Forget cake mix and make this easy Chocolate Bundt Cake! Chocolate lovers will be obsessed with the layers of chocolatey goodness spread throughout each heavenly slice of cake. Top it all off with a malty chocolate glaze, and this cake will cure all chocolate cravings. 

Looking for the best chocolate cake recipe?

This chocolate bundt cake recipe is perfectly fudgy and chocolatey, with a malty essence from malted milk powder. It's like eating whopper candy in the form of decadent chocolate bundt cake. 

Leveling up your dessert recipes doesn't have to be hard. This perfect chocolate bundt cake is super easy to make with a nostalgic flavor that'll transport you back to grandma's house. With its moist crumb and luscious glaze, this chocolate bundt cake is your ticket to chocolate paradise. 

What Is Bundt Cake?

Born in the 1950s, the Bundt cake owes its existence to a simple yet ingenious invention: the Bundt pan. Conceived by H. David Dalquist, founder of the Nordic Ware company, the Bundt pan was inspired by the traditional European kugelhopf mold but designed with a modern twist. With its distinctive fluted shape and hollow center tube, the Bundt pan promised bakers a cake that was not only visually stunning but also baked evenly and released effortlessly.

What you'll love about this recipe:


  • CROWD-PLEASER – The simple chocolate cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you're making it for a special occasion or to enjoy throughout the week. 
  • RICH – This fudgy bundt cake is loaded with chocolate, perfect for chocolate lovers. 

What You Need to Make a Chocolate Bundt Cake

For the Cake

  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – we used regular cocoa powder, but feel free to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for this recipe. 
  • Unsweetened Chocolate Bars – we're chopping up unsweetened baking chocolate, melting it, and adding to the cake for a rich chocolate flavor, as unsweetened chocolate contains a higher concentration of cocoa solids.
  • All-Purpose Flour – provides structure. 
  • Malted Milk Powder – a dry ingredient made from malted barley, wheat flour, and evaporated whole milk. It's perfect for a chocolate bundt cake recipe because it adds a unique flavor profile reminiscent of classic malted milkshakes. This powder enhances the richness and depth of the chocolate flavor in the cake while also providing a hint of sweetness and a subtle malty undertone.
  • Baking Soda – the leavening agent for the cake. 
  • Salt
  • Butter – unsalted. 
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Dark Brown Sugar – adds a rich, caramel-like taste but also adds moisture to the cake, resulting in a tender and moist crumb. 
  • Eggs – make sure to use room temperature eggs as they will incorporate into the batter better. 
  • Vanilla extract – enhances the other flavors in the cake. 
  • Water

For the Glaze

  • Malted milk powder
  • Water
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips – provide the chocolatey base for the glaze. 
  • Butter – adds a velvety richness. 
  • Light corn syrup – adds sweetness to the glaze. 
  • Whoppers – add a sweet, malty finish to the glaze. 

How to Make a Chocolate Bundt Cake

  • First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 10" bundt cake pan. Then, sift the cocoa powder into the pan and shake it to coat evenly, removing any excess.
  • Next, whisk together the flour, malted milk powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set it aside.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the unsweetened chocolate for 1 to 2 minutes until melted, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.
  • Now, in the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy with the paddle attachment. Add the sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla.
  • Add the flour mixture and water to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
  • Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, place a wire rack over the cake pan and flip to release the cake. Let it cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the malted milk powder and water until dissolved. Add the semisweet chips, butter, and corn syrup, and cook over low heat, stirring slowly but often until melted and smooth. Let the glaze cool, covered, in the fridge for 30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • While the glaze is chilling, place Whoppers in the freezer for 15 minutes in a ZipLock bag. Remove and chop them.
  • Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the fridge and, using a large spoon or a rubber spatula, spread it over the top of the cake. Top with crushed Whopper pieces. Let it set for 20 minutes before serving.

Expert Recipe Tips


  • Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and other dry ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure they are well incorporated. This step helps create a smoother batter and a more uniform texture in the baked cake.
  • Allow your eggs, butter, and any dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and result in a smoother batter.
  • Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can result in a dense and tough cake. Use a low speed or mix by hand to prevent overmixing.

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

Once your cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture and freshness. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. Store the wrapped or containerized cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

To reheat, pop a slice into the microwave for 10 seconds. 

What to Serve with Rich Chocolate Bundt Cake

Serve up a slice of moist cake with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.

With each bite, savor the rich cocoa flavor and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader! 

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Chocolate-Glazed Chocolate Malted Bundt Cake

from BHG Special Interest Holiday Recipes 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 oz unsweetened chocolate,  chopped
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • â…“ cup malted milk powder
  • 1 teas baking soda
  • ½ teas salt
  • ¾ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teas vanilla
  • 1 ¼ cups water

For the glaze:

  • 1 tbs malted milk powder
  • 1 tbs water
  • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
  • â…“ cup butter
  • 1 tbs light corn syrup
  • ½ cup Whoppers

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 10" bundt cake pan. Sift the cocoa powder into the pan and shake the pan about to coat evenly. Knock out any excess.

Whisk together the flour, malted milk powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

In a small microwave safe bowl heat the unsweetened chocolate for 1 to 2 minutes, until melted. Checking and stirring every 30 seconds.

In the bowl of your stand mixer beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla.

Add the flour mixture and water, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Pour evenly into prepared bundt pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Put a wire rack over the cake pan and flip to release the cake. Cool completely.

Meanwhile make the glaze. In a heavy bottom saucepan over, combine the malted milk powder and water until dissolved. Add the semisweet chips, butter, and corn syrup and cook over low heat stirring slowly but often until melted and smooth. Let the glaze cool, covered, in the fridge for 30 minutes, until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, place Whoppers in freezer for 15 minutes in a ZipLock bag. Remove and chop. (I find freezing candy makes it easier to smash - or chop).

Remove the glaze from the fridge and using a large spoon, spread the glaze over the cake. Top with crushed Whopped pieces. Let set for 20 minutes before serving.

Impress guests.

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Recipe FAQs

Absolutely! This chocolate Bundt cake is perfect for making ahead. You can bake the cake and prepare the glaze a day or two in advance, storing them separately. When you're ready to serve, simply glaze the cake and enjoy. 

Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips for the glaze if you prefer a sweeter flavor. 

Absolutely! If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor that's not too sweet, use dark chocolate instead. 

While malted milk powder adds a unique flavor and enhances the richness of the glaze, you can omit it if you don't have any on hand. The glaze will still be delicious without it, but you may notice a slight difference in flavor.

20 Comments

  1. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says:

    I'm not a huge chocolate fan (I know?!) but this looks delicious.

  2. Gorgeous cake! I love a good bundt... especially a chocolatey one!

  3. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says:

    Gorgeous cake! Love the malts topping!

  4. Jackie @ The Beeroness says:

    This is gorgeous! I sort of want to add some Chocolate Stout, per my current complete obsession with it. Or maybe just eat this with a big glass of stout.

  5. This bundt looks decadent and wonderful. Love the photos as well!

  6. All I need is a fork. That's it. A fork, and the WHOLE cake.

  7. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says:

    Gorgeous cake! Yeah, I didn't do anything for Thanksgiving posts either, so it isn't just you 🙂 I am trying to make up for it with lots of Christmas treats though!

  8. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says:

    okay so I hate malted milk balls... but my dad LOVES them. When I go to visit him in FL I have to make this for him.

    1. My dad loves them too. 😉

  9. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says:

    Christmas decorations....hmmmm...I'm not quite there either. I've pulled out a few ribbons and balls for a shoot or two, but the tree and other stuff are still stored downstairs. This weekend is for that. Personally, I love your minimalistic approach with this photo. It's so friggen' dramatic and stunning and gorgeous. If only I liked chocolate.

  10. thelittleloaf says:

    I absolutely adore anything chocolate malt and this post has made me feel so Christmassy - gorgeous food styling.

  11. RavieNomNoms says:

    Oh how I love the bundt cake. Although I have to admit every time I hear that word I think of my big fat greek wedding haha. "ooooooohhh, it's a cake!"

  12. Anita at Hungry Couple says:

    Wow, that is a seriously tempting cake!

  13. Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says:

    holy cow...YUM!!

  14. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says:

    What a pretty cake! I love bundt pans and use them a lot.

  15. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says:

    I love anything chocolate and this cake made my heart skip a beat. Gorgeous Kita.
    Hope you get to relax in this busy time of the year.

  16. Sarah | Shine Food says:

    I know what you mean about the preparedness thing. But honestly, I like the realness of seeing what people cook, even if that means I don't get a turkey recipe. I'd rather blogs be real than "prepared" any day. 🙂

    This cake is such a beauty! I don't have a bundt pan and so usually gloss over recipes that require one, but this might be the recipe that does me in and requires a purchase! Absolutely stunning!

    We're celebrating holiday recipes on the Shine Supper Club this month and I hope you'll join us! This would make a marvelous contribution.

  17. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health says:

    its always nice to unwind and take time for yourself. Although I like november/december, havent really done much on my side either. this cake looks like oh mother of god to me too. WOW! so pretty, chocolately..

  18. Patricia | The Answer Is Cake says:

    Looks gorgeous! I especially like the contrast of the last photo without the glaze - it just doesn't look as "finished" and delicious as the other photos. I'm often guilty of not frosting cakes (I'm more into the actual cake than the icing) but you can really see the difference it makes with these shots.

  19. Ev@Shades of Cinnamon says:

    Delicious looking recipe and AMAZING pics

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