10 New Ways to Use a Bundt Pan

Put this baker's essential to work when you aren't in the market for a cake with these genius hacks (with often delicious results).

Hole in One

Like its cousin the tube pan, a Bundt pan has a fluted shape that encourages even cooking and browning in cakes. But it's good for so much more than baking. Take advantage of the sturdy construction of this old-fashioned favorite and use it in the freezer, on the grill and beyond.

Corn Cutter

Use the center hole of a Bundt pan to hold an ear of corn upright. Slice off the kernels with a sharp knife, cutting downward and letting the kernels collect in the well.

Ice Cream Bombe Maker

Line a Bundt pan with plastic wrap, fill the bottom with softened strawberry ice cream and freeze until firm. Add layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, freezing between each addition. Dip the pan in warm water to unmold and turn out onto a plate. Berries, whipped cream and sprinkles all make tasty decorations. Try it with sherbet too.

Chicken Roaster

Skip the beer can and use a Bundt pan to cook a whole chicken on the grill. Slide the bird's cavity over the center column so it sits upright. Fill the pan with par-cooked new potatoes tossed with oil, then roast over indirect heat for a moist and juicy meal.

Vegetable Pan

Short on roasting pans? Use your Bundt pan to cook cut-up carrots and parsnips, or cubed winter squash. Toss them a few times during cooking to make sure everything roasts evenly.

S'mores Kit

Toting the fixings for everyone's favorite campfire dessert outside is easy when you load them into a Bundt pan. Fill it with marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. Wrap long wooden skewers in a piece of foil and stick them in the center hole.

Gift-Wrapping Caddy

Wrap leftover and recycled ribbons around the center column. Fill the well with tape dispensers, bows and other paraphernalia. Use the center hole to hold scissors. This kitchen workhorse is also good for corralling art supplies in a craft area or cosmetics in the bathroom.

Drinks Dispenser

Chill mini bottles of water and shelf-stable boxes of milk in an ice-filled Bundt pan and put it on the snack table at your next kids' party.

Centerpiece

Play up the romance of flickering candlelight by floating flowers and water-safe votives in a Bundt pan filed halfway with water.

Ice Cube Ring

Add herbs or fruit — think sliced citrus, cranberries and raspberries — to a Bundt pan. Cover with cold distilled water and freeze for an elegant addition to a punch bowl.