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Cake Mix Chocolate Bundt Cake

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An easy chocolate bundt cake recipe using cake mix and pudding. Top it with easy microwave chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for the ultimate chocolate cake! 

Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate chips

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate pudding bundt cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the addition of an instant pudding mix. It’s a great way to take a boxed cake mix beyond its basic state and create something special and is such an easy recipe! 

Plus, the easy chocolate ganache topping takes it over the top. It’s sure to be a family favorite! If you’re a chocolate cake lover, try this recipe for a Chocolate Cake Roll!

Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate chips

What is a Bundt Cake?

A Bundt cake is a cake that’s baked in a Bundt pan. It has a round shape with fluted edges and a hollow center. The unique design of the pan gives cakes a beautiful shape and an even bake. 

It is believed that Bundt cakes are inspired by a German cake known as Kugelhupf.

Bundt pan

Why Use a Cake Mix?

Cake mixes are great because all of the dry ingredients are already measured out for you, so it cuts out a lot of ingredients and time. I very rarely make the cake as directed on the box though. I usually make a few changes according to the recipe I’m making.

For example, when I make cupcakes, I use melted butter instead of oil. Milk instead of water. And I always add an extra egg.

Check out the recipe below to see how this chocolate bundt cake is “doctored” up!

Chocolate cake batter in a stand mixer

Cake Mix Flavor Variations

Chocolate cake batter in a bundt pan

Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Bundt Cake Ingredients

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These ingredients will be used to add moisture to the bundt cake.

Eggs: To bind everything together.

Milk: Also for moisture.

Melted Butter: For flavor and richness.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: For the cake base. I like to use a Chocolate Fudge Betty Crocker boxed mix. 

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: To give the cake a deeper chocolate flavor and make it extra moist. I like to use the Chocolate Fudge Pudding from Jell-O.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For texture, flavor and decoration.

Sugar: To sprinkle on the bottom of the pan before baking for added texture. 

Chocolate Ganache Topping Ingredients

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These chocolate chips are the base ingredient to make the ganache. Dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips can be substituted.

Heavy Whipping Cream: To thin out the chocolate and help it come together.

Mini Chocolate Chips: For decoration and added flavor. 

How to Make a Chocolate Bundt Cake with a Cake Mix

Below you will find step-by-step instructions to make this amazing chocolate bundt cake.

Chocolate Bundt Cake

[1] In the bowl of a stand mixer (I like Bosch or Kitchenaid) add the sour cream or yogurt, eggs, milk, and melted butter and mix until incorporated.

Milk and eggs for chocolate bundt cake

[2] Add the box of cake mix and dry pudding mix and beat together.

Chocolate cake mix for a bundt cake

[3] Pour the chocolate chips into the batter and gently mix into the batter by pulsing your mixer or stirring in by hand.

Pudding in a cake mix

[4] Grease the Bundt pan with melted butter or baking spray. Then sprinkle with sugar to coat the pan.

Floured bundt pan

[5] Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread around with a spatula to ensure the bundt cake batter is distributed equally.

Chocolate bundt cake batter

[6] Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Chocolate cake batter in a bundt pan

[7] When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes. After 10 minutes invert the cake onto the cooling rack or onto a cake serving plate.

Bundt pan on a cooling rack

Chocolate Ganache Topping

[1] Add the chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave safe bowl (preferably glass).

Unmelted chocolate ganace

[2] Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds and stir. Return to the microwave and continue to heat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

A bowl of microwave chocolate ganache

[3] When the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the cream, Add it to a piping bag or large ziplock bag. Snip off the end of the bag and drizzle back and forth over the top of the cake.

Ganache drizzled on a bundt cake

[4] Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips.

Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate chips

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Store Leftovers

Once the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container. This cake can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. 

The ganache topping will harden while stored so you may need to warm it up a bit (in the microwave) before serving. Enjoy! 

Baking Tips

  • Make sure to measure out all of your ingredients accurately.
  • Grease the pan with melted butter before baking and sprinkle with sugar for texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Just mix until everything is combined.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack or serving plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, any brand of chocolate cake mix will work. I prefer to use Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix for this recipe. 

Should I use large or medium-sized eggs for the cake mix?

Large eggs are recommended for this recipe. 

Do I have to use chocolate chips in the cake batter?

No, you don’t have to use chocolate chips in the cake batter, but it does give it a delicious flavor and texture! Feel free to leave them out if desired. 

Can I add other ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts to the cake mix?

Yes, you can certainly add other ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts to the cake mix. Just make sure not to overmix the batter and add them in just before baking for added texture. 

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Final Thoughts

Making this delicious Chocolate Bundt Cake is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this decadent cake ready in no time.

If you’re looking for an impressive dessert that tastes as amazing as it looks, look no further than this classic Cake Mix Chocolate Bundt Cake.

More Cake Mix Recipes

Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate chips

Ultimate Chocolate Bundt Cake

Yield: 16 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

An easy chocolate bundt cake recipe that uses a cake mix and pudding. Top it with easy microwave chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for the ultimate chocolate cake! 

Ingredients

Chocolate Bundt Cake

  • 3/4 Cup Sour Cream
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1/2 Cup Butter, melted
  • 1 Chocolate Cake Mix
  • 1 Small Box Instant Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate Ganache

  • 2 Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, divided
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. Beat the sour cream or yogurt, eggs, milk, and melted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer
  3. Add the cake mix and the instant pudding mix to the wet ingredients and mix
  4. Gently stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter
  5. Spray a Bundt pan with cooking spray and sprinkle sugar, coating the inside of the entire pan.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
  9. Invert the cake onto the cooling rack or serving dish.
  10. Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to a microwave safe glass bowl.
  11. Pour the heavy whipping cream over the chocolate chips.
  12. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir.
  13. Continue to microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the cream.
  14. Add the ganache to a disposable piping bag or ziplock bag, snip off the end, and drizzle back and forth over the cake.
  15. Sprinkle the top of the cake with the mini chocolate chips.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 114mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 4g

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