If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that doubles as a Christmas decoration, this Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath is exactly what you need. Combining the warm spices of gingerbread with the rich flavors of chocolate, this cake makes a festive centerpiece for any holiday celebration. Not only is it delicious, but it also captures the spirit of Christmas with its wreath-like shape and charming decoration. Perfect for family gatherings or a holiday party, this cake brings both flavor and beauty to the table.
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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake
This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath is a unique dessert that brings the best of both worlds. It’s quick to make, packed with seasonal spices, and offers a rich chocolatey finish. The use of lebkuchen spices and the hint of coffee make it a standout cake for Christmas, and the chocolate glaze adds a luxurious touch. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or baking for loved ones, this cake will surely impress.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath
The ingredients in this cake are a perfect blend of traditional holiday flavors and rich chocolatey goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make this gingerbread cake:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the cake, giving it structure and texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing out the spices and bitterness of the cocoa.
- Cocoa powder: Adds depth and a rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a perfect rise.
- Lebkuchen spice: A blend of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices, giving the cake its distinct gingerbread flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake, balancing out the sweetness.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which complements the sweetness and spiciness of the cake.
- Sour cream: Provides richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Sunflower oil: Adds a neutral fat, keeping the cake light and moist.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh-brewed coffee: The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, giving the cake a rich, complex taste.
- Chopped Ritter Sport Lebkuchen: These chocolate pieces are a delightful surprise in the cake, adding both texture and flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternatives to make the cake more personalized or accommodate dietary restrictions, here are a few suggestions:
- Dairy-free: Substitute buttermilk and sour cream with almond milk and dairy-free yogurt.
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want it to be egg-free, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath
Follow these easy steps to create this delicious Christmas wreath cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a large bundt pan and dust it with cocoa powder. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and enhances the cake’s chocolate flavor.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, lebkuchen spice, and salt. Mix well.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the warm coffee, mixing gently until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the chocolate: Fold in the chopped Ritter Sport Lebkuchen chocolate to distribute evenly.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the chocolate glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Glaze and decorate: Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled cake. Decorate with fresh cranberries, raspberries, and rosemary for a festive touch. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake
To ensure your cake turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check doneness: Use a wooden skewer to test the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it ensures it doesn’t fall apart.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake
This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath can be served in many ways:
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add a touch of festive flavor by serving the cake with a spiced cider or mulled wine.
- For a spicier kick, add more ginger to the batter or top the cake with candied ginger.
Make-ahead Tips
If you’re preparing this cake ahead of time, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors may even improve overnight! You can also freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to a month. Simply thaw and glaze before serving.
Why This Cake is the Perfect Christmas Dessert
This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Its beautiful wreath shape and delicious flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for Christmas celebrations. With the perfect balance of gingerbread spice and rich chocolate, it’s a cake that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to a festive dessert, this cake will add the perfect touch of holiday cheer to any occasion.
Conclusion: The Perfect Christmas Treat – Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath
This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a festive masterpiece that will elevate your holiday celebrations. Its rich flavors of gingerbread and chocolate, paired with its eye-catching wreath shape and festive decoration, make it the ideal centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers an impressive result every time. Make this cake your go-to Christmas dessert, and you’ll create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make the Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake in advance. Once baked and cooled, the cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to prepare it even earlier, you can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight, then add the glaze and decorations before serving.
2. Can I substitute the buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar. For each cup of buttermilk needed, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
3. How do I ensure my Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake turns out perfectly moist?
To achieve the perfect moistness, be sure not to overmix the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and avoid overmixing after adding the coffee. The sour cream, buttermilk, and oil also help keep the cake moist, so don’t skip any of these ingredients. Additionally, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
More Relevant Recipes
- Whipped Pumpkin Dip – Easy Creamy Fall Snack: This whipped pumpkin dip is a light and flavorful treat perfect for autumn. With warm spices and creamy texture, it complements the gingerbread and chocolate notes of the Christmas bundt cake beautifully as a festive appetizer or dessert companion.
- Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie: A classic holiday dessert, this pumpkin pie is rich in spices and has a smooth filling that aligns perfectly with the seasonal flavors of the gingerbread bundt cake. It’s a great addition to any festive dessert spread.
- Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake: This moist, spiced cake features brown butter and pumpkin, echoing the warmth and depth of the gingerbread chocolate cake. It’s another excellent holiday dessert that brings comfort and richness to the table.
Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 cake
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Gingerbread Chocolate Bundt Cake Christmas Wreath is a perfect blend of seasonal spices and rich chocolate, ideal for holiday gatherings. With a beautiful wreath shape and a decadent chocolate glaze, it makes for a festive centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is stunning.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (90g) cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp lebkuchen spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup (160ml) buttermilk
- 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream
- 1/3 cup (80ml) sunflower oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh-brewed coffee
- 3.5 oz (100g) Ritter Sport Lebkuchen, chopped
- 7 oz (200g) semi-sweet chocolate (>60% cocoa)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Fresh cranberries and/or raspberries
- Stems of rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a large bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder. Set aside. Brew the coffee and let it cool. Chop the chocolate and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, lebkuchen spice, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract. Once well combined, pour into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed.
- Gradually add the warm coffee while mixing. Mix until combined, but do not overmix the batter. Fold in the chopped chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out clean. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the glaze, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the melted chocolate over it. Decorate with fresh cranberries, raspberries, and rosemary. Let the chocolate harden before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Check the doneness of the cake by inserting a wooden skewer.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the chocolate.
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze without glaze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg