How to Make a Bundt® Cake: Foolproof Tips for Prep, Baking & Release

If you’ve ever hesitated before flipping a cake out of a Bundt® pan, you’re not alone. That nervous pause before the reveal? Completely normal.

After more than 70 years of Bundt® baking, we can confidently say this: when you know how to make a Bundt® cake the right way, sticking, cracking, and sinking become rare exceptions, not expectations.

This complete guide walks you through how to prep, bake, cool, frost, and store a Bundt® cake for flawless results every time.

Tools You’ll Need to Make a Bundt® Cake

To successfully make a Bundt® cake, gather:

• Bundt® Pan or Bundt®lette pan
• Cooling grid
• Baking spray with flour (Baker’s Joy or Pam for Baking)
• Pastry brush
• Spatula
• Mixer with paddle attachment
• Cake tester or toothpick
• Your recipe, of course!

Using the right tools and recipe from the start improves release and cake detail. For some of our favorite homemade Bundt® cake recipes, check out our Bundt® Cake Recipe page here.

How to Prep a Bundt® Pan to Prevent Sticking

Step 1: Use the Right Baking Spray

Apply a *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 thoroughly, but not too heavily, just before putting the batter in the pan. Hold the spray can 8 to 10 inches from the pan while spraying to apply an even coat.

Step 2: Evenly Coat with a Pastry Brush

Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the detail of the pan. It is best if there are no clumps or excessive amounts of baking spray. There should be no pooling.

Alternative Method: Butter and Flour

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.

Never Use Regular Cooking Spray!

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. If a cooking spray has been used, it will be imperative that the pan is cleaned with a product such a DAWN Power Dissolver or DAWN erasing dish foam. If the residue from the cooking spray is not removed, future cakes may stick no matter what the greasing method.

Choosing the Right Batter for a Bundt® Cake

Most cake recipes and mixes will work great in our Bundt® pans. Dense batters like pound cake or modified cake mix show the best design definition, whereas light, airy batters may lose detail.

For best texture:

• Use a paddle attachment
• Avoid overmixing
• Scrape bowl thoroughly

This helps reduce air pockets and improves structure.

How Full Should You Fill a Bundt® Pan?

Pour the prepared batter into the pan, filling it 2/3 to 3/4 full. This will allow room for the cake to rise and prevent overflow.

Let the Batter Rest

For super intricate detailed pans, let the batter sit in the pan for about 10 minutes before baking. This will allow the batter to settle even more into the nooks and crannies of the pan.

Push Batter Toward the Sides

With a spatula, push the batter to the outside of the pan pushing slightly up the walls. For a liquidy batter, just tilt the pan slightly back and forth so batter goes up the walls. This will help the cake climb up the sides, reduce the dome and give you a more even rise. It will also give you greater detail on the outside edge of the cake.

How Long to Bake a Bundt® Cake

Place pan in center rack of preheated oven and bake according to recipe directions.

Most standard 10–12 cup Bundt® pans bake for 45–60 minutes at 325°F–350°F. Half-sized Bundt® pans and Bundt®lettes will bake faster. Always reference recipe for bake time and oven temperature.

Pans with a dark or black interior coating will bake faster than lighter colored pans; simply reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees to accommodate darker coatings.

How to Tell When a Bundt® Cake Is Done

Test the cake for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester. Insert the toothpick in the center (not near the pan). If it comes out with a few crumbs or clean, it’s done.

For precision baking, aim for an internal temperature of 200–210°F.

When and How to Flip a Bundt® Cake

When finished baking, leave the cake in the pan to cool for 10 minutes (5-8 minutes for smaller pans), then loosen the cake around the edges if necessary. Shake side to side a few times in all directions. This will help release the surface of the cake from the pan. 

If needed, use the Flexible Blade Tool or Extraction Tool from our Bundt® Finishing Tool Kit to help loosen the cake from the pan in any spots that may have been missed during greasing. 

Invert the pan onto a cooling rack or platter and lift the pan off gently. The cake should easily release. 

Flipping too soon can cause breaking. Waiting too long can cause sticking.

How to Cool a Bundt® Cake Before Icing

Cool completely on a cooling grid before adding glazes, sauces, or frosting. This usually takes between 1 to 2 hours.

Some soaking syrups or glazes can be added warm, but milky glazes and thick frostings require a fully cooled cake.

How to Frost or Glaze a Bundt® Cake

Many of our Bundt® pans and designed molds don’t need any decorations. The details of the pan are the showstopper, so many recipes can be enjoyed as is!

If you plan to add toppings, be sure the cake is cooled or follow the instructions of the recipe. Add your favorite glaze, soaking syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, piped frosting details, nuts, coconut, candy and more! The options are endless.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Homemade Glazes & Dessert Sauces here. 

Can You Freeze a Bundt® Cake?

Yes! To freeze your Bundt® Cake, wrap the undecorated cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, uncovered, for best texture.

Can You Bake Other Cakes in a Bundt® Pan?

Bundt® Pans can definitely be used to make a variety of cakes, if the batter has good structure,  as well as savory bakes! Cakes with thick batters such as banana or pumpkin bread, cinnamon roll, or Pancake Bundts are just a few of the other amazing cakes that work great in a Bundt® pan. Lighter, fluffier cakes like angel food cake are not recommended as they require a tube pan for proper rise and stability.

• Pumpkin Bread in a Bundt® Pan: Tips for Perfect Fall Treat

• How to Make Banana Bread in a Bundt® Pan (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Our Favorite Savory Bundt® Bakes

• Pull-Apart Savory Stuffing Bundt®
• Bundt® Pan Roasted Chicken & Vegetables
• 4 Cheese Macaroni Bundt Pasta Bake
• Squash-Sage Bundt Pull-Apart Bread
• Spaghetti Florentine Bundt

Check out all of our favorite Bundt® recipes here. 

Cleaning and Caring for Your Bundt® Pan

If recipe directions state to use remaining batter for a second bake, be sure to clean pan thoroughly after first bake. Dry pan and follow the pan preparation steps again and bake according to instructions.

We recommend hand washing for all of Nordic Ware baking pans. They may be soaked in warm soapy water, and washed with a textured scrubber that is safe for non-stick coatings. You may also use a plastic bristled brush. In stubborn cases, you may use a special cleaner that can get rid of sticky residue, such as DAWN Platinum Erasing Foam or DAWN Power Dissolver. Avoid automatic dishwashers as the detergent is very caustic and can damage the pan’s nonstick coating.

For hard to clean, intricate detailed pans, use our Bundt® Cleaning Tool or a similar soft brush.

For more Bundt® cleaning tip and tricks, watch our full How to Clean Bundt® Pans & Cake Pans video. 

Bundt® Cake FAQs

What temperature should I bake a Bundt® cake at?

Typically 325°F–350°F unless recipe states otherwise.

How do I cut a Bundt® cake?

Use a serrated knife and slice along ridges for even portions. You can also use our Bundt® Slicing Tool for a quick even slices.

Do I need to grease a nonstick Bundt® pan?

Yes. Always prep your pan with baking spray containing flour or butter/flour method for best release.

Can I use boxed cake mix in a Bundt® pan?

Yes. Denser or modified mixes perform best. Our collection of Bundt® cake mixes easily bake a full-sized cake in any of our Bundt® pans and cakelet pans.

Watch the Video

Related Products and Tools

The right tools make all the difference when learning how to make a Bundt® cake successfully. Whether you’re baking a classic pound cake, a seasonal spice cake, or experimenting with new flavors, these essentials help ensure clean release, sharp detail, and even baking every time.

Bundt® Pans (10–12 Cup Capacity)

The foundation of every great Bundt® cake. Choose from classic fluted designs or intricate patterns that create stunning detail with minimal decorating effort. Cast aluminum construction promotes even heat distribution and beautifully golden crusts.

Bundtlette® & Mini Bundt® Pans

Perfect for individual servings, entertaining, or gifting. Mini Bundt®s bake faster and allow you to test new recipes in smaller portions.

Pastry Brush

Essential for evenly distributing baking spray or butter into every ridge and crevice of your Bundt® pan. A pastry brush helps prevent pooling and ensures consistent coating for clean release.

Reusable Bundt® Cake Thermometer

Serve, store, and transport your Bundt® cakes with confidence. Designed with a secure twist-to-lock base and clear translucent dome lid, this cake carrier keeps your freshly baked cake protected from kitchen to celebration while preserving moisture and decorative detail.

Bundt® Finishing Tool Kit

Includes Flexible Blade Tool, Extraction Tool, and Slicer/Server for professional, picture-perfect cake release and slicing. High-heat, food-safe, dishwasher-safe plastic ensures long-lasting precision.

Bundt® Cleaning Tool

Created to reach into detailed crevices without damaging the pan’s finish. Ideal for cleaning intricate designs and extending the life of your bakeware.

Bundt® Cake Keeper

Serve, store, and transport your Bundt® cakes with confidence. Designed with a secure twist-to-lock base and clear translucent dome lid, this cake carrier keeps your freshly baked cake protected from kitchen to celebration while preserving moisture and decorative detail.

Bundt® Storage Bag

Protect your Bundt® pans between uses with this 100% soft cotton muslin storage tote. The breathable fabric helps prevent moisture buildup while keeping pans clean, shiny, and scratch-free. A drawstring closure secures the pan, and the generous size fits classic and specialty Bundt® designs.

Bundt® Cake Mixes and Recipes

Specially developed recipes and mixes that perform beautifully in Bundt® pans, helping bakers achieve consistent structure and detail.

With the right Bundt® pan and supporting tools, baking becomes more predictable, cleanup becomes easier, and that satisfying cake reveal becomes the best part of the process.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a Bundt® cake comes down to preparation, proper baking time, and correct cooling. When you prep thoroughly, bake evenly, and flip at the right moment, you eliminate sticking and get a clean release every time. With the right technique, and the right pan, you’ll flip with confidence.

Keep these tips and tricks saved every time you bake a Bundt® or with one of our cast aluminum baking pans and you will be set! 

For more questions and assistance, be sure to contact our amazing customer experience team of Bundt® experts directly below. Happy baking!

Email: info@nordicware.com

Text: 201-949-7917

Self Service: Help & Info