Welcome to the ultimate solution for stress-free, delicious mornings: the Breakfast Bundt Cake! This ingenious recipe takes all your beloved breakfast elements – fluffy eggs, savory ham, rich cheese, and tender French bread – and masterfully bakes them into one stunning, easy-to-serve bundt shape. It’s not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece, perfect for elevating any breakfast or brunch occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a holiday feast, or simply aiming to surprise your family with something extraordinary, this savory bundt cake promises a memorable experience. It’s incredibly versatile, effortlessly customizable, and can even be prepared the night before, allowing you to wake up to a nearly ready, warm, and inviting breakfast. Get ready to transform your morning routine with this show-stopping dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Effortless Elegance: Your Go-To Hearty Breakfast Solution
Imagine waking up on a busy holiday morning or a leisurely weekend, with the aroma of a freshly baked, hearty breakfast wafting through your home – without the morning rush! Our Breakfast Bundt Cake is precisely designed for those moments. It’s the ideal recipe when you have houseguests and want to impress without being tethered to the kitchen, or when you simply desire a delightful departure from your everyday breakfast fare. This isn’t just another breakfast casserole; it’s a magnificent bundt cake that brings together the best of breakfast flavors in a truly unique and visually appealing form. Each slice reveals layers of golden, fluffy eggs, succulent diced ham, melted cheddar cheese, and soft French bread pieces, all seasoned to perfection and baked in a classic bundt pan. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its incredible ability to adapt. It’s perfect for those special holiday brunches, leisurely weekend gatherings, or even as a thoughtful make-ahead meal that can be assembled the night before and popped into the oven come morning. Enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time cooking, while still serving an impressive and utterly delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Breakfast Bundt Cake
Absolutely! This Breakfast Bundt Cake is an excellent candidate for a make-ahead meal, which is one of its biggest advantages, especially for busy mornings or special occasions. You can assemble the entire bundt cake the night before, allowing all the ingredients – particularly the French bread – to soak up the egg and cream mixture overnight. This soaking time actually enhances the flavors and texture, making for an even more delicious and cohesive dish. Simply cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake in the morning, remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions. Keep in mind that since you’re starting with a cold mixture, you may need to add an extra 5-15 minutes to the total baking time to ensure it’s heated through and set perfectly. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for holiday brunches or when entertaining guests.
While French bread is highly recommended for its texture and ability to absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy, this recipe is quite forgiving, and you have several fantastic alternatives. The key is to choose a bread that is substantial enough to hold its shape and soak up the liquids well. Excellent substitutes include brioche, which will add a richer, slightly sweeter note to your savory cake, or even challah bread. Any thick-cut white bread, like Texas toast or a good quality artisan sourdough, can also work beautifully. Even day-old croissants, torn into pieces, could provide a delightful flaky element, though they might absorb slightly less liquid than denser breads. Experiment with what you have on hand or what you prefer, keeping in mind that the bread forms the foundation of this delicious bundt cake.
Yes, this breakfast bundt cake is incredibly versatile and easily customizable, making it perfect for tailoring to your family’s preferences or utilizing whatever ingredients you have in your pantry. The base of eggs, bread, and liquid is robust enough to handle various additions. When swapping ingredients, the most important thing is to try and maintain similar ingredient ratios and volumes to ensure the cake bakes up properly and retains its bundt shape. For example, if you remove ham, you might add an equal volume of cooked sausage or vegetables. Feel free to explore different cheeses, meats, or vegetables. Just be mindful of moisture content – very watery vegetables might need to be sautéed beforehand to prevent a soggy outcome. This adaptability allows you to create a unique breakfast bundt cake every time you make it!
While ham provides a fantastic savory and slightly salty flavor to this bundt cake, it’s completely optional, and there are many delicious alternatives. For a different meaty flavor, you could easily swap it out for cooked and crumbled bacon, which adds a crispy texture and smoky taste. Cooked ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken) is another excellent choice, offering a heartier flavor profile, especially if seasoned well. If you prefer a meatless option, consider adding more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the overall flavor and texture. Just remember to cook any raw meats or high-moisture vegetables before adding them to the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent excess liquid in the final dish. The possibilities for customization are truly endless!
Absolutely! If you have a beloved homemade gravy recipe, or if you simply prefer the richer, fresher taste of scratch-made gravy, it will undoubtedly elevate this breakfast bundt cake to an even more gourmet level. The packet gravy is suggested for convenience, but homemade gravy adds a wonderful depth of flavor. To make a simple, delicious homemade white gravy, you’ll need: 2 tablespoons of fat (such as butter, oil, or bacon grease for extra flavor), 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 2 cups of milk. Start by melting your chosen fat in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. For a golden brown gravy, you can cook the roux slightly longer, but be careful not to burn it. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently as it thickens. Once it reaches your desired consistency, season it with salt and pepper to taste, and optionally, a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This homemade gravy will complement the savory bundt cake beautifully!
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Breakfast Bundt Cake for days to come. Any leftovers should be cooled completely to room temperature before storing. Once cool, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this bundt cake freezes exceptionally well! You can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply reheat it in the microwave until warmed through, or in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes, for a crispier exterior. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for quick breakfasts throughout the week!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Breakfast Bundt Cake
Crafting this delightful Breakfast Bundt Cake requires a handful of common breakfast staples, combined to create a symphony of flavors. Below is a detailed look at the ingredients and why they are crucial for achieving the best results. Remember, the full recipe with precise measurements is available in the recipe card below.
- French Bread: The foundation of our bundt cake, French bread is ideal for its sturdy crust and soft interior. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without becoming mushy, providing a tender, cake-like texture. As mentioned in our FAQs, other thick-cut white breads, brioche, or even day-old croissants can be excellent alternatives if French bread isn’t available.
- Frozen Potatoes O’Brien: These pre-diced potatoes with bell peppers and onions are a true time-saver and a secret weapon for flavor. We often encounter skepticism regarding frozen vegetables, but it’s a common misconception that fresh is always superior. Frozen vegetables, especially potatoes, are picked and flash-frozen at their peak freshness, locking in nutrients and flavor. They contain no preservatives, offering a convenient and high-quality option. If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, you’ll need to parboil them until slightly tender, then dice them finely along with fresh bell peppers and onions to ensure they cook evenly within the bundt cake.
- Block Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated or small-diced block cheddar cheese melts into creamy pockets of deliciousness throughout the cake. While pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience, block cheese often melts more smoothly and has a more intense flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Ham: Small-diced cooked ham provides a salty, savory burst in every bite. This is an excellent way to use up leftover holiday ham, transforming it into a new, exciting meal. As discussed, crumbled cooked bacon, ground sausage, or even a medley of sautéed vegetables can be substituted if ham isn’t your preference.
- Large Eggs: The binding agent for our bundt cake, eggs create that rich, custardy texture similar to a frittata or quiche. We do use a generous amount of eggs in this recipe, ensuring a dense and satisfying cake that holds its shape beautifully.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for its richness, contributing to the creamy texture of the egg mixture. If whole milk isn’t available, 2% milk can also work, but for the best flavor and consistency, stick with whole milk if possible.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is crucial for adding an extra layer of richness and creaminess to the bundt cake. It also helps to create a thicker, more luxurious custard base, preventing the final dish from being too watery. If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of whole milk, though you might notice a slight difference in richness and texture.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: This classic blend of seasonings forms the savory base of our bundt cake, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. These are staple pantry items for most home cooks, offering a balanced and universally appealing taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities or add other herbs and spices like paprika, dried chives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Packet White Gravy Mix: This is an optional but highly recommended serving accompaniment. For gravy lovers (like us!), a warm, savory gravy drizzled over each slice is pure indulgence. It adds a delightful creaminess and extra layer of flavor. If you’re not a fan of packet gravy, or prefer a homemade touch, refer to the detailed instructions for making gravy from scratch in the Frequently Asked Questions section above.
- Water: Used specifically for preparing the optional white gravy packet according to package directions. If making homemade gravy, milk is typically used instead.
Crafting Your Irresistible Breakfast Bundt Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this impressive Breakfast Bundt Cake is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, golden, and delicious result every time. Attention to detail, especially in pan preparation, will make all the difference!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bundt Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the bundt cake goes in, promoting even cooking. Next, and this is a crucial step for a successful bundt cake, generously spray a 10-inch bundt pan with a high-quality baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy or Pam Baking). Make sure to get into all the intricate nooks and crannies of the pan to prevent sticking. A well-greased and floured pan is your best friend when baking with a bundt pan. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the foundation of your bundt cake: the cubed French bread, frozen potatoes O’Brien, small-diced block cheddar cheese, and small-diced ham. Gently toss these ingredients together until they are well mixed and evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of your bundt cake will have a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This visual step shows the initial mixture ready for the bundt pan.
Step 3: Fill the Bundt Pan
Carefully transfer the combined bread, potato, cheese, and ham mixture into your prepared bundt pan. Gently press the mixture down into the pan to ensure it’s packed relatively evenly. Don’t compact it too tightly, as you want to allow space for the egg mixture to seep through and for the cake to rise slightly. An even distribution will lead to a beautiful and structurally sound bundt cake.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Custard
In a separate large bowl, crack your 12 large eggs. Add the milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Using a whisk, beat these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. You want a homogenous mixture, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed and the egg yolks and whites are fully incorporated. This custard will bind all the solid ingredients together.
Step 5: Assemble and Prepare for Baking
Carefully and slowly spoon or pour the beaten egg mixture over the ingredients in the bundt pan. Ensure the liquid permeates all the bread and other components. It’s important to do this slowly to allow the bread to absorb the liquid without overflow. Once the egg mixture is added, place the bundt pan onto a larger sheet tray. This is a crucial precautionary step to catch any potential drips or overflows during baking, keeping your oven clean. If you’ve opted to prepare this ahead of time, this is the point where you would cover and refrigerate it overnight.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully transfer the bundt pan, still on the sheet tray, into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60 minutes. After the first 20 minutes of baking, it’s advisable to loosely tent the bundt cake with aluminum foil. This prevents the top surface from over-browning while allowing the interior to continue cooking thoroughly. The cake is done when a knife or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Rest and Prepare Gravy
Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and allow it to sit for 15 minutes at room temperature, keeping the foil tent on top. This resting period is essential: it allows the cake to set fully, making it much easier to invert and preventing it from crumbling. While your bundt cake rests, prepare your optional gravy. If using a packet, follow the directions on the back of the package using water (or milk) to create a warm, smooth gravy. If you’re opting for homemade gravy, now is the perfect time to whip it up as per the instructions in our FAQ section.
Step 8: Invert, Serve, and Enjoy!
After the resting period, carefully invert the bundt cake onto your chosen serving platter. If the pan was properly greased, it should release easily. Slice generously and serve immediately with the warm gravy. Offer the gravy on the side, allowing everyone to pour as much or as little as they desire over their individual portions. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired for an extra touch of elegance. Get ready to receive rave reviews for this stunning and delicious breakfast!
Craving More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes?
If you loved this Breakfast Bundt Cake, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic recipes perfect for starting your day right or impressing at your next brunch. Explore these mouth-watering options:
- Easy Breakfast Pizza
- Savory Breakfast Crescent Ring
- Classic Ham Quiche
- Fluffy Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
- Quick Breakfast Crescent Rolls
- Hearty Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
- Fun Breakfast Sliders
- Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
- Convenient Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast Bundt Cake (+Video)
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Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1/2 inch diced) French bread
- 1 ½ cups frozen potatoes o’brien
- 8 ounce block cheddar cheese, small diced (can use shredded)
- 1 ½ cups small diced ham
- 12 large eggs (yes, that is the correct amount for richness)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional gravy topping:
- 2.75 ounce packet white gravy mix
- 2 cups water (or milk)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously spray a 10-inch bundt pan with baking spray, ensuring all crevices are well-coated, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together 6 cups of 1/2-inch diced French bread, 1 1/2 cups of frozen potatoes O’Brien, 8 ounces of small-diced block cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of small-diced ham until well combined.
- Transfer this mixture into the prepared bundt pan and lightly press it down to form an even layer.
- In another large bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Carefully pour or spoon the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the bundt pan. Place the bundt pan on a larger sheet tray to catch any potential drips during baking.
- Bake for 60 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, loosely cover the bundt cake with a tent of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning of the top crust.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the bundt cake to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, still covered with the foil, to help it set.
- While the cake rests, prepare the optional gravy mix according to the package directions, using the 2.75-ounce packet of white gravy mix and 2 cups of water (or milk for a creamier gravy).
- Carefully invert the bundt cake onto your serving platter. Slice and serve immediately with the warm gravy drizzled generously over each portion.
Video
Notes
- For further ingredient substitutions, storage tips, or answers to common queries, please refer to the detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ingredient explanations provided earlier in the article.
Breakfast, Brunch
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimated value. If precise calorie count and other nutritional values are important to your dietary needs, we highly recommend running the ingredients through a trusted online nutritional calculator. Please note that nutritional values can vary significantly based on specific brands of ingredients used and cooking methods.