Spiced Buttermilk Bundt Cake

A moist, tender bundt cake with a perfect dose of tangy buttermilk and sweet spice, then topped with a decadent caramel sauce. We might be looking at the perfect holiday-cake here, folks.

This cake is deliciously spiced with allspice, clove, nutmeg, and the like. It’s tender and moist (even more so the next day); it’s simple and lovely. It’s the dreamiest of cakes and doesn’t need any glaze or sauce at all–a light sprinkling of cinnamon or powdered sugar will do just fine. But if you’re feeling snazzy, a drizzle of this decadent caramel sauce won’t hurt.

Holiday Spiced Buttermilk Bundt Cake

How to Make Holiday Spiced Buttermilk Bundt Cake

1. Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all the grooves are well-coated to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs

Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large measuring cup, lightly whisk together the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.

6. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk mixture.
Repeat, alternating between the dry and wet ingredients, and ending with the final third of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.

8. Cool and Remove from Pan

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack and lift it off the cake. If the cake doesn’t release immediately, gently tap the edge of the pan to help it loosen. Let the cake cool completely.

9. Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to dissolve, then bring to a simmer over medium-low heat without stirring.
Allow the sugar to cook until it turns a deep amber color, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream in small amounts, stirring continuously. This will prevent splattering. Add the vanilla and stir until smooth.
Transfer to a jar and allow the caramel to cool to room temperature.

10. Serve

Once the cake is cool, drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing, or serve the sauce on the side for drizzling. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Recipe Notes

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Temperature Tips for Caramel: Caramelizing sugar can be tricky. Use medium-low heat and avoid stirring once the sugar dissolves to prevent crystallization.
Storage: Store leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.