If you’re dreaming of springtime on a plate, the Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake brings a touch of floral elegance and delicate sweetness to your table in the most delightful way. With the subtle perfumed notes of cherry blossom syrup layered into a pillowy-soft crumb, finished with a beautiful glaze, this cake is pure joy for any gathering — or any day that could use a little extra magic. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, you’ll love how this gentle floral classic feels like a heartfelt gift in cake form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple but special! Each ingredient for this Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake serves a unique purpose, from richness to flavor to the final dazzling finish. Here’s why every addition matters.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, creating a sturdy yet tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives your bundt its beautiful rise, so every slice is light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out all the cake’s nuanced flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness and a velvety texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens everything up while keeping the crumb soft and moist.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and that lovely golden hue.
- Whole milk: Adds just the right amount of richness and moisture.
- Cherry blossom syrup: This is your secret ingredient — infuses the cake and glaze with enchanting floral aroma and pink blush.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out and enhances the floral notes of the syrup.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a satiny, sweet finish that sets beautifully.
How to Make Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even bake. Carefully grease and flour your bundt pan, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, so your Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake unmolds perfectly.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt — this little moment means less mixing later, which means a fluffier cake. Set the bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step introduces air and is key for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Milk, Syrup, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition to keep things smooth. Then stir in the whole milk, cherry blossom syrup, and vanilla extract — this is when your kitchen starts to smell like a spring garden!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a gentle hand, mixing just until everything comes together in a smooth, slightly thick batter.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. Try not to open the oven door early — let that Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake rise undisturbed.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. While it cools, whisk the powdered sugar, cherry blossom syrup, and milk together to form a silky glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake so it soaks into each curve and peak.
How to Serve Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake
Garnishes
A handful of fresh edible flowers, a sprinkle of dried cherry blossoms, or even a scattering of pink sugar crystals will bring out the cake’s floral beauty. For a picture-perfect finish, try a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. A green tea or delicate white tea makes for a pairing that lets the subtle floral flavors truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange thick or thin slices on a platter crowned with spring blossoms; use tiered cake stands for tea parties, or serve individual portions in teacups for a whimsical touch. Mini bundt molds are a lovely way to create single-serve cakes, ideal for showers and brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so your cake stays soft and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, wait to glaze until after thawing.
Reheating
Give cold slices a quick 10-second zap in the microwave or let them come to room temperature before serving. If you’ve frozen the cake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before glazing or serving.
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake with a different syrup?
Absolutely! If cherry blossom syrup is hard to find, try using a high-quality cherry syrup, rose syrup, or even elderflower syrup for a similarly floral and uplifting flavor.
How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease every curve of your bundt pan with softened butter and then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Silicon pans may also make unmolding simpler. Letting the cake cool slightly before turning it out helps it release cleanly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check your other ingredients and adjust for moisture as needed; gluten-free cakes sometimes need a touch more liquid for tenderness.
Where can I find cherry blossom syrup?
Cherry blossom syrup is often available in specialty stores or online, especially during springtime. Asian markets sometimes carry it as well. If you’d like, you can even make your own by infusing simple syrup with preserved sakura (cherry blossom) petals.
Can I add fruit or chocolate to this cake?
Small amounts of finely chopped cherries or white chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for a special twist. Just be careful not to overload the cake, as the floral flavor should still shine through.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to welcome a little spring into your home with this Cherry Blossom Bundt Cake. It’s a lovely way to celebrate special moments—and the best part is, you don’t have to wait for cherry blossoms to bloom to enjoy it. Give it a try and treat yourself to something truly unique and memorable!