Rich, moist, deeply chocolatey, and loaded with chocolate chips, this decadent Bundt cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or whenever you need a serious chocolate fix. The glossy chocolate topping and extra chips make it look especially indulgent. 🍫

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45–55 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12–14 slices
Difficulty: Easy

Note: The image doesn’t include an ingredient list, so this is a recipe recreation designed to produce the cake shown.

🛒 Ingredients

For the chocolate cake

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water
1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the chocolate glaze

¾ cup (130 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp vanilla extract

For topping

¼–½ cup chocolate chips
Optional: chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bundt pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease a 10–12 cup Bundt pan with butter or nonstick baking spray.
Dust lightly with cocoa powder instead of flour.

This helps prevent white flour marks from appearing on the finished chocolate cake.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Set aside.

3. Mix the wet ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together:

Sugar
Oil
Eggs
Vanilla

Whisk for about 1–2 minutes until well combined.

Add the buttermilk and mix again.

4. Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Mix just until combined.

Don’t overmix—the batter should be smooth but not heavily beaten.

5. Add the hot coffee

Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring.

The batter will become quite thin. That’s completely normal and helps create a moist, tender chocolate cake.

6. Add chocolate chips

Toss the chocolate chips with about 1 tsp of flour.

Fold them gently into the batter.

The small amount of flour helps prevent the chips from sinking completely to the bottom.

7. Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.

Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes.

Check with a wooden skewer inserted into the thickest part of the cake. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

8. Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.

Carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

Allow it to cool completely before adding the glaze.

🍫 Make the Chocolate Glaze

Place the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
Stir slowly until smooth and glossy.
Add vanilla and mix.

Let the glaze cool for a few minutes until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

🍰 Decorate

Pour the chocolate glaze over the cooled Bundt cake.

Allow it to naturally drip down the sides.

Immediately sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the glaze.

Let the glaze set for about 15–20 minutes before slicing.

🌰 Nut & Allergy Information

Does this cake contain nuts?

No nuts are required in the recipe.

However, chocolate chips and cocoa powder can sometimes be manufactured in facilities that process peanuts or tree nuts. Check the packaging if preparing this for someone with a severe allergy.

Nut-free version

Use chocolate and other packaged ingredients labeled appropriately for your allergy requirements.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Fold ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.

You can also sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate glaze.

Note: This will no longer be nut-free.

Dairy

The cake contains:

Buttermilk
Butter
Heavy cream
Chocolate chips

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free buttermilk and dairy-free chocolate, and replace butter with a suitable plant-based alternative.

Gluten

The recipe contains wheat flour. Use a suitable 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if needed.

❓ Q&A

Why is coffee added to chocolate cake?

Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste strongly like coffee. Hot water can be used instead.

Can I use water instead of coffee?

Yes. The cake will still work, although coffee generally gives a deeper chocolate flavor.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes. For a homemade buttermilk substitute, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it stand for 5–10 minutes.

Why is my batter so thin?

That’s normal. The hot coffee or water creates a thin batter that produces a moist, tender cake after baking.

How do I prevent chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. Also avoid adding more liquid than the recipe specifies.

How do I stop the Bundt cake from sticking?

Grease every part of the pan thoroughly, especially the center tube and decorative grooves. Cocoa powder can be used instead of flour.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes. The cake is delicious on its own, but the chocolate glaze gives it the glossy appearance shown in the picture.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes. Milk chocolate makes the cake sweeter and creamier. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate gives a more intense chocolate flavor.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes. Fill lined cupcake wells about ⅔ full and start checking them around 18–22 minutes.

Can I make this in a regular cake pan?

Yes. A 9×13-inch pan works well, although the baking time will change. Begin checking around 30–35 minutes.

How should I store it?

Keep the cake tightly covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Allow refrigerated cake to come toward room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

How do I get the glossy chocolate drips?

Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring. If it’s too hot, it will run completely off the cake; if it’s too cold, it won’t drip smoothly.

🍫 Serving Ideas

Serve each slice with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Raspberries
A dusting of cocoa powder
Extra chocolate sauce
Chopped toasted nuts

For the ultimate chocolate dessert, serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.