breakfast bundt cake

Start your day with an impressive breakfast centerpiece that combines all your favorite morning flavors in one stunning presentation.

This savory breakfast bundt cake transforms classic breakfast ingredients into a show-stopping dish perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or special family breakfasts.

With layers of French bread, potatoes, cheese, and ham bound together with a rich egg mixture, this recipe delivers both visual appeal and satisfying taste.

Ingredients List

Main Components

• 6 cups French bread (cut into 1/2 inch dice)
• 1½ cups frozen potatoes o’brien
• 8 ounce block cheddar cheese, small diced (or shredded)
• 1½ cups ham, small diced

Egg Mixture

• 12 large eggs
• 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)

Required Kitchen Tools

1. 10-inch bundt pan
2. Large mixing bowls
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or electric mixer
5. Baking sheet
6. Aluminum foil
7. Non-stick cooking spray
8. Serving platter

Preparation Steps

Initial Setup

Before diving into the cooking process, proper preparation is crucial for success:

1. Position your oven rack in the middle position
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F
3. Thoroughly spray your 10-inch bundt pan with baking spray, ensuring you coat:
   • All crevices
   • The center tube
   • The sides completely
   • The bottom surface

Creating the Base Layer

The foundation of your breakfast bundt cake requires careful layering of ingredients:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced French bread
   • Add the frozen potatoes o’brien
   • Mix in the diced cheddar cheese
   • Incorporate the diced ham
   • Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly distributed
2. Transfer to Bundt Pan:
   • Carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared bundt pan
   • Press down gently to compact slightly
   • Ensure even distribution around the pan
   • Leave some space for the egg mixture to penetrate

Preparing the Egg Mixture

Create a rich custard base that will bind all ingredients together:

1. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate large bowl, crack 12 eggs
   • Add milk and heavy cream
   • Include all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper)
   • Whisk thoroughly until well combined and slightly frothy

Baking and Assembly Process

Assembling the Bundt Cake

1. Adding the Egg Mixture:
   • Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture in the bundt pan
   • Pour slowly to allow the liquid to seep between ingredients
   • Use a spoon to ensure even distribution if needed
   • The egg mixture should just barely cover the ingredients
2. Preparing for Baking:
   • Place the filled bundt pan on a baking sheet
   • This catches any potential overflow during baking
   • Ensure the pan is level for even cooking

Baking Instructions

1. Initial Baking Phase:
   • Place in preheated 400°F oven
   • Bake uncovered for first 20 minutes
   • Watch for golden brown color development
2. Protected Baking Phase:
   • After 20 minutes, cover with foil tent
   • Continue baking for 40 more minutes
   • Total baking time: 60 minutes
3. Testing for Doneness:
   • Insert a knife near center
   • Should come out clean
   • Eggs should be completely set
   • Top should be golden brown

Resting Period

• Keep foil tent on
• Let rest for 15 minutes
• This allows the structure to set
• Makes removal easier

Finishing and Serving

Gravy Preparation

While the bundt cake is resting, prepare the gravy topping:

1. Making the Gravy:
   • Follow package instructions for the white gravy mix
   • Use either water or milk as your liquid
   • Whisk continuously while cooking
   • Keep warm until serving

Unmolding the Cake

1. Removal Process:
   • After 15-minute rest, remove foil
   • Place serving platter over bundt pan
   • Carefully flip both together
   • Gently lift off bundt pan
   • If sticking occurs, tap pan gently or run knife around edges

Serving Suggestions

1. Presentation Options:
   • Serve immediately while warm
   • Present gravy in a separate boat
   • Allow guests to add gravy as desired
   • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
2. Additional Toppings:
   • Extra shredded cheese
   • Crispy bacon bits
   • Chopped green onions
   • Hot sauce on the side

Storage and Reheating

1. Storage Instructions:
   • Cover leftover cake tightly
   • Refrigerate for up to 3 days
   • Store extra gravy separately
2. Reheating Methods:
   • Individual slices in microwave (1-2 minutes)
   • Whole cake in 350°F oven (15-20 minutes)
   • Cover with foil while reheating
   • Fresh gravy recommended for reheated portions

This breakfast bundt cake offers a delicious twist on traditional breakfast casseroles, perfect for feeding a crowd while providing an impressive presentation. The combination of familiar breakfast ingredients in an unexpected form makes this dish both comforting and exciting.

Conclusion

This breakfast bundt cake represents the perfect marriage of convenience and creativity in breakfast cuisine.

By transforming everyday breakfast ingredients into an elegant bundt form, you’ll create a memorable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its impressive presentation, but in its versatility and make-ahead potential.

The key to success lies in proper preparation – from thoroughly greasing the bundt pan to carefully layering the ingredients and allowing adequate resting time.

While the recipe might seem complex at first glance, it’s actually quite forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, or even vegetables to suit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand.