Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Hands down – the best pumpkin cake you’ll ever try! This moist pumpkin bundt cake has a delicious pumpkin flavor, is filled with warm spices, and topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Way easier than making pumpkin pie – it’s the perfect dessert for fall. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in, this Pumpkin Bundt Cake will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist Texture: The combination of pure pumpkin and oil keeps this cake incredibly moist.
- Delicious Flavor: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the rich pumpkin flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this cake ready in no time.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion—from potlucks to Thanksgiving dinners.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bundt shape makes it visually striking without extra effort.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Bundt Cake, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process and perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan: Creates the beautiful shape that makes this cake stand out.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk: Helps to incorporate air into your batter for a light texture.
- Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring even mixing.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or make your own – see recipe notes)
– 1 teaspoons baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
– 1 cup white sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 15 oz can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
– 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
– 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (or more as needed)
– 1-2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you put in your cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease your bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to coat all crevices. This prevents sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1. Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix these wet ingredients until smooth:
1. In a separate bowl, combine oil, white sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs one at a time.
3. Finally, mix in the can of pure pumpkin until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan:
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
After baking:
1. Let the cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. For the glaze, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
3. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
This easy-to-follow recipe will have everyone asking for seconds of your delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake! Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your pumpkin cake experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast. It complements the spices beautifully.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy a slice of pumpkin bundt cake alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The warm spices in the cake pair perfectly with these beverages.
Ice Cream Scoop
- Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream will melt slightly over the warm cake, creating a delightful treat.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a nutty flavor.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an indulgent sweetness to the cake. It works wonderfully with the pumpkin spice flavors.
Serve Warm
- For an even more comforting experience, serve the pumpkin bundt cake warm. You can lightly reheat it before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Making the perfect Pumpkin Bundt Cake requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some essential steps to ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements; this prevents a dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when your cake is done baking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze When Cool: Wait until the cake is completely cool before adding the cream cheese glaze to avoid melting.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bundt Cake
To complement your Pumpkin Bundt Cake, consider serving it with these tasty side dishes. Each option brings out the flavors of autumn and makes for an enjoyable meal.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider enhances the fall vibes and pairs nicely with pumpkin flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast that balances sweetness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These savory bites add depth and richness, making your dessert feel more substantial.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup offer an earthy touch that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create interesting flavor combinations alongside sweet slices of cake.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the bundt cake, offering freshness after each bite.
- Pumpkin Soup: For an extra dose of pumpkin goodness, serve this soup as an appetizer before enjoying your dessert.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Pairing another fall favorite like pecan pie bars creates an indulgent treat duo that guests will love!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake is easier than you might think, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and moist texture.
- Using pumpkin pie filling – Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste.
- Not greasing the pan properly – A well-greased bundt pan is essential to prevent sticking. Use butter or a non-stick spray thoroughly on all surfaces.
- Skipping the cream cheese glaze – The glaze adds richness and sweet balance. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your cake!
- Baking at incorrect temperature – Ensure your oven is properly preheated. An oven thermometer can help maintain the right baking temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Pumpkin Bundt Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place a slice on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Pumpkin Bundt Cake, along with their answers.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just ensure it is cooked and puréed smoothly before measuring.
How do I make my Pumpkin Bundt Cake more flavorful?
Add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the pumpkin flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use applesauce or melted coconut oil as healthier alternatives. They will keep your cake moist!
How do I know when my Pumpkin Bundt Cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bundt Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or adjusting spices according to your taste. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try!
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Pumpkin Bundt Cake is the ultimate fall dessert that combines rich pumpkin flavor with warm spices, creating a moist, delicious treat everyone will love. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or enjoying a cozy night in. The bundt shape adds a beautiful presentation, while the luscious cream cheese glaze elevates it to a new level of indulgence. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Pumpkin Bundt Cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
- 3 oz cream cheese (for glazing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glazing)
- Milk (as needed for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, sugars, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and then mix in the pumpkin puree.
- Gradually combine wet and dry mixtures until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the glaze, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: <0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
