Baklava Bundt Cake is a delightful fusion of traditional baklava and a moist bundt cake. This cake features layers of nuts and honey, providing a rich and flavorful experience. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Nut Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon
For the Cake:
- 1 (14.25 oz) white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Honey Sauce:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/3 cup honey
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nut Topping
- Melt Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Add Nuts and Sugar:
- Stir in the roughly chopped pistachios and walnuts, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.
- Set Aside:
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Mix Cake Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 cup buttermilk. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Add Nut Topping:
- Pour the prepared nut topping into the bottom of the greased bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cake Batter:
- Pour the cake batter over the nut topping in the bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Sauce
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon water, and 1/3 cup honey.
- Heat Sauce:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 6: Finish the Cake
- Pour Honey Sauce:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, slowly pour the honey sauce over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Baklava Bundt Cake and serve. Enjoy this rich, nutty, and honey-flavored delight!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Nuts: Feel free to substitute or add other nuts such as almonds or pecans to the topping for varied flavors and textures.
- Sauce: Ensure the honey sauce is well-incorporated and not boiling to avoid crystallization.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before pouring the honey sauce to ensure the sauce soaks in properly.
Variations
Chocolate Baklava Bundt Cake
- Add Chocolate:
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Citrus Baklava Bundt Cake
- Add Citrus Zest:
- Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the cake batter for a citrusy flavor.
Spiced Baklava Bundt Cake
- Add Spices:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the cake batter for a spiced version.
Serving Suggestions
Desserts
- With Ice Cream:
- Serve the Baklava Bundt Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Beverages
- With Coffee:
- Pair with a cup of strong coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon treat.
Party Platter
- Party Platter:
- Arrange slices of the Baklava Bundt Cake on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and add the honey sauce just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake without the honey sauce. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator and add the honey sauce before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix? A: Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors such as vanilla, butter, or spice cake mix to change the flavor profile.
Q: Can I make the cake from scratch? A: Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite homemade cake recipe.
Baklava Bundt Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert that combines the best of baklava and bundt cake. With its nutty topping and sweet honey sauce, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat with your family and friends!