Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this chocolate chip bundt cake will become a favorite.
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Only a handful of ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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Ready in under an hour.
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Rich and moist. The perfect texture combination.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves chocolate cake.
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Budget-friendly. Cake mix and pantry staples are inexpensive.
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Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings.
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Great for leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Cake
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1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
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1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
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5 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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3/4 cup oil
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1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
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3/4 cup brewed coffee
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2 cups Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
For the Ganache Icing
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1 stick salted butter
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder
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1/2 box powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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3 tablespoons milk
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1/2 cup pecan pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt cake pan thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix and the instant chocolate pudding mix.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, oil, sour cream or buttermilk, and brewed coffee.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend well until smooth.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before turning it over onto a cake plate or large round platter.
Step 8: Make the Ganache
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and pecan pieces. Stir until smooth and warm.
Step 9: Serve
Pour the warm ganache over the cake. Serve warm if possible. If not, reheat individual slices in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
This rich, moist cake is delicious on its own, but a few accompaniments make it even better.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing.
With Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or raspberries.
With Coffee: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
With Extra Ganache: Drizzle with additional ganache.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for extra tang.
Make It with Sour Cream: Use sour cream for extra moisture.
Make It with Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips.
Make It with Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips.
Make It with White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips.
Make It with Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Make It with Coconut: Add shredded coconut.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ingredients.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Grease the bundt pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking.
Do not overmix the batter. This keeps the cake tender.
Let the cake cool before inverting. This prevents breaking.
Serve warm. The ganache is best warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes. Chocolate or vanilla cake mix can be used.
Can I use a different pudding?
Yes. Vanilla or white chocolate pudding can be used.
Can I use a different coffee?
Yes. Decaf coffee can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Why is my cake dry?
You overbaked it. Check at 40 minutes.
Why is my ganache lumpy?
The butter was too hot. Stir gently over low heat.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Yes. Use up to 3 cups.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. A loaf pan or 9×13 pan can be used.
The Beauty of Chocolate Bundt Cakes
There is something deeply satisfying about a rich, moist chocolate cake with a warm, fudgy glaze. It is the kind of dessert that makes people happy. This chocolate chip bundt cake is a celebration of all those things.
Keep cake mix, pudding, and chocolate chips in your pantry. Keep eggs, oil, sour cream, and coffee in your kitchen. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings