Bundt is a name used both for a ring-shaped baking pan with a hole through the center and, informally, for cakes baked in one. The design, developed and trademarked by Nordic Ware in 1950, was inspired by the traditional European gugelhupf mold, and its shape promotes even heat distribution and a moist, evenly baked result. See "bundt pan" for the equipment itself and "bundt cake" for the dessert it produces.