All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Did you know that the Bundt pan is actually a trademarked piece of kitchen equipment not just a generic style of pan? It was invented by H. David Dalquist, the founder of Nordic Ware, in 1950. He first created the pan for members of a Hadassah chapter in Minneapolis who requested a pan that would allow them to make cakes as elaborate as classic European varieties. Mimicking a traditional German pan, Dalquist added ridges to his model so the cake would be easier to cut. Some 67 years later, Nordic Ware is as strong as ever in the Bundt pan game, making tons of pan shapes more elaborate than the original ridged design.
Below are some of my favorite Bundt pan styles by the original manufacturer—sure, you don't need 14 Bundt pans in lavishly weird and amazing shapes, but what's left in terms of joy in this world beyond baking absurdly extravagant cakes? These are all made of quality molded aluminum to ensure your cake emerges from the oven with an even crust, and they'll take your baking to a whole new level. So actually, you do need one.
Rose Bundt Pan
Floral decorations on cakes are one thing, but an entire cake shaped like a rose? Mind-blowing. You know what would be the perfect cake to bake in this? A rose-glazed rhubarb and pistachio cake, of course.
Square
Who says a Bundt has to be round? This highly detailed square-shaped pan will take Bundt cake out of the demure tea party realm and modernize it for the dessert table. Again, it's cast aluminum from Nordic Ware, so you know your cake will brown perfectly, even if the shape is non-conventional.
Pine Forest Bundt Pan
A Bundt made in the shape of a wintery pine forest is going to be the star of any dessert spread for the holiday season, and will totally eliminate the need for more complicated cakes. To make it extra seasonal, make a chocolate cake and dust it with powdered sugar so it looks like a snowy forest.
Geo Mini Bundt Pan
Can't choose a shape? These mini Bundt pans allow you to make a bunch of mini cakes in various decorative patterns. These smaller cakes are perfect for baked good exchanges (or for when you're craving dessert but don't want to commit to an entire cake).
Lotus Bundt Pan
The lotus flower is a symbol of calmness. You know what else is really calming? Eating cake. Combine the two and you're sure to be 100 percent, totally zen. Plus, you'll have an impressive and delicious baked good to show off.
Bundt Quartet Pan
Again, I like this quartered Bundt pan because it caters to the indecisive. Don't choose just one design or cake recipe. Make a spread of everyone's favorites: chocolate, marble, and chai spiced bundt cake.
Vintage star Bundt Pan
This vintage Nordic Ware design is festive for the holiday season without hitting you over the head with mistletoe and holly. And it can definitely be used year-round.
Platinum Collection Heritage Bundt Pan
Of course, nothing beats a classic design like this one. A dynamic, visually-stunning cake is always possible with this Bundt pan. Use it for every occasion worth celebrating.
Crystal Bundt
For a cake that borders on camp, spring for a pan that replicates the surface of cut crystal glassware. To capture the full effect, serve cake underneath a silver cloche and enjoy with a glass of champagne.
Magnolia Bundt Pan
This is the Bundt pan to inspire envy at the Sunday service dessert table. Magnolias are a classic symbol of the south and with this pan, magnolia-shaped bundt cake is as doable as it is impressive.
Crown Bundt Pan
Did you know that Scandinavia is currently home to three different monarchies? Well, that might explain why Nordic Ware designed this Crown-shaped Bundt in celebration of their 70th anniversary.
Bundt Brownie Pan
Bundtlings, Bundtlets, Bundt bites, lil Bundts—all names I think Nordic Ware should consider using for this pan, which doles out 12 gem-like mini cakes. I can't help but picture a dessert table with a regular-sized bundt cake and a dozen of these trailing behind it like a raft of ducklings.
Brilliance Bundt Pan
This pan's severe fluted edges are not only visually impressive; they happen to make for Bundt cakes that are exceptionally easy to slice and serve.
Bavarian Bunt Pan
This pan's subtle rippling texture creates an appealing texture on the surface of the finished cake. Not entirely sure what it has to do with Bavaria I'll admit, but it certainly looks sehr gut!
