Martha Bakes Season 3 Episode 11 Bundt Cakes

In Martha Bakes season 3 episode 11, viewers are treated to a special showcase on the versatile and beloved bundt cake. Martha Stewart, the expert baker and host of the show, shares her favorite recipes and tips for achieving perfect results.

The episode kicks off with a history lesson on the bundt cake, revealing that it originated in Germany in the early 1900s, but didn't gain popularity in the United States until the 1950s when the classic Nordic Ware Bundt pan was introduced. Martha shows off a few different types of bundt pans, including a beautiful vintage copper version, and explains how the shape and design of the pan can influence the appearance and texture of the cake.

First up is a classic vanilla bundt cake, which Martha explains is a great base recipe for adding different flavors and mix-ins. She shares her key tips for making a moist and tender cake, including using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, and adding sour cream to the batter. Viewers also get a tutorial on how to properly grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure easy release.

Next, Martha demonstrates a chocolate-espresso bundt cake, which she says is perfect for coffee lovers. She explains how to make a strong espresso and fold it into the batter along with cocoa powder and chocolate chunks. While the cake bakes, Martha whips up a simple glaze made with confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and more espresso. Once the cake is cool, she pours the glaze over the top, creating a beautiful drizzle effect.

For viewers who love citrus flavors, Martha has a lemon-poppyseed bundt cake on hand. She shares her secret for achieving a bright, lemony flavor by using both lemon zest and lemon juice in the batter. She also explains how to properly measure out ingredients, especially when it comes to poppy seeds, which can be inconsistent in their weight. The end result is a fluffy and delicious cake, topped with a lemony glaze and a sprinkle of poppy seeds.

Lastly, Martha switches things up with a savory bundt cake, perfect for brunch or a light lunch. She makes a cornbread and bacon bundt cake, adding in scallions and cheese for extra flavor. She explains how to cook the bacon until it's crispy and shares her preference for adding it to the batter once it's cooled, rather than cooking it into the cake. Martha also suggests serving the cake with a side salad for a complete meal.

Throughout the episode, Martha shares tips and tricks for decorating and serving bundt cakes, including how to dust them with powdered sugar and how to plate them for an elegant presentation. She also provides insights into how to store and transport bundt cakes, especially if you plan to make them ahead of time.

Overall, Martha Bakes season 3 episode 11 is a must-watch for any bundt cake lover or home baker looking to expand their dessert repertoire. With Martha's guidance, viewers are sure to achieve show-stopping bundt cakes every time.