Gingerbread Bundt Cake

5 from 1 vote

Bake a festive gingerbread bundt cake with warm spices and a vanilla glaze! This easy Christmas bundt cake recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday recipes, cake recipe, Christmas recipes, gingerbread cake, recipe using cake mix, gingerbread bundt cake

Servings: slices

Calories: 412kcal

2 boxes gingerbread cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box) 14.5 ounce boxes; if gingerbread mix isn’t available, substitute with spice cake mix and add extra ginger
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix 3/4 ounce size; substitute 3 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter and double the amount of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt to substitute it with table salt, use half the amount
¼ teaspoon ground clove
¼ teaspoon allspice (optional) or nutmeg
cooking spray and flour or use baking spray like Baker's Joy

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your bundt pan by generously spraying it with cooking spray, then sprinkle with all-purpose flour. Shake any excess flour from the pan. Or use a baking spray like Bakers Joy.
Using a non-stick bundt pan is highly recommended. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gingerbread cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, ground ginger, cinnamon, clove, Kosher salt, and allspice or nutmeg (optional). Be sure they're well combined to distribute the spices evenly.
Add the wet ingredients listed on the box (eggs and water) to the mixing bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing together 1 cup powdered sugar, 5-6 tablespoons heavy cream (or melted butter) and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bundt cake and allow it to set before serving.
optional: spray fresh cranberries with water and roll them in super fine or powdered sugar, or use sugared gum drops, and top on the cake as shown above.

Optional ingredients are not calculated in nutritional facts.

Using instant vanilla pudding mix adds moisture and a rich texture to the cake, making it extra soft and decadent. If you skip it, the cake may be slightly drier. To compensate, try adding 3 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter and double the amount of vanilla extract.
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the amounts of ginger and cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.
You can double the recipe by using two cake (bundt) pans. Depending on your stand mixer or mixing bowl size, you might have to prepare the batter mix separately. The baking time doesn't change.
To make this without a bundt pan, use a 9x13 pan. Adjust baking times accordingly (check the cake mix box for guidance on baking times for that size pan).
To add a festive touch, sprinkle the bundt gingerbread cake with crushed candy canes or holiday-themed sprinkles!

Recipe Variations:

Cranberry Cake – Fold up to 3/4 cup of fresh or dried cranberries into the batter. Top the glaze with sugared cranberries for a festive, tart addition.
Lemon-glazed Spice – Replace the vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice and zest in the glaze. The citrusy glaze pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the gingerbread.
Nutty Gingerbread – Mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty crunch. Garnish the glaze with a sprinkling of toasted nuts.

Storing Instructions:

Store any leftover gingerbread bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, let the unfrosted or decorated cake cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Make Ahead Instructions:

This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Bake it the day before and store it in an airtight container. Glaze it just before serving for the freshest look.