How to Frost a Bundt Cake

Co-authored by Maria Short

Last Updated: December 16, 2022 References

Bundt cakes are a popular dessert, as they are relatively easy to make and packed with flavor. From lemon to chocolate to apple, bundt cakes can be made with simple ingredients in your kitchen. Once you make the bundt cake, you may be stumped on how to frost it without ruining its dome shape. One option is to use a glaze or sauce to create a drizzled frosting look. You can spread buttercream frosting on the bundt cake for a more traditional look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Glaze or Sauce

1
Choose a glaze or sauce that compliments the cake flavor. If you've made a chocolate bundt cake, a chocolate or rum glaze would be a good choice for frosting. For an apple bundt cake, a sugar or vanilla glaze would compliment the cake well. If you've made a strawberry bundt cake, a strawberry glaze or sauce would be a good fit.
2
Make the glaze or sauce. Depending on the type of bundt cake you're making, you can prepare a vanilla glaze, a rum glaze, or a simple sugar glaze with powdered sugar and milk.^{[1]
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- You can also prepare a chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
- If you'd prefer, you can buy glaze or sauce at your local grocery store and use it on the cake.
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3
Keep the glaze warm. This will make it easier to pour on the cake, since it will be more fluid this way. If the glaze has been refrigerated, put it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds so it is loose but still thick. The glaze should be warm, but not steaming hot.^{[2]
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- You can also warm up the glaze on the stove in a small pot. Stir the glaze often with a wooden spoon so it does not get clumpy in the pot.
4
Put the glaze in a glass cup with a spout. Use a large glass measuring cup or a glass container with a spout. This will make it easier to pour the glaze over the cake.^{[3]
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5
Place the bundt cake on a spinning cake stand. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, set the cake stand on a low table so you can stand over it comfortably.^{[4]
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- If you do not have access to a spinning cake stand, you can use a round stand instead as long as it elevates the cake.
6
Pour the glaze over the cake in an even motion. Hold the glass container with the glaze in one hand and place your other hand on the edge of the cake stand. Spin the cake stand slowly as you pour the glaze over the top of the cake. Keep the container just above the center hole of the cake and let the glaze drizzle down the sides.^{[5]
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- You can spin the cake stand faster to create a thin drizzle pattern or slower to create a thicker drizzle pattern.
- If you are not using a spinning cake stand, you can slowly move around the cake in a circle as you pour the drizzle over the cake. Keep your arm steady as you circle the cake so the drizzle appears even.
7
Do one layer of glaze or sauce on the cake. Then, stand back and look at the cake. Decide if you'd like to add another layer on top. You can also pour different colored or flavored glazes or sauces on top of each other.^{[6]
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- For example, you may start with a layer of sugar glaze and add a caramel sauce layer on top.
8
Add toppings to the frosting, if desired. Use clean fingers to add sprinkles on top of the glaze or sauce. You can also add toppings like cinnamon, powdered sugar, or cocoa.^{[7]
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- Try spinning the cake around on the cake stand as you add the toppings so they appear nice and uniform on the cake.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Frosting the Cake with Buttercream

1
Prepare buttercream frosting that compliments the cake. Depending on the type of bundt cake you are making, you may make a simple vanilla or chocolate buttercream frosting or a cream cheese frosting. Basic buttercream frosting is easy to make by combining butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.^{[8]
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- Make sure the buttercream frosting is stiff, but spreadable. It should not be runny or watery, as this will lead to a big mess and a poorly iced cake.
- You can also buy frosting from your local grocery store if you'd prefer not to make the frosting yourself.
2
Chill the cake. Let the cake cool for 30 minutes. Then, wrap the bundt cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to one hour. Chilling the cake will make it easier for you to spread the frosting on the cake.^{[9]
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3
Place the cake on a turntable or spinning cake stand. This will make it easier for you to spread the frosting on the cake. Make sure the cake stand is on a low table so you can stand over it comfortably.^{[10]
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4
Frost the sides of the cake. Take a metal icing spatula and scoop out ¼ of the frosting onto the side of the cake. Then, spin the cake stand slowly and hold the spatula at 90 degrees against the cake to frost the domed sides.^{[11]
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5
Spread frosting towards the center of the cake. Use the spatula to carefully push the frosting towards the center hole of the cake. Cover the top of the cake with frosting.
- This thin first layer of frosting will make a crumb-base for the cake. A crumb-base will help to create a smooth, crumb-free second layer of frosting.
6
Freeze the cake for 15 minutes. You can also put the cake in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Chilling the cake will make applying the rest of the frosting easier.^{[12]
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7
Spread the rest of the frosting on with a spatula. Once the cake has chilled, take it out of the freezer or fridge and place it back on the cake stand. Carefully spread the rest of the frosting on the cake in an even layer, holding the spatula at 90 degrees and spinning the cake stand around.^{[13]
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- Do not be too concerned with getting the frosting to look smooth or flat. The domed sides of the bundt cake may not let you do this and that's okay. Just make sure you cover the entire cake with frosting in an even layer.
8
Put decorative toppings on the frosting, if desired. Add sprinkles to the frosting. You can also dust on cinnamon, powdered sugar, or cocoa.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

Should I heat canned icing before putting it on a bundt cake?

HMBoone18

Community Answer

I would only suggest doing this if the icing is too stiff to run down the sides.