Cake Mix Chocolate Bundt Cake

This Chocolate Bundt Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! Made with a cake mix and chocolate pudding, it’s super moist and rich. Topped with a decadent chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion—easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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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!

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.

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!

Cake Mix Flavor Variations

• Vanilla Cake Mix with OREO Pudding
• Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Pudding
• Red Velvet Cake Mix with Cheesecake Pudding
• White Cake Mix with White Chocolate Pudding
• Spice Cake Mix with Vanilla Pudding Mix

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

Chocolate Bundt Cake

[Step 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.

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

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

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

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

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

[Step 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.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

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

[Step 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.

[Step 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.

[Step 4] Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Bosch or Kitchenaid Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Bundt Cake Pan
• Spatula
• Wire Rack
• Piping Bags
• Microwave-Safe Glass Bowl
• Cake Plate

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.

Other Recipes You’ll Love:

• Four Layer Thin Mint Brownies
• Triple Chocolate Cupcakes
• Cheesecake Factory’s Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache

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

• Cake Mix Waffles
• Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
• Cake Mix Banana Bread
• ​Cake Mix Pumpkin Cobbler
• Cake Mix Brownies

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