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This chocolate bundt cake with cake mix is incredibly moist and rich, finished with a silky chocolate ganache. It starts with a box of chocolate cake mix and a box of instant chocolate pudding mix, so the batter comes together in one bowl.
The bundt pan gives the cake its beautiful shape, and the two-ingredient ganache takes just a couple of minutes in the microwave.
Every slice is deeply chocolatey, with a glossy milk chocolate ganache running down the ridges.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This chocolate bundt cake with cake mix keeps things simple. There are no layers to stack and no frosting to whip up, and the bundt pan gives you a beautiful shape without any extra decorating.
Adding pudding mix is one of my favorite hacks for making a cake mix taste homemade, and it’s what keeps this cake so moist and rich. The pudding mix whisks right in with the dry cake mix, then the milk, oil, and eggs turn it into a thick, smooth batter.
The ganache sets into a silky chocolate layer that finishes the cake. If you’re looking for a chocolate bundt cake recipe with cake mix that’s rich, chocolatey, and easy, this one has all three.
If you’d like a smaller version, try my easy mini chocolate bundt cakes or my mini black forest cakes!
Ingredients Needed
- Chocolate Cake Mix – You’ll need one 13.25-ounce box. It adds rich chocolate flavor to this bundt cake, just like it does in my Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – This is what makes the cake extra moist and gives it a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Milk Chocolate Chips – They melt into the silky ganache that finishes the cake. You can also use dark chocolate or semi-sweet if that’s what you prefer.
- Heavy Cream – Melted with the chocolate chips, it makes the ganache smooth.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
The Cake Mix I Used
For this chocolate bundt cake recipe (and my other chocolate cake mix recipes), I use Betty Crocker cake mix. You could also use Duncan Hines and Pillsbury if you like. I tested this recipe with a 13.25-ounce box, so check the package size when using another brand.
How to make a Chocolate Bundt Cake with Cake Mix and Pudding
Step 1: Whisk the cake mix and dry pudding mix together in a large bowl, then add the milk, oil, and eggs. Mix with a hand mixer until the batter is thick and smooth.
Step 2: Spray a bundt pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in the batter and spread it into an even layer.
Step 3: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs but no raw batter.
Step 4: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a cake plate and let it cool completely.
Step 5: For the ganache, combine the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk until smooth. “If needed, microwave for another 15 seconds and whisk again. Add a splash of heavy cream until the ganache is smooth and pourable, then spoon it over the cake.
Step 6: Let the ganache set before serving, or add your favorite topping, such as fresh raspberries, chopped pecans, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles before it sets up.
Expert Tips
You can find all of my best bundt cake tips in one place, but here are a few favorites for this recipe.
- Make the ganache right before you pour it. It thickens as it sits, so making it last keeps it smooth and easy to pour.
- Get nonstick spray into every ridge of the pan. Bundt pans have a lot of detail, and a thorough coat helps the cake release cleanly.
- Add your toppings while the ganache is still wet. They stick best before the ganache sets.
- Wipe your knife between slices. This keeps the ganache from smearing so each slice looks clean.
Storage and Freezing
Store the chocolate bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the cake cool completely and wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. The cake freezes better without the ganache, so thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then make a fresh batch of ganache and pour it over the top.
Leftover slices can also be frozen individually for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
Chocolate Bundt Cake FAQs
No. Use the instant pudding mix dry, straight from the box. It gets whisked right in with the cake mix.
Yes. Semi-sweet chips make a slightly less sweet ganache, which is a good option if you want a deeper chocolate flavor on your chocolate bundt cake.
I recommend sticking with heavy cream. It’s what gives the ganache its silky texture and helps it set.
Do You Want More Chocolate Cake Mix Recipes?
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
Chocolate Cake Mix Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, 13.25 ounces
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix, 3.9 ounces
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
Chocolate Ganche
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cake
- Combine the cake mix and dry pudding mix in a large bowl and whisk the ingredients together. Add the milk, oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix together with a hand held mixer until thick and smooth.
- Spray a bundt pan liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs {but no raw batter}. Cool cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto a cake plate to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganche
- Combine the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk the ingredients until smooth. If it is still chunky, add 15 seconds and whisk again. To get the ganache a smooth spoonable consistency, add enough heavy cream to get it there.
Assembly
- Evenly pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. Top with your favorite topping. Allow the ganache to set up and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love the addition of pudding mix. Such a moist cake.