Bundt® Tips & Tricks

Nordic Ware's Bundt® Baking Guide Learn how to prep, bake and serve this classic cake. Find recipe inspiration and more!

Short history of the Bundt_Nordic Ware collage

A Short History of the Bundt® Pan

Nordic Ware, a family-owned company based in Minnesota, has been creating these dazzling pans since the mid-1950s. Few realize the name “Bundt” was coined and trademarked by our co-founder, Dave Dalquist, to describe the fluted design of the company’s unique ring cake pan. This original Bundt® Pan featured a distinctive hole in the center that allowed cakes to bake evenly, and an elegant symmetry that made cutting and serving easy Since its rise to fame in 1966, thanks to a Pillsbury Bake-Off, there have been millions of Bundt® pans sold across North America. What’s more, Bundt® Pans are even preserved in the Smithsonian Institution, cementing the cake’s place as an iconic American dessert.

Get an inside look on how a Bundt® Pan is made at our Minneapolis Factory.

How to Prepare a Bundt® Pan -Quick Steps-

A perfectly baked Bundt® starts with a properly prepared pan! Follow our quick and easy steps for a smooth release, plus get more helpful tips on how to bake a Bundt® cake with confidence.

Prep pan with baking spray or butter/flour

Prep pan with baking spray or butter/flour

Fill pan 3/4 full and tap to remove air bubbles

Fill pan 3/4 full and tap to remove air bubbles

Cool cake in pan for 10 min.

Cool cake in pan for 10 min.

Invert onto cooling rack to cool

Invert onto cooling rack to cool

Bundt® Pan Sizes and Designs

We make a large variety of Bundt® sizes and designs to choose from. A classic Bundt® is typically 10 cups in volume, but we offer a wide range of sizes including small bundt pans (5-6 Cup) and mini bundt cake cans (Bundlettes®).  

Image that shows different Bundt Pan sizes- 10-15 cups, 5-6 cups, Bundtlettes and Bite-sized

Material Matters! -Aluminum bakes best-

When it comes to making a Bundt® cake, aluminum bakes best for superior even heating and helps you achieve picture-perfect, memorably tasty results every time you bake. See the results below! 

4 Bundt cakes with 2 Nordic Ware Bundt Pans and competitor's pans comparison view

-Here's how to spot an authentic Bundt® Pan-

100% American-Made

Heavy-walled cast aluminum

U.S-made PFOA/PFAS-free nonstick coating

Expertly designed & handcrafted in our U.S factory

Person holding 3 stacked gold Bundt Pans

Learn More Get Bundt recipes, tips and tricks, our cleaning guide and more.

Bundt-spiration Explore our delicious collection of Bundt® recipes for any size cake, including seasonal favorites and every day recipes for any occasion.

Serve It Up Add the perfect finishing touch to your Bundt® cake! From a dusting of powdered sugar to delicious glazes, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and more, discover simple ways to dress up your Bundt.

Bundt® Cleaning and Care Tips Keep your Bundt® pans in great shape for years of baking! Learn simple cleaning and care tips to prevent residue buildup, protect your pans, and keep them ready for your next bake.

How Long to Bake a Bundt® Cake Wondering how long to bake a Bundt® cake? Discover our helpful tips for baking times, preparing your pan, checking for doneness, and achieving a perfectly baked Bundt® cake every time.

Group image of Nordic Ware best selling Bundt Pans with the Laurel Wreath Bundt cake in the middle

FAQs

What is a Bundt® Pan?

The name “Bundt” was coined and trademarked by Nordic Ware’s co-founder, Dave Dalquist, to describe the fluted design of the company’s unique ring cake pan. This original Bundt® Pan featured a distinctive hole in the center that allowed cakes to bake evenly, and an elegant symmetry that made cutting and serving easy. Now, Nordic Ware proudly makes 50+ Bundt® Pans and variations at their Minneapolis Factory.

What are Bundt® Pans made out of?

All Nordic Ware Bundt® Pans are made of high-quality cast aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly baked Bundt® every time.

What is the nonstick material on Bundt® Pans?

Nordic Ware uses a silicone-based nonstick coating made without PFAS on our cast aluminum bakeware. Our Bundt® Pans are proudly designed and made in the USA for careful quality control.

What utensils can I use on these pans?

We recommend silicone spatulas, nylon and wooden utensils if necessary. Metal utensils, scouring pads and abrasive cleaners should not be used on nonstick surfaces.

Do I need to prep Bundt® pans before baking?

Yes, we recommend prepping Bundt® and cakes pan with BAKING SPRAY, which is a spray that has flour in it already, such as “Baker’s Joy” or “Pam for Baking.” For pans with intricate designs, a baking spray works well to get into all the nooks and crannies. Spray just before putting the batter in the pan, and spray thoroughly but not too heavily. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the pan and all the details.

For another prepping technique, apply a thin coating of solid vegetable shortening (such as “Crisco”) or softened butter, then dust the surface lightly with flour. For cakes with a darker exterior like chocolate, dust with cocoa powder.

Can I prep Bundt® Pans with cooking spray?

We recommend only using baking spray with flour in it. Please do NOT use a regular cooking spray because it tends to leave a sticky residue on the pan, and the cake may stick. The residue left on the pan may be very difficult to clean completely.

What are the best recipes to make in a Bundt®?

Most cake recipes and mixes will work great in our Bundt pans, but cakes that are heavy and/or dense will show more detail than light, fluffy cakes. For instance, pound cakes, Bundt® Cakes and “doctored-up” cake mixes will show nice detail. We recommend using a mixer with a paddle attachment for Bundt® cake or pound cake recipes as it helps eliminate air getting incorporated into the batter.

Bundt® pans are not just for cake! Make savory recipes such as bread, pasta bakes, breakfast egg bakes and much more. You can even roast a chicken in a Bundt Pan! Get more recipe inspiration here.

How long do I let a Bundt® cake cool?

After taking out of the oven, let the cake cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. For Bundtlette and cakelet pans, cooling for 5-8 minutes in the pan should be enough. If necessary, loosen the sides of the cake and gently shake to loosen before carefully inverting onto a cooling rack.

Can I wash Bundt® Pans in the dishwasher?

We recommend hand washing for all of Nordic Ware baking pans. They may be soaked in hot soapy water, and washed with a textured scrubber, sponge or cloth that is safe for non-stick coatings. You may also use a plastic bristled brush. Avoid extended soaking. In stubborn cases, you may use a special cleaner that can get rid of sticky residue such as DAWN Power Wash. Watch full Bundt® cleaning video here. Avoid automatic dishwashers as the detergent is very caustic and can damage the pan’s nonstick coating.

How do I best care and store Bundt® Pans?

Follow our cleaning suggestions every time you use your Bundt® Pans to ensure residue does not build up and keep your pans shiny. For storage, we recommend using a light fabric layer between pans if stacking. Or use our Bundt Storage Bags to keep pans clean and scratch-free.