Name: Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Ingredients: For the Bundt Cake:; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup light brown sugar; 2½ tsp pumpkin spice; 1 cup vegetable or canola oil; 15 oz pumpkin purée; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; For the Cream Cheese Frosting:; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1½ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1-2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp pure vanilla extract; To Garnish (Optional):; 1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped; ½ cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

This delightful Pumpkin Bundt Cake captures the essence of fall in every bite. With a blend of warm spices, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar, the cake offers a rich flavor that hints at caramel sweetness. Topped with homemade cream cheese frosting, it stands out as a favorite dessert for autumn gatherings and celebrations.

Making this cake is simple, making it an inviting choice for bakers of any skill level. The combination of ingredients ensures a fluffy texture and deep flavor, while the frosting adds a smooth finish. This cake not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also evokes the comforting spirit of the season.

Key Takeaways

The recipe features a perfect blend of spices and pumpkin for fall flavors.
Homemade cream cheese frosting enhances the cake’s deliciousness.
This cake is easy to make, making it suitable for any baker.

Embracing Fall Flavors with Pumpkin Bundt Cake

As autumn arrives and leaves fall, many seek the comforting flavors of pumpkin. This delicious pumpkin bundt cake features key ingredients like pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.

The cake has a moist texture and a soft crumb, enhanced by the richness of brown sugar and warm spices. A cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish, while toasted pecans on top provide a delightful crunch.

This cake serves as the perfect dessert or snack for chilly evenings and cozy movie nights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that many enjoy, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for easy and flavorful pumpkin treats.

Reasons to Enjoy This Light and Fluffy Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe

This delightful cake is full of rich pumpkin spice taste, topped with a creamy glaze that adds the perfect touch. Its flexibility means it can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. Best of all, making this cake at home is much more cost-effective than purchasing one from a bakery.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Essential Baking Components

All-Purpose Flour: Cooking with all-purpose flour is recommended rather than whole-grain flour. Whole-grain flour has a more rustic flavor that can mask the pumpkin spices. Additionally, it tends to make the cake denser instead of spongy.
Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda are crucial for helping the cake rise properly.
Pumpkin Spice: Using pre-made pumpkin spice is convenient, but creating a homemade blend is simple. Combine the following:
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ¾ teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons allspice
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cloves
Pumpkin Purée: Canned pumpkin purée is the best choice for this recipe. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains additives like sugar and spices.
Oils for Moisture: Vegetable or canola oil is ideal for maintaining softness, but other neutral oils with high smoke points, such as grapeseed oil, can be effective as well.
Sugars: This recipe utilizes two sugar types: granulated sugar and light brown sugar. The latter contributes a hint of caramel flavor due to its molasses content and helps retain moisture.
Eggs: Large eggs should be used. It’s best if they are at room temperature for easier blending. If cold, they can be warmed in lukewarm water.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is recommended for quality flavor enhancement.

Frosting Ingredients

Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese leads to a richer frosting. Make sure it is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for frosting, though salted can also work. Room temperature butter creates a smoother texture.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Avoid using granulated sugar in frosting, as confectioners’ sugar provides the right consistency and sweetness.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk is suitable for achieving the desired thickness.

Optional Garnishes

Nuts: Pecans are an excellent choice for topping the cake, although they are optional. Other nuts, like walnuts or candied pecans, may be used as alternatives.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake Preparation

Making a pumpkin bundt cake is an enjoyable process that brings the warm scents of fall into the kitchen. Here are the steps to achieve a delicious outcome.

Preparing the Oven and Pan: The first step is to set the oven to 350°F. It’s essential to properly prepare the bundt pan, which holds 10 cups. Generously coat the pan with nonstick spray. Alternatively, butter the pan and dust it with flour, ensuring all surfaces are covered. This prevention method helps avoid any sticking issues.
Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, the dry ingredients need to be combined. This includes mixing flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Although sugars fall under dry ingredients, they should not be added at this stage.
Combining Wet Ingredients: The next step involves creating the wet mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together key ingredients such as oil, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. It should be mixed just until combined.
Combining the Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is blended. It is crucial not to over-mix at this point, as doing so may lead to a dense texture. Small lumps are acceptable in the batter.
Baking and Cooling: Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepped bundt pan. Spread it out evenly, then bake it for 60 to 70 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. For best results, transfer it to a wire rack to completely cool. Cooling on a plate may trap steam, causing sticking.
Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting: To prepare the frosting, a stand mixer or hand mixer is useful. Start by beating cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Lower the speed to medium and sift confectioners’ sugar into the mixture gradually. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth. Adding milk and vanilla extract finishes the texture, creating a creamy consistency.
Decorating the Cake: Once cooled, the cake can be decorated. Using either a spoon or piping bag, apply the cream cheese frosting. Optional toppings can include pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor and presentation.

Pumpkin Purée vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

When making a bundt cake, it’s essential to use pumpkin purée instead of pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin purée is pure pumpkin, while pie filling often contains added spices, sugars, and sodium. These extras can impact the cake’s flavor balance. Additionally, pie filling may have thickeners that are unnecessary for achieving the desired texture in the cake. Only pure purée produces the best results.

Determining Cake Doneness

To check if a cake is fully baked, a simple method is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has batter on it, it requires more baking time.

In addition, there are other techniques to assess doneness:

Touch Test: Gently press the top of the cake with your fingers. It should feel springy and should not stick to your skin. If fingers poke through the surface, the cake is not baked yet.
Visual Check: Examine the sides of the cake. They should appear golden brown and start to pull away from the edges of the pan.
Knife Test: Carefully slide a knife or an offset spatula around the edges. If the cake has some movement and wiggle, it is likely not ready.

Using these methods helps ensure the cake is perfectly baked every time, making the baking experience more rewarding.

Storing Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Preparation and Refrigeration

This pumpkin bundt cake can be made in advance. Once it is frosted, it should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. The cake remains good for up to 4 days when properly covered.

To store, the entire cake can be placed in the fridge for about an hour to allow the cream cheese frosting to set. After that, it should be covered with a cake cover or plastic wrap. Individual slices can be placed in an airtight container to keep them fresh. It is best to let the cake sit out to reach room temperature before serving.

Freezing Unfrosted Cake

The bundt cake can be frozen, but only if it is left unfrosted. Freezing the cream cheese frosting may cause it to separate and create ice crystals, which can lead to freezer burn.

Before freezing, the cake needs to cool completely. It should be wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring there are no openings. After that, placing it in a freezer-safe container or aluminum foil is recommended. The bundt cake can remain frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw at room temperature and prepare new frosting before serving.

Tips for a Successful Recipe

Choose the Correct Pan: A 10-cup bundt pan is ideal for this recipe. Using the right size ensures even baking and helps the cake maintain its shape.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs mix better when they’re at room temperature. If they are cold, place them in a glass of lukewarm water while preparing other items. Additionally, soften the cream cheese for smoother frosting.
Select Quality Pumpkin Purée: The choice of pumpkin purée affects flavor and texture. A reliable brand, such as Libby’s, is known for its consistency and rich taste.
Unmold Carefully: Cakes that are too warm can fall apart easily. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Avoid waiting until it is fully cool, as the heat can cause sticking.
Grease the Pan Well: Properly greasing the bundt pan is crucial to prevent sticking. A non-stick spray, like PAM, is often recommended, or you can use butter followed by a light dusting of flour.
Incorporate Crunch: Adding elements like candied pecans or walnuts can bring a delightful crunch and a caramel flavor to the cake, enhancing the overall texture.
Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying frosting. Any warmth can melt the frosting, leading to a soggy result and ruining the appearance of the cake.
Consider Adding Chocolate Chips: For those who enjoy chocolate, adding chocolate chips to the batter can introduce a delicious combination of pumpkin and chocolate flavors. Bittersweet chocolate is a popular choice, but preferences vary.