. Huge fan of that flavor combo, by the way, as you probably guessed from my White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake recipe.
Meanwhile, using a lemon cake mix for an Easter Bundt (maybe with blueberries mixed in?) or a spice cake mix for fall instantly gives your cake a seasonal twist without the need for any extra flavorings. Chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti mixes can also be customized with glazes, fillings, and mix-ins to ceate totally different Bundt cakes!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cake mix: You can't go wrong with any type of boxed cake mix for this recipe! I used a standard size box (15.25 oz) of gluten free funfetti cake mix.
- Sour cream: Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, denser Bundt cake with a velvety crumb.
- Milk: I recommend whole milk but you can use 2% or non-fat if that's all you have.
Expert Tips
Preparing the Bundt Pan
I cannot stress this enough... you NEED to grease your Bundt pan thoroughly. I always use Pam spray and make sure to get every nook and cranny of the pan. Sometimes, I even take a clean paper towel and use it to really ensure the spray is evenly distributed.
I don't typically flour my Bundt pans when baking Bundt cakes and have never run into any issues. If you prefer to grease and flour your pan, go for it! Either way, preparing your pan is essential.
Baking and Cooling
Bundt cakes typically have a longer bake time than regular layer cakes due to their density and the shape of the pan. But it's important to remember that all ovens are different. Use an oven thermometer if you have one, and be sure to start checking for doneness 5 minutes early by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes (I like to just let it sit and cool completely) before inverting. This rest time helps the cake firm up and reduces the risk of it breaking apart or sticking when flipped.
Pro Tip: Place your Bundt pan on a baking sheet before going in the oven — it makes transporting easier and protects from spills if any batter sneaks over the edge.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
Incorporating Fruits and Nuts
If you are making a plain white or lemon Bundt cake, it might be fun to add in some blueberries or raspberries for some bright fruity flavor. Raspberries would go great with chocolate, too!
I don't use nuts in my recipes due to allergies, but if you are a fan, chopped pecans in a spiced cake would be absolutely delicious.
Using Different Glazes and Toppings
Feel free to experiment and explore options like cream cheese glaze, chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
I love adding a simple glaze (like in my Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake With Glaze) for an elegant yet delicious touch.
Seasonal and Holiday Themes
You can have so much fun with this recipe for various holidays and occasions! You know I'm a huge fan of a good apple cider Bundt cake, and you could totally recreate that flavor profile using a spiced cake mix.
You can use different colors for your frosting or glaze, add sprinkles, etc. to make this cake extra fun for Halloween or Christmas. For an Easter brunch, you can make a lemon blueberry cake or a carrot cake with shredded carrots mixed in. I just love a versatile recipe!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Inadequate Greasing
One of the most common mistakes when baking Bundt cakes using cake mix is not greasing the pan properly. Bundt pans have intricate designs, so skipping this step can result in chunks of your cake sticking. Use a baking spray or a thorough coat of butter and make sure to get into every ridge and corner.
Pro Tip: Use a pastry brush to apply melted butter into every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan.
Incorrect Baking Time
Underbaking will lead to a gummy or collapsed center, while over-baking will dry out your cake. Since Bundt cakes are thicker and more dense than some other cakes, it's especially important to check for doneness. Your toothpick or skewer should come out completely clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you should be able to use any cake mix. I used this one to make my cake gluten free.
You can store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Absolutely! Wrap the cake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
You would need a good dairy free substitute for sour cream, as well as your favorite non-dairy milk. I haven't tested this myself.
Related Recipes To Try
Did you try my Bundt cake using cake mix? Leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram @justastastyblog and #justastastyblog! And don't forget to subscribe to get new recipes directly in your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Easy Bundt Cake Using Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (this is the mix I used)
- ¾ cup sour cream room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the boxed cake mix with the sour cream, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the ingredients until combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix, ¾ cup sour cream, ¾ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable or canola oil, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan completely before inverting onto a plate.
Notes
- Any standard sized boxed cake mix should work, but I like to use gluten free cake mix.
- Use full-fat sour cream and whole milk for best results.
- It's crucial to let the cake cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan, otherwise it may break or stick.
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