Name: Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil; 1.5 cups granulated white sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups cake flour + 2 Tablespoons OR 3 cups all purpose white flour + 2 Tablespoons cornstarch whisked together; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup 2% milk; ¼ cup sprinkles (jimmies or quins work best); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

That warm, welcoming aroma of spices and sugar filling your kitchen? That’s exactly what you get with this Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe. It’s not just a cake—it’s a centerpiece for holiday memories, festive colors popping with sprinkles, and a tender crumb that feels like a hug in every bite.

A round bundt cake with a light golden brown color sits on a wooden board, showing its smooth texture and curved ridges. The cake is covered in a thick layer of white icing that drips down the sides in uneven streams. Small red and green round sprinkles are scattered evenly on top of the icing, adding a festive look. In the background, there is a red and white striped cloth partially visible, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe year after year because it somehow hits all the right notes—rich, soft, colorful, and easy to make. Honestly, the sprinkle-studded batter makes it feel so joyful, like the cake itself is celebrating right alongside you.

Simplicity Meets Festivity: You can whip this cake up without fuss but end up with a stunning holiday showstopper.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the oil and milk combo, every bite feels perfectly soft and rich.
Customization Friendly: Add more sprinkles or swap the vanilla for other extracts—it’s built for your personal touch.
Great for Gifting: It travels well and looks incredible when wrapped up, so it’s perfect to share a slice of holiday cheer.

A light brown bundt cake with a smooth texture sits on a wooden board. Thick white icing is being poured over the top, slowly flowing down the sides in thick streams and pooling slightly at the base. In the background, there is a blurred red and white striped cloth and out-of-focus warm string lights. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this cake is truly in the simple, thoughtful ingredients working in harmony—oil keeps it moist, while the cake flour mix ensures a delicate crumb. Plus, those colorful sprinkles add both whimsy and that unmistakable festive flair.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar, four whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy 2% milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with colorful round jimmies sprinkles, and a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake super moist and tender—don’t swap this for butter unless you want a denser texture.
Granulated White Sugar: Sweetness with a little crunch during baking, balancing flavors perfectly.
Eggs: Provides structure and richness; I always use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
Vanilla Extract: The warm vanilla aroma is unmistakable and adds complexity.
Cake Flour or AP Flour + Cornstarch: Cake flour makes a lighter crumb, but the AP plus cornstarch combo is a handy substitute.
Baking Powder: Gives that gentle lift every Bundt cake needs.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and buttery notes, don’t skip it!
Milk (2% recommended): Adds richness and helps blend the batter seamlessly.
Sprinkles: Jimmies or quins work best to keep their shape and pop with color — trust me, rainbow joy is guaranteed.
Powdered Sugar (for icing): Creates a silky, sweet glaze that’s just right to drizzle on top.
Water (for icing): Controls consistency—start with less and add more if needed.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I really love about this Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe is how flexible it is. Sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped nuts or swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it truly yours!

Variation: Last year, I added a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry mix—it gave the cake a cozy holiday spice that was a total hit with my family.
Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free option, try using a flour blend designed for baking—though you may need to adjust baking time slightly.
Glaze Swap: Use clear vanilla extract for a bright white glaze, or add a splash of rum extract for extra holiday cheer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and make sure to grease your 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick spray—and don’t forget to dust it lightly with flour. I learned the hard way that skipping this can turn your beautiful cake into a crumbly mess when you try to unmold it.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. I usually use a whisk for this step to really blend everything smoothly. The batter starts to get this lovely shine which is a good sign you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your cake flour (or AP flour + cornstarch), baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents – so no weird lumps or uneven rising. Measuring the flour correctly here makes a huge difference, so spoon and level!

Step 4: Combine Batter in Stages

Add half the dry ingredients to your wet mix and stir gently until combined. Then pour in the milk, mix again until smooth. Finish by folding in the rest of the dry ingredients and the sprinkles—just enough to incorporate without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan and bake for 50-55 minutes. Use a toothpick to test—it should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before reversing it onto a rack. This little wait helps ensure the cake doesn’t stick or fall apart.

Step 6: Whip Up the Icing

While the cake cools completely, whisk powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Adjust water by teaspoonfuls so your glaze is just pourable but not runny. Then drizzle—or pour generously—over the cooled cake, finishing with extra sprinkles if you’re feeling festive.

Top Tip

This Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe has been my go-to for a reason, and these tips from my kitchen adventures can help you nail it the first time!

Proper Pan Prep: Spray and flour every inch of your Bundt pan very well. Even tiny missed spots can cause the cake to stick, so take your time here.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make your cake dense.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Your eggs and milk should be at room temp to avoid clumpy batter and to help it combine smoothly.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary—start checking your cake at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe

Festive Christmas Bundt Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to sprinkles right on the icing since they add that classic holiday pop of color and crunch. But tasty powdered sugar dusted over the top or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint can add a refreshing twist and extra festive look!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced cider or cozy coffee. For an indulgent touch, serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s a simple, sweet combo that everyone appreciates during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing your Bundt cake on a festive cake stand surrounded by pine sprigs and fairy lights for a magical holiday dessert table. Or slice and serve in clear glass jars layered with whipped cream for a cute, portable treat at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days. Using an airtight container is key to prevent it from drying out. It’s just as delicious the next day, sometimes even better when flavors have melded a bit.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer bag. I freeze mine without icing and glaze after thawing for best texture. It keeps well for up to one month.

Reheating

If you want your cake just-warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out that fresh-baked softness and makes the glaze lovely and melty—just perfect for snacking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Using butter instead of vegetable oil will change the texture and moisture level of the cake. Oil keeps the cake moist and tender, whereas butter can make it denser and gives a different flavor. If you prefer butter, consider creaming it with the sugar and expect a slightly different crumb.

What type of sprinkles works best?

Jimmies or quins are the best choice because they hold their shape well during baking and don’t bleed color into the batter. Avoid nonpareils or very small sprinkles as they may melt and color the whole cake.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?

Make sure to spray the pan thoroughly with non-stick spray and then dust it lightly with flour, tapping out the excess. Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before unmolding to help it release cleanly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend for the cake flour, though texture and rise might differ slightly. Also, be sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Bundt Cake Recipe always reminds me that simple ingredients and small rituals create the most joyful moments. It’s more than just dessert—it’s part of holiday tradition, laughter, and sharing with those you love. I genuinely hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too, enjoyed warm or chilled, with sprinkles and smiles all around.