Easter Basket Bundt Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Easter Basket Bundt Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. With its soft, fluffy texture and vibrant, colorful decorations, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration. A rich, moist vanilla cake is paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, while pastel-colored decorations and candy eggs add a festive touch. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or simply treating yourself to a sweet springtime indulgence, this cake will leave everyone impressed and satisfied.

This recipe offers both a fun baking experience and an opportunity to showcase your creativity with the cake’s decorations. The Bundt cake shape makes it an elegant, easy-to-serve dessert that adds charm to any gathering. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, offering helpful tips and variations for creating a memorable Easter treat.

Why You’ll Love Easter Basket Bundt Cake

• Bright and Festive Appearance: The colorful decorations and the basket-like design make this cake a showstopper. It’s a great way to bring some extra cheer to your Easter table.
• Delicious and Moist: With a light and fluffy vanilla cake base, this dessert is both flavorful and moist. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness that balances the cake’s flavor perfectly.
• Fun to Decorate: You can let your creativity shine by decorating the cake with pastel-colored frosting, candy eggs, and even edible flowers. The possibilities are endless!
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples such as flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake comes together quickly and easily, even for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Easter Celebrations: Whether you’re celebrating Easter with family, friends, or just indulging in a special spring treat, this Bundt cake is a wonderful way to mark the occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12-16 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per slice, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30-35g

Ingredients

For the Easter Basket Bundt Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional for added flavor)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Decorations:

• 1-2 cups pastel-colored candy eggs (such as chocolate eggs or jelly beans)
• Colored sprinkles (optional)
• Edible flowers (optional, for a decorative touch)
• Green tinted coconut flakes (optional, to mimic grass)

Special Equipment

While making this Easter Basket Bundt Cake doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Bundt Pan: The signature basket shape of the cake is created by using a Bundt pan. Be sure to grease and flour the pan well to ensure the cake comes out easily.
2. Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer helps ensure a smooth batter and evenly blended ingredients. It also makes creaming the butter and sugar easier.
3. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the cake to cool evenly, preventing moisture from accumulating at the bottom and helping to maintain the cake’s texture.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for creating a perfectly balanced cake. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts of ingredients.
5. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of large mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Using stainless steel or glass bowls is best to avoid any reaction with acidic ingredients like lemon zest.
6. Spatula or Offset Spatula: For spreading the frosting smoothly on the cooled Bundt cake, a spatula or offset spatula will help create an even layer.
7. Shallow Bowl or Plate for Decorating: Use a shallow bowl or plate to roll the cake in the tinted coconut flakes or sprinkles if you choose to include those in your decorations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan generously to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once baked.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients throughout the cake batter.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, creating a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and it should spring back lightly when touched.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, invert the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Be sure to let the cake cool entirely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on top to create a smooth base. You can use an offset spatula for this step to help achieve an even layer.

To create the “basket” effect, use the remaining frosting to pipe lines or textured patterns along the sides of the cake, mimicking the appearance of a woven basket. You can also use the frosting to create a border around the top of the cake.

5. Decorate the Cake

Now comes the fun part—decorating the cake! Start by adding pastel-colored candy eggs in the center of the cake. Arrange them in a decorative pattern, such as a nest or a ring around the top. If you want to create the look of grass, sprinkle green-tinted coconut flakes around the eggs. You can also add colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, or other festive decorations.

6. Serve the Cake

Once decorated, your Easter Basket Bundt Cake is ready to serve! Slice it into generous portions and enjoy with friends and family. The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of lemonade.

Tips for Perfect Easter Basket Bundt Cake

• Grease and Flour the Bundt Pan Well: Bundt cakes can sometimes stick to the pan. To prevent this, be sure to grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly before adding the batter. Alternatively, you can use a baking spray that includes flour for added ease.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will help them blend more easily into the batter and frosting, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure the decorations stay intact.
• Be Creative with Decorations: The best part of this cake is the decorating! Have fun with the colors, sprinkles, and candy eggs to create a visually stunning centerpiece for your Easter celebration.

Variations of Easter Basket Bundt Cake

• Carrot Cake Easter Basket Bundt Cake: Substitute part of the flour with finely grated carrots and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a spiced carrot cake version. Top with a cream cheese frosting and decorate with mini carrot decorations or candied carrots for a spring twist.
• Lemon Easter Basket Bundt Cake: Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the frosting for an extra burst of brightness.
• Chocolate Easter Basket Bundt Cake: For a chocolate version, swap out half of the flour for cocoa powder and use chocolate chips in the batter. Pair with a chocolate ganache or chocolate frosting for a rich treat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Easter Basket Bundt Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Easter Basket Bundt Cake

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus is the perfect side dish to balance the richness of the cake.
• Mimosas: Celebrate Easter with a glass of mimosa, combining fresh orange juice and sparkling wine for a light, festive drink.
• Coffee or Tea: The flavors of vanilla and cream cheese in the cake pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea.
• Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve a dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside the cake.

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Conclusion

The Easter Basket Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that brings both flavor and festivity to your Easter celebrations. Its moist vanilla cake base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and colorful decorations make it the perfect dessert to share with loved ones. Whether you choose to decorate it traditionally or get creative with different variations, this Bundt cake will quickly become a beloved treat for all occasions. Enjoy the sweet, springtime goodness of this beautiful cake and let it become a favorite part of your Easter tradition!