This easy Kahlua bundt cake uses a box cake mix for simplicity so it takes just a few minutes to prepare– but it’s a rich and delicious dessert!
I’m moooooving! My itsy-bitsy kitchen will be itsy-bitsy no more and I could not be more thrilled with this prospect.
But you know what’s the opposite of thrilling? Packing. And moving to another state.
Those two things are tedious and terrifying, respectively. Despite the fact that I’m moving to Phoenix, home to my brother and a handful of good friends, I’m a little sick to my stomach about it.
From previous moving experiences I know that the first five or so boxes I pack will be meticulously organized and labeled and in no danger of the bottom falling apart for lack of tape. But all subsequent boxes will be thrown together haphazardly at best, and the movers will be lucky not to drop the boxes’ contents on their feet.
Can I ask you? At what point will I be grown up enough that I no longer take the lazy way out? Will that EVER happen in my life? Honestly, I’d doubt it.
Procrastination has never been my thing but I have a living room full of cardboard boxes calling me and I just.can’t.deal right now so I baked a cake.
A bundt cake.
With Kahlua in it—and on it (in glaze form) and with a healthy dose of vodka mixed in too, for good measure.
(And as a bonus, this cake uses a box of cake mix I have in my cupboard. One less thing to move! Total win.)
Because grownups can have delightfully boozy and delightfully easy Kahlua bundt cake even if they can’t grow up enough to pack their possessions in such a way that they won’t have to replace/glue back together everything that breaks in the moving process.
I know that some people frown on baking with cake mixes because from-scratch cakes are so much better and I agree, but only up to a point. While you really can’t beat a fully homemade cake, baking with cake mixes can be fun and nostalgic.
They remind me of college, when I was too tired to bake but needed a sugar rush to get through studying, so I’d eat yellow cake batter from a box. Don’t worry—I didn’t add the eggs because I didn’t want salmonella. I’m healthy like that.
This recipe uses a white cake mix, but I think you could use yellow or chocolate—whatever you have on hand—and it would be delicious. Really, you probably won’t be able to tell exactly what mix you used anyway, since the liquor is pretty predominant. (Not a bad thing for me right now.)
Have a wonderful week, and remember: a boozy Kahlua bundt cake cures the Monday blues!
This kahlua bundt cake takes just minutes to prepare but it's as delicious as can be!
- 1 16.25-ounce box white cake mix
- 1 3.56-ounce box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup Kahlua
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee cooled to room temperature
- 1/4 cup Kahlua
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- whipped cream and additional powdered sugar for serving (if desired)
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle with flour, then tap out any excess. Set pan aside.
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Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the Kahlua, vodka, sugar, and coffee and mix well.
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Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert cake onto a serving platter.
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Combine the Kahlua and powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until completely smooth. Spoon over the warm cake, then let stand until cool. Dust cake with additional powdered sugar and serve with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Adapted from Simply Classic
lynne hoareau says
April 17, 2017 at 2:37 amAww this is such a fun post Kelsie 🙂 Kahlua is my FAVOURITE LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!! So I definitely will be making this.
Wow, so you are moving…that is quite a big move ! You know what, for me the packing of the boxes isn’t all bad, but the unpacking is the worst !!! Trying to decide where goes what, and then having a re-shift of ideas blah blah blah. So, trust me….I will be thinking of you. Word of advise, go and buy extra thick tape, nothing is worse than really getting into the packing flow of things and then the tape runs out !
Thinking of you 🙂 and thanks for a great Monday Blues recipe 🙂 x
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:38 amThank you so much! I hadn’t even thought about the unpacking yet, but I think you’re right. It will probably take me until next year to get everything where I want it :). I’m definitely going to have to get more tape today! Have a great week, dear Lynne!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
April 17, 2017 at 5:27 amThat’s so exciting!! Moving (well, packing) definitely sucks big time. I remember when we moved last time, it was like you described – the first few boxes were so neat and tidy. By the time we were part way through, everything went every which way and into bags and everything. And when we moved it was sooooooo cold that pretty much all of our houseplants didn’t make it. Once you get settled in, it will be worth the torment, I’m sure. Plus, packing gives you an opportunity to go through your stuff and get rid of things you don’t use or need anymore – see, positive thinking 🙂 Monday definitely requires cake (and so does moving – hey, you need the energy 😉 ). Love this boozed up version and I bet the Kahlua works lovely with the chocolate! Cheers to a great week and good luck packing!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:41 amThank you Dawn! I need to start thinking positively right about now. I’m actually considering donating all my possessions to Goodwill so I can stop packing and start fresh :). Ugh that sucks about your houseplants. I’m thinking mine might overheat as it’s like 1000 degrees in Phoenix and I’m a terrible plant-tender to begin with. Have a great week!
David | Spiced says
April 17, 2017 at 5:39 amOh man, a slice of this boozy cake is totally how I want…no, need…to start my day today! I am so not enthused about the fact that it’s Monday morning right now. But I bet I would forget about that if I had a slice of Kahlua cake in front of me. This cake sounds amazing! Also, moving, eh? I hear you 100% on moving. I wouldn’t mind a move myself, but the thought of tackling the boxes and then getting the next place set up like I want is just too much. But hey, Phoenix is closer than San Diego…so that means I won’t have to drive as far to get a slice of this cake. 🙂 Good luck with the move, my friend!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:45 amEvery time I move I say NEVER AGAIN! But whatevs. Once it’s over it’ll be worth it. I’ll save you a couple of slices of cake–after that drive you’ll need extra! Kahlua cake makes allllll the Monday issues just go away. Have a great week David!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
April 17, 2017 at 6:04 amMoving is so exciting! We are actually moving in a couple months, but not to a new state. We did that two years ago and it IS stressful!! I’ll be sending ALL the positive vibes your way, girlfriend! And when I start to pack boxes next month, I’ll DEFINITELY be thinking of you! 😉 I’d say a boozy bundt cake is totally in order for today! And holy moly did you deliver! This looks amazing, girl! LOVE the kahlua in here! This looks dangerously delicious! Cheers, lady!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:46 amAwwww thank you Cheyanne! I’ll send you my boxes once they’re unpacked, haha! I’m glad to know you made through the other side of a big move. . .Have a great week, girl!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
April 17, 2017 at 6:48 amWooohoooo! Congratulations!! Stressful? Yes! Exciting? YES!! This cake is a perfect way to savor the moment! I will definitely be making this beauty! Good luck with everything, my friend!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:47 amThank you Annie! I’m trying to focus on the excitement rather than the stress and at times it works 🙂
eastofedencook says
April 17, 2017 at 7:30 amI agree, moving is a lot of work! Once you begin settling in the discoveries of your new place will outweigh all the stress. Meanwhile, don’t hide that Bundt pan for too long, this is a cake to make again!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:48 amI know! I have no idea where half my baking equipment is at this point. Clearly I’m not the best planner that ever there was :). Have a great week, Deb!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
April 17, 2017 at 7:58 amMmmmm. You had me at Kahlua!! Yum! I always procrastinate doing things I should, and go bake instead too. Hehehehe. But I don’t think anyone likes moving. Ughhh. I totally feel for you! But it will be exciting to move to a new place and a bigger kitchen! Yay!! Xoxo
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 8:49 amThank you Kelly! Why can’t everything be as fun as baking is? I’d accomplish so much more in a day if that were the case :). Have a great week!
Milena | Craft Beering says
April 17, 2017 at 8:58 amWow Kelsie! This cake is a winner! Do you have any vodka and Kahlua left? To mix a cocktail with and pair it with your next slice while packing? Packing is not so fun, but as long as everything you need gets to your new place:) Books are what scares me the most – always the heaviest and the most numerous item… Safe travels to you! Some awesome craft breweries in Phoenix btw:)
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 7:45 pmThank you, Milena! I still have a bit of each left. I probably won’t by the time I’m through moving though, haha. Packing is the WORST! And yep, agree with you on the book thing. I’m a book hoarder, too. I never have enough boxes to fit them all :).
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
April 17, 2017 at 9:52 amgood luck on your move!! it sounds like a lot of work, but the prospect of a not so itsy bitsy kitchen is exciting (: this cake brings back so many good memories! my extended family used to make this a lot, but with only kahlua, and they chocolate-ified it with chocolate cake mix and plenty of chocolate chips. i’m moving all my things home after june because i’m not renewing my current lease, and i’m definitely trying to get rid of/use up as many things as possible (read: i can identify with how accomplished you felt when you used up that box of cake mix lol).
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:13 pmThank you Heather! I can’t wait to have more space to spread out :). I’m definitely going to add chocolate chips next time I make this. I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me to pack more chocolate inside! Have a great week Heather!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
April 17, 2017 at 10:17 amPacking is the worst, Im just like you. First boxes good and organized, then I start dumping drawers into boxes telling myself I’ll organize it in the new place. Good luck! At least you have the fabulously moist and most importantly boozy cake to get you started, Im drooling! Take care.
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:14 pmHaha! I’m so glad I’m not the only one. Cake is basically the only thing getting me through the last few days :). Have a great week Stacey!
Kelly says
April 17, 2017 at 10:19 amSo exciting! Good luck with packing and moving! Sending lots of good vibes your way that everything goes smoothly! This boozy cake is definitely in order!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:14 pmThank you so much Kelly! I’ll need extra booze in my boozy cake when the move is finally over 🙂
evolvewithmary says
April 17, 2017 at 10:38 amI grew up eating tons of bundt cakes Kelsie, but neverr have I had a boozy Kahlua bundt cake, sounds a little too good to be true. Congratulations on the move! Moving is very daunting but it’s also exciting and exhilarating especially when you are moving to a bigger space. Have a great week… good luck with packing lol 🙂
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:15 pmThank you Mary! I think too good to be true might be the right way to put it :). All that chocolate and Kahlua. . .I swoon. You have a great week too!
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper says
April 17, 2017 at 11:30 amHa!! ‘I just can’t deal so I baked a cake’…should be a t-shirt. That’s like the story of my life. There’s too much to clean and I can’t deal…so I made a bigger mess in the kitchen 😉 Good luck with the boxes…sending good vibes your way! XO
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:17 pmThank you Lindsay! YES! I totally do the I’m-avoiding-the-mess-by-making-a-bigger-one thing. The best part of blogging is learning that so many people share my eccentricities :).
pglooney says
April 17, 2017 at 11:46 amThis looks so good! I always put pudding with boxed mix, I think it makes such a difference! Good luck with the move.
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:17 pmThank you Patrick! I almost never think to include pudding but I’m definitely going to start! Have a great week 🙂
Marcie Bidou says
April 17, 2017 at 2:39 pmMoving is exciting and daunting at the same time. I hate packing and unpacking but once you get organized isn’t it nice? And Phoenix is so great! This cake sounds amazing with the chocolate and kahlua too — I would love a big slice!
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:19 pmThe only thing (besides cake) getting me through this move is picturing everything beautifully organized when I’m done! I love Phoenix and I can’t wait to get there and explore some more. I hope your birthday has been fabulous; have a great week, Marcie!
Cindy Thompson says
April 17, 2017 at 3:00 pmOh my, you had me at Kaluha and cake mix! So excited for your move, new adventures await, we’ll almost be neighbors for part of the year. Sunshine and fun await you hope to see you soon and help unpack???? ?
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:20 pmHaha! I’m excited too, Cindy! And hoping you guys would like to be taste-testers :). My mom will be coming down to help with the move so you should definitely stop by!
Kim @ The Baking ChocolaTess says
April 17, 2017 at 4:13 pmWow! Moving out of the itsy-bitsy kitchen?! Eating this boozy cake in between packing, I’m guessing there’s no cake left? 🙂 You’ll be back in the swing of things in no time! Excited for you Kelsie! <3
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 5:21 pmThank you so much Kim! I thought I might be sad to leave my little kitchen but I’m not at all. I can’t WAIT to have more space :). Have a great week!
Allie R Taylor says
April 17, 2017 at 5:28 pmKelsie – you have so made me chuckle today. No salmonella cake mix batter, ‘cuz you’re healthy like that. Hee hee. Too funny. Guess what? I’m moving too. And packing. Crazy, huh? Our house is on the market but we had two signed contracts that both fell through in the last two weeks for various reasons. ARRGGHHH. Needing a slice (or three) of this boozy cake ASAP to get me through the for sale by owner blues…Keep persevering and using that packing tape. Hopefully it will all be over soon for both of us, I’m not a fan of packing up the house one Itsy-Bitsy Bit! XO
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 7:41 pmOMG two contracts that fell through? That’s rough! I’m thinking of you guys. . .We’ll have to commiserate together on the whole move thing once we’re both through it–and we WILL get through it :). I would gladly send you a few slices if I thought it could last in the mail! Have a wonderful week, dear friend!
Maria Doss says
April 17, 2017 at 5:58 pmThough it sounds daunting, I’m sure a sunny and bright kitchen will make it all worth it. Good luck! I’m in love with this cake – the flavors, simplicity….this is so happening this weekend:)
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 7:42 pmThank you Maria! I really can’t wait to bake in a kitchen with so much natural light. My kitchen now has none :(.
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen says
April 17, 2017 at 6:20 pmWhen you don’t know what to do/doubtful about something, there’s a simple rule – bake a cake. Cake always is a good solution. Especially, when it’s a chocolate cake with a Kahlua flavor:)
Kelsie says
April 17, 2017 at 7:43 pmI agree! Baking a cake solves most problems I encounter :). Thank you, Ben!
Marie @ Yay! For Food says
April 18, 2017 at 9:12 amI’m excited for you! I hope the move goes smoothly! Packing is no fun at all; when I moved, I found stuff that I completely forgot that I had. At least it lets you prioritize what you really want to keep! 🙂 A boozy cake is definitely the perfect break from all the packing!
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:34 pmThank you Marie! Packing is the worst. I’ve already taken a huge load of stuff to Goodwill and am working on a second load right now :). Someday I’ll stop accumulating things!
Georgie @ The Home Cook's Kitchen says
April 18, 2017 at 9:45 amyas! love the sound of this! booze and chocolate? cannot lose!
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:34 pmThank you Georgie! Two of my favorite things 🙂
Megan says
April 18, 2017 at 11:34 amMoving is SUCH A PAIN!! I feel for you!! And this cake looks so good, per usual – your recipes are amazing!
Megan
http://www.lifeonshadylane.com
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:35 pmThank you Megan! Moving sucksssssss. I’m reading your blog obsessively for decorating ideas in my new place though 🙂
Alyssa @ A Bite of Inspiration says
April 18, 2017 at 12:46 pmThis gorgeous cake would definitely cure my Monday blues! It looks so good and moist! I’ll have to make this soon! Instant pudding mix is a great way to make a really decadent, delicious cake without a lot of effort– perfect for weekdays when you’re craving cake, but don’t want to make anything super complicated. Good luck with the move!! I’m sure this cake will soften the blow of all that packing. 😉
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:36 pmIt’s the moistest! For real, it’s practically oozing booze :). I haven’t added pudding to many cakes but I’m going to start because the texture was sooo good! Thank you Alyssa! Cake’s all that’s getting me through the packing right now!
Leo Tat says
April 18, 2017 at 2:09 pmLove the ingredients, vodka and coffee too. I’m wondering if it would go well with ice cream.
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:33 pmI think it would be fantastic with ice cream; I’d probably go for vanilla or coffee and maybe some hot fudge on top. But I think it would be great with any flavor!
Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella says
April 18, 2017 at 3:36 pmCongratulations on the move! So what is your new kitchen going to be like? It’s such an important room in the house! 😀
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 4:32 pmThank you! The kitchen is AMAZING Lorraine, and it was the primary reason I ended up in this particular house. There’s tons of natural light and lovely new granite countertops and the cutest little breakfast nook.
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
April 18, 2017 at 5:56 pmHow exciting it is that you are moving! YAY!!! I love moving (because get to experience a new place) but I hate packing/unpacking. Your idea of baking a boozed up chocolate cake is so much better than packing stupid boxes. I’m going to the store to buy some boxed cake mix and pudding mix and making this ASAP…and I’ll serve it with a big mug of kahlua spiked coffee 😉
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 7:02 pmMoving is great! The logistics of moving, not so much :). Kahlua spiked coffee is probably the best thing on earth right now, especially alongside some chocolate cake. Have a great evening Karrie!
thatskinnychickcanbake says
April 18, 2017 at 6:14 pmGood luck with your move!!! We’re going to be remodeling soon and I, too, will end up throwing stuff in boxes after tiring of the process! My family loves kahlua cake–my version is a bit different, but I just may shake things up a bit and try yours!
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 7:02 pmThank you Liz! I hope you’ll post pics of the remodel. I love ogling other bloggers’ kitchens, haha! Kahlua cake is seriously sooo good; I’m sorry I’m just now discovering it!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
April 18, 2017 at 6:27 pmThis is one gorgeous recipe! I’m a kahlua fan and in cake? Sign me up!
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 7:03 pmThank you Julie! Have a great evening!
dawnyucuiscooking says
April 18, 2017 at 6:40 pmI think your cake looks wonderful. There is nothing wrong with using a cake mix when it turns out as lovely as this one did. I hope your move goes smoothly and you are happy in your new home.
Kelsie says
April 18, 2017 at 7:07 pmThank you! I agree; if you can make a great cake with a mix then why not do it? Have a great evening!
sprint2thetable says
April 18, 2017 at 10:17 pmI think a box-based bundt is totally acceptable. One of my favorite cakes my mom made was a chocolate chip rum bundt that had a couple box mixes in it. I am a huge Kahula fan… must try this!
Kelsie says
April 19, 2017 at 8:28 amThank you! Let me know what you think of it if you try! That chocolate chip cake sounds divine :).
thebakingskillet says
April 19, 2017 at 8:19 amMoving is such a total pain Kelsie! I still unpacked boxes in the basement from our move last year!! Lol. At such times, whatever comes to the rescue in delicious form, you take it. whether it is cake mix, or lots of boooze or a mixture of both right?? Digging that kahlua and vodka booziness in this. All the best with your packing and move!
PS – don’t be tooo grown up. Its no fun 🙂
Kelsie says
April 19, 2017 at 8:29 amThank you so much Jenny! I still have a few unpacked boxes from the last time I moved, too. My goal is to get everything unpacked in the new place. . .we’ll see :). Haha! Being a grownup really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be is it? Have a great rest of your week!
Kankana says
April 19, 2017 at 9:27 amoh the moving! Always gives me mixed feelings. Ever since I moved out of my parents house, I probably moved like 12 times LOL, 5 times in the last 6 years itself. Crazy!! But a bigger kitchen is always motivating 🙂
Kelsie says
April 19, 2017 at 4:48 pmI just keep telling myself the move is worth it because I’ll finally be able to spread out in my kitchen! I seem to move every few years and I don’t know why 🙂
kitchenriffs says
April 19, 2017 at 9:32 amCongrats on the move! Always a pain (as you know only too well at the moment!) but always fun once you get settled in. Anyway, terrific cake — love any and all bundt cakes, and this one looks exceptional. Thanks!
Kelsie says
April 19, 2017 at 4:49 pmThank you! Bundt cakes are always sooooo delicious and fun!
wearenotmartha says
April 19, 2017 at 12:00 pmomg yesss this looks absolutely awesome!! And I am the SAME way with moving. We moved into our house about 3 years ago and STILL have some boxes in our basement that haven’t been unpacked. I just found them and it’s clear they were the “ahhh the movers are coming in an hours, throw everything in boxes!” boxes. We should have just thrown everything out at the time; clearly I haven’t missed it!! Congrats on the move and GOOD LUCK!! 🙂
Sues
Kelsie says
April 19, 2017 at 4:50 pmThank you Sues! I know I’m going to have a bunch of those boxes at the end of this; I wish I had the guts to just throw everything away right now!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
April 20, 2017 at 12:55 amWhat a fantastic grown up cake – love Kahlua and it looks so beautifully light and moist! Good luck moving – how exciting!
Miriam x
http://www.londonkitchendiaries.com
Kelsie says
April 20, 2017 at 7:32 amThank you Miriam! It’s so incredibly moist I’m still thinking about it :). Have a great weekend!
Liz | Bubble Tea For Dinner says
April 21, 2017 at 10:23 amCongratulations on a newer, bigger kitchen. It sounds like you’re moving towards a great phase of life! Don’t let the packing get you down; after just a short time, everything will be outside the boxes again, and you can set things up at your own speed. I also procrastinate with baking. Cheers. ^^
Kelsie says
April 21, 2017 at 1:45 pmThank you Liz! I’m so excited to have more space and I’m trying REALLY hard to focus on that instead of the stress of moving :). Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Carlee says
April 24, 2017 at 8:07 pmYou gave me a belly laugh about the salmonella and the eggs. I think we might be long lost twins or something 😉 Congrats on the big move and the bigger kitchen!
Kelsie says
April 24, 2017 at 8:18 pmThank you Carlee! We just might be–I mean, we’re both awesome and we both love food. Betcha we’re related somehow!
Teesh Osita says
April 30, 2017 at 9:24 pmI haven’t moved anywhere yet (yes, I’m 25 and still living at my parents’ house but they don’t live here anymore so I guess it’s okay?) – but the thought stresses me out. And I guess if there’s an occasion that being intoxicated with cake is totally okay, it would be for packing and moving! Good luck with moving and congrats on your bigger kitchen! 🙂
Kelsie says
May 1, 2017 at 6:59 amI think you’re smart for not moving. It’s seriously such a hassle! Thank you Teesh! Happy Monday!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
May 2, 2017 at 1:36 amGood luck with the move! and the unpacking. Thanks for commenting on my blog while we were overseas. I really appreciate it 🙂
Kelsie says
May 2, 2017 at 7:53 amThank you Tandy! Of course–I enjoy reading your blog!
The Novice says
August 9, 2018 at 11:56 amI love boozy food! This would be my ideal birthday cake – booze in AND on the food! 🙂
P.S. My boyfriend and I are moving to another country in two weeks, so I can fully empathise with the packing mission! Good luck.
Kelsie says
August 12, 2018 at 3:35 pmThank you! Good luck with your move!