This unbelievably moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bundt Cake is truly the quintessential fall dessert. Infused with rich pumpkin flavor and warm cinnamon, this spectacular cake is crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting and generously scattered with perfectly toasted pecans. It’s a seasonal classic that embodies autumn’s embrace, making it an absolute must-bake for anyone who cherishes the tastes of fall.
The Ultimate Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
From the moment you taste the batter to the intoxicating aroma that fills your home as it bakes, this scratch-made pumpkin cake promises an unparalleled experience. Its tender crumb and deep, comforting flavors are perfectly complemented by a dreamy cream cheese frosting that will make you swoon. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my kitchen every fall since its creation, and I’m thrilled to share why it continues to captivate hearts and palates.
A Cherished Fall Tradition: The Story Behind This Bundt Cake
My journey with this particular pumpkin bundt cake began in 2015, during a memorable Halloween night. Each year, our Halloween celebration involves an array of hearty soups, fresh breads, and, of course, a show-stopping dessert. It’s a time for family – grandparents, nieces, and anyone else who drops by – to gather and enjoy the festivities. That year was particularly special as my daughter, Josie, hosted six girlfriends for an evening of trick-or-treating, dinner, and a sleepover. This pumpkin bundt cake became the star of the dessert table, creating sweet memories that have made it an enduring tradition in our home.
Why This Pumpkin Bundt Cake Stands Out
This moist and perfectly spiced Pumpkin Bundt Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It consistently bakes up with an incredibly soft, tender crumb, bursting with the authentic flavor of pumpkin. The addition of a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting elevates it further, providing a beautiful contrast to the cake’s sweetness. Finally, a sprinkle of toasted pecans introduces a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, rounding out every bite. It’s no wonder this recipe quickly becomes a new favorite for anyone who tries it, perfect for any fall occasion or simply to indulge in the season’s best flavors.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall: The Magic of Pumpkin Spice
For many, autumn heralds the return of pumpkin-flavored delights, and I’m certainly among those who eagerly anticipate this season. My favorite fall treats invariably feature pumpkin, a testament to its comforting and versatile nature. Whether it’s classic pumpkin cookies, moist pumpkin bars, fluffy pumpkin muffins, or a simple pumpkin cake, these desserts are the ultimate way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season. This Pumpkin Bundt Cake truly captures that essence, offering a familiar warmth and spiced sweetness that defines fall baking.
If you adore this particular pumpkin bundt cake, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy exploring other pumpkin-infused creations. Consider trying our delightful Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread, the quick and easy Pumpkin Spice Air Fryer Biscuits, or the wonderfully simple Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake. Each offers a unique way to savor the beloved taste of pumpkin throughout the autumn months.
The Perfect Harmony: Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Don’t be intimidated by baking in a bundt pan! It’s a fantastic tool for creating exceptionally moist cakes, and the distinctive shape it imparts is beautiful even before any decoration. Once you drape this pumpkin cake with its rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, it transforms into an undeniably perfect fall dessert. Its elegant appearance makes it sophisticated enough for your holiday table, yet its comforting flavors are equally ideal for a relaxed afternoon treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea. This combination truly makes the cake both versatile and unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Crafting this exquisite pumpkin bundt cake begins with a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature moist texture and rich flavor. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need for both the cake and its decadent cream cheese frosting. For the complete list of quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post.
For the Moist Pumpkin Bundt Cake:
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the cake, ensuring a balanced flavor profile against the earthy pumpkin and warm spices.
- Large Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture, eggs bind the ingredients together. For best results and optimal emulsification, allow them to come to room temperature before use.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola contributes significantly to the cake’s incredible moistness. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, making for a softer, more tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure. Sifting it ensures a lighter texture.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent reacts with acidic ingredients (like pumpkin) to help the cake rise beautifully, creating that airy, fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: A key spice that delivers warmth and classic fall flavor. Its sweet and pungent notes perfectly complement the pumpkin. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an even richer spice blend. You can find another cinnamon-spiced delight in this cinnamon spice coffee cake.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for enhancing all the other flavors in the cake, bringing out the sweetness and spiciness more effectively.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! Ensure you purchase pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that would alter the recipe.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor of the cake, adding a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity. Don’t skimp on real vanilla for the best taste!
For the Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for a rich, tangy, and wonderfully creamy frosting. While low-fat versions can be used, they may not achieve the same luxurious consistency and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter provides the necessary richness and structure to the frosting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your recipe.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This finely milled sugar forms the bulk of the frosting, giving it its smooth texture and sweetness. Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired level of thickness and sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Just like in the cake, quality vanilla extract is essential for the frosting, adding depth and a delightful aroma that complements the cream cheese beautifully. Investing in a good bottle is always worthwhile.
- Toasted Pecan Pieces: Chopped and lightly toasted pecans provide a fantastic textural contrast and a nutty warmth that perfectly finishes this cake. Toasting them briefly brings out their essential oils and enhances their flavor.
How to Masterfully Create a Pumpkin Bundt Cake from Scratch
Creating this delightful pumpkin bundt cake is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to bake the absolute best, moist, and flavorful cake that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Cake Preparation:
- Begin with the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat them together vigorously, either with an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy and light in color. This process incorporates air, contributing to a lighter cake. Next, pour in the vegetable oil, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening or spice in the final cake.
- Gradually Mix Wet and Dry: With your mixer on low speed or by hand, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Fold in the canned pumpkin puree and the pure vanilla extract. Mix gently until the pumpkin and vanilla are fully incorporated into the batter, ensuring that delicious pumpkin flavor is present throughout.
- Final Mix: Give the batter a final good mix to ensure uniformity, but again, avoid overmixing. The batter should be smooth and consistent.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Then add the pumpkin and vanilla.
Mix well.
- Prepare and Bake: Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or baking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for approximately 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to release. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack to allow the cake to cool completely. Do not frost until the cake is entirely cool.
Step-by-Step Frosting Preparation:
- Cream the Base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and a lot of elbow grease), beat until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue adding sugar until you achieve your desired consistency and sweetness for the frosting. You might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your preference for thickness.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the homemade cream cheese frosting over it. Before the frosting has a chance to set, sprinkle the toasted pecan pieces over the top. The pecans will adhere beautifully to the fresh frosting, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Proper storage ensures your pumpkin bundt cake remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store any leftovers:
- Countertop Storage: For short-term storage (3-4 days), your bundt cake can be kept at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it fresh.
- Refrigerator Storage: If you need to store the cake for a bit longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, the refrigerator is a great option. Stored in an airtight container, the cake will remain fresh for up to a week. The cream cheese frosting will firm up slightly when chilled, but it will soften again at room temperature.
- Freezer Storage: For extended freshness, this pumpkin bundt cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (once completely cooled and frosted) in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
FAQs About This Delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe
Have questions about making the perfect pumpkin bundt cake? Here are answers to some common queries to help you achieve baking success:
- What’s the difference between a regular cake and a Bundt cake? A Bundt cake is specifically a cake baked in a Bundt pan. This distinctive pan is typically round with a hole in the middle, and often features decorative fluting or grooves, giving the cake its unique, elegant shape. While the batter itself might be similar to a regular cake, the pan dictates the final presentation and can influence baking time due to its central “chimney” which allows for more even heat distribution.
- Can any cake batter be used in a Bundt pan? Technically, yes, you can bake most cake batters in a Bundt pan. However, it’s important to note that baking times will likely differ from those specified for standard round or square baking pans. Bundt pans often require slightly longer baking times and may cook more evenly due to their design. Always monitor your cake carefully, using the skewer test for doneness.
- Should I let the Bundt cake cool before removing it from the pan? Absolutely. It’s best to allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the cake’s structure to set, making it less likely to break or stick when you invert it. After this initial cooling, gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Why is my Bundt cake soggy? A soggy Bundt cake typically indicates one of two issues: it wasn’t baked long enough, or it wasn’t cooled properly. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until a wooden skewer comes out clean. After baking, always transfer the cake from the pan to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around all sides of the cake, preventing moisture from condensing underneath and making it soggy.
- What’s the best way to grease a Bundt pan? Can I use cooking spray? While some cooking sprays, like Pam, can be used, there’s anecdotal evidence that they might lead to a sticky residue buildup on Bundt pans over time. For best results, I recommend using a baking spray that contains flour (e.g., Baker’s Joy or a homemade version). Alternatively, you can thoroughly grease the pan with softened butter and then dust it lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. This method ensures an easy release every time.
- Is it better to take a Bundt cake out of the pan hot or cold? The ideal temperature is somewhere in between. As mentioned, allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan for 10-15 minutes is crucial. Attempting to remove it when piping hot can cause it to fall apart, while letting it cool completely in the pan might cause it to stick stubbornly. A slight warmth helps it release cleanly.
Delicious Substitutions and Creative Variations
Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Baking should be an enjoyable and creative process! Make this pumpkin bundt cake truly your own with these ideas:
- Sugar Swaps: For a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar, either partially or entirely. This can add an extra layer of warmth to your cake.
- Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, toasted walnuts make an excellent substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious crunch. For a nut-free option, sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds for texture and flavor, or simply leave the cake plain for a simpler elegance.
- Frosting Creativity: No cream cheese on hand? No problem! A classic buttercream frosting makes a fantastic alternative. For a unique twist, this rich coffee buttercream frosting would pair wonderfully with the spiced pumpkin notes.
- Beyond Frosting: For a less sweet or more rustic presentation, skip the traditional frosting altogether. This pumpkin bundt cake is delightful served with a dollop of homemade pumpkin butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light glaze. It’s especially perfect for a fall brunch when served simply.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Pumpkin Bundt Cake Perfection
- Add Chocolate Chips: Elevate your cake by mixing in your favorite type of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate morsels will all melt into gooey pockets of flavor, adding a lovely chocolatey contrast to the pumpkin spice.
- Enhance the Spice Profile: For an even richer, more complex spice blend, incorporate a touch of other warm spices like allspice, nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a hint of cloves. Alternatively, whip up a batch of your own homemade pumpkin pie spice blend to customize the flavor intensity.
- Miniature Delights: Transform this recipe into adorable individual servings by using mini bundt pans. Adjust baking time accordingly – mini bundt cakes will bake much faster, typically 20-30 minutes, so keep a close eye on them.
- Cream Cheese Choice: While I personally prefer the rich, creamy texture of Philadelphia cream cheese for frosting, any good quality, full-fat block cream cheese will work beautifully to create that signature tangy sweetness.
- Perfect Pan Prep: To guarantee a clean release every time, don’t just grease your bundt pan – truly prepare it. After greasing with butter or baking spray, dust it lightly with flour or cocoa powder (if making a chocolate cake), rotating the pan to ensure every nook and cranny is coated. Then, invert and tap out any excess.
- Don’t Overfill: Only fill your bundt pan about two-thirds full to prevent overflow during baking. Bundt cakes rise considerably, and overfilling can lead to a messy oven and a misshapen cake.
More Irresistible Bundt Cake Recipes to Love
Do you, like me, have a deep affection for your bundt pan? It’s an incredibly versatile baking tool that can create stunning desserts with minimal effort. If you’ve fallen in love with the elegance and ease of bundt cakes, then you’ll be delighted to explore some of my other favorite recipes designed specifically for this pan:
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze (pictured above): A delightful morning or afternoon treat, brimming with warming spices and a rich glaze.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bundt Cake: A bright and zesty cake with a tender crumb, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese element.
Blueberry Banana Bundt Cake: A comforting combination of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries, baked into a beautifully shaped cake.
Easy Lemon Raspberry Bundt Cake: Simple yet elegant, this cake features the refreshing flavors of lemon and the sweet-tartness of raspberries.
Carrot Bundt Cake: A classic, wholesome cake packed with grated carrots and warm spices, often with a cream cheese frosting. An all-time favorite!
Lemon Rhubarb Bundt Cake: A unique and delightful blend of tart rhubarb and bright lemon, perfect for spring and summer enjoyment.
This pumpkin spice bundt cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors. Its rich aroma, moist texture, and irresistible cream cheese frosting make it a guaranteed hit, whether you’re serving it at a festive holiday gathering, a cozy family get-together, or a potluck with friends. Prepare to receive rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
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Print Recipe
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – “Cinderella Cake”
Equipment
- Offset Spatula
- Rubber Spatulas
- Nordic Ware Bundt Pan
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
To make the Cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cup flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1-15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
To Make the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces chopped
Instructions
- To Make the Cake: Beat sugar and eggs until creamy and light in color. Add oil, continuing to beat. Combine dry ingredients with a whisk, gradually mixing into the egg mixture. Add pumpkin and vanilla, and mix well.
- Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a baking rack to cool completely.
- To Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese and butter ’til smooth and creamy. Add vanilla. Then add powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved. (you may need to add more to achieve this)
- Frost and top with toasted pecans before frosting sets.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on November 4, 2015. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 25, 2023.
