Our Guide to Bundt Cakes

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Do you have a Bundt pan? Do you know what a Bundt pan is? Better yet, do you know what the difference between a Bundt pan and a tube pan is? Here is one my favorite first reactions to someone who has never seen a Bundt pan before:

You can watch the whole clip from My Big Fat Greek Wedding here: https://youtu.be/WPvO53JHnmY

Okay, so I’m sure most people have a better idea of what a Bundt pan is than the Portokalos family, but just in case you’ve never actually baked in a Bundt pan, I’m going to share all you need to know. And, of course, you can expect lots of Bundt cake recipes along the way.

A Little History: While no one is entirely sure when people started baking cakes with a hole in the center, it’s pretty much agreed on that we have Germany to credit for the idea. In fact, the name “Bundt” is said to come from the German word “bund,” which can be interpreted as a group, gathering, or bundle. “Bundt” was actually trademarked by Dave Dalquist, co-founder of Nordic Ware, in 1950 when he created the first, cast aluminum, fluted cake pan to be sold and marketed in the United States. [Sources: The National Museum of American History & Real Baking with Rose Levy Beranbaum]

But, the Bundt pan didn’t really take off until 1966 when a woman who entered the 1966 Pillsbury bake-off won second place for her “Tunnel of Fudge” cake – a cake that was baked in a Bundt pan.

Bundt Pan vs. Tube Pan: In short, all Bundt pans are tube pans, but not all tube pans are Bundt pans. Traditionally, a tube pan is a deep baking pan that’s straight-sided with a hollow tube in the center. Some tube pans come with removable bottoms to make it easier to remove the cake from the pan. Tube pans are typically used for making sponge cakes or angel food cakes, which need the tall, straight sides for climbing. A Bundt pan also has a hollow opening in the center, but the size and shape of the opening can vary. Also, Bundt pans usually have a decorative design, which makes it a better choice for dense and moist cakes like pound cakes and coffee cakes.

Here we’ve got two Bundt pans (front) and a tube pan with a removable bottom (upper right).

Keep This in Mind! In most cases, you can substitute a Bundt pan for a tube pan, but always check the recipe’s notes to be sure.

Why the Hole? The hole in the center helps the cake to bake evenly. Without it, your tall or dense cakes may not be done all the way through. This is also why Bundt cakes usually bake at a lower temperature for a longer time period.

All the Options: The first Bundt pan may have been a simple fluted ring, but nowadays Bundt pans come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. There’s even mini Bundt pans! If you’re going to be purchasing a Bundt pan, always go for one that’s got a nonstick coating. If not, you’ll have to make sure every nook and cranny is greased before putting in your batter.

Check out these cakes made in different Bundt cake pans!

Clockwise from top left: Haunted Castle Bundt Cake, Mojito Bundt Cake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bundt Cake, House Bundt Cake, Caramel Nut Cake, Meyer Lemon Bundt Cake

Well, now that you know a little bit more about Bundt pans I think it’s time you go bake one! If you want even more Bundt cake recipes than the ones I’ve shared, check out the “Best Bundt Cakes” collection on www.MrFood.com. And if you’re already an avid Bundt cake maker, then I recommend you follow #BundtBakers on Pinterest. There are so many great ideas from Bundt lovers like you!

What’s Your Favorite Kind of Bundt Cake?

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Merly

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