Surely, you’ve seen a cake with a perfectly circular shape and a hole in the middle more than once. Have you ever wondered what this type of cake is called? It’s a Bundt Cake, an iconic dessert that has won over taste buds all around the world. And for good reason: its spongy yet dense and firm texture, combined with its crisp glazed exterior, makes it a one-of-a-kind cake. 

Let’s be realistic, though: the Bundt Cake’s success lies primarily in its distinctive feature—the shape given to it by its circular mold. While any type of cake can technically become a Bundt Cake if baked in this type of pan, it’s often associated with dense cakes like Pound Cake or ones decorated with glazes. 

Where Did the Bundt Cake Originate? 

Although some traditional Central European cakes, such as the German Kugelhopf or Austrian Gugelhupf, already used circular molds with a central hole, the design patent for the Bundt Cake pan was filed in 1950 by an American company. Initially, sales were quite modest until the 1960s, when Bundt Cakes gained popularity after one won a highly regarded baking contest in the United States. From that moment on, these cakes became an icon of American baking. 

Tips for Releasing a Bundt Cake from the Pan 

One of the main challenges when making a Bundt Cake is removing it from the mold without damaging it. Here are a few steps to help you unmold it successfully: 

1. Thoroughly grease the mold with butter, oil, or non-stick spray. 

1. Let the cake cool for 10–12 minutes at room temperature. 

1. Use a spatula to gently run it along the edges of the cake. 

1. Carefully flip the cake over onto a large plate. 

1. If the cake doesn’t release immediately, let it rest for a few more minutes. 

Store-Bought Bundt Cakes 

If, even with these tips, you’re not ready to bake your own Bundt Cake, there are plenty of places that sell these cakes in a variety of flavors: Carrot Cake Bundt Cake, Chocolate Bundt Cake, Marble Bundt Cake, Yogurt Bundt Cake, and Orange Bundt Cake. In Spain, they’re also sometimes referred to as Pound Cake or Rosco.