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Irresistible Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert

Prepare to fall in love with this truly amazing Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe, brimming with rich pumpkin flavor and crowned with a generous, thick layer of creamy cream cheese frosting. The cake itself boasts a perfectly silky texture, making it utterly dreamy even before adding the delightful frosting. However, when it comes to classic pairings, pumpkin and luscious cream cheese frosting are undeniably a match made in heaven—a truly happy marriage of flavors and textures that defines comfort.

This exquisite dessert is more than just a cake; it’s an experience, a celebration of autumn’s bounty. While you’re savoring every bite of this bundt cake, be sure to also explore other delightful pumpkin-inspired treats like our Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts or indulge in the comforting flavors of our Easy Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake for another wonderful breakfast or dessert option.

Why This Pumpkin Bundt Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this particular pumpkin bundt cake recipe stands out and is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. From its undeniable flavor to its impressive presentation, it truly has it all:

A Festive Favorite for Any Occasion: This pumpkin bundt cake seamlessly transitions from a casual afternoon treat with a warm cup of coffee to a stunning centerpiece for your holiday menu. Its inviting flavors and elegant appearance make it a definite fall and holiday favorite that guests will rave about.
Bursting with Authentic Pumpkin Flavor: We’ve crafted this recipe to be an easy-to-make delight, loaded with an abundance of genuine pumpkin flavor. By utilizing pure pumpkin puree combined with a harmonious blend of warm, cozy spices, every bite offers a comforting taste of autumn.
Visually Stunning and Irresistibly Delicious: Not only is this a breathtaking fall cake to behold, with its intricate bundt shape and generous frosting, but it’s even better to indulge in. The visual appeal perfectly complements the incredible taste, promising a delightful sensory experience.
The Unbeatable Combination of Pumpkin and Cream Cheese: It’s a classic for a reason! The rich, tangy cream cheese frosting is absolutely to die for, perfectly complementing the moist, spiced pumpkin cake. Who could resist the magical pairing of pumpkin and cream cheese together? It’s a culinary match made in heaven that brings joy with every spoonful.

Bundt Pan Essentials: Elevate Your Baking Game

To embark on your pumpkin bundt cake journey, a bundt pan is an essential tool. These versatile pans come in an array of beautiful styles and designs, each capable of transforming a simple cake into a work of art. Any bundt pan that holds 10-15 cups of batter will be suitable for this recipe, allowing for ample space for the cake to rise and develop its iconic shape. Investing in a bundt pan opens up a world of baking possibilities beyond this delicious pumpkin creation, as you’ll discover its utility for a myriad of other cake types.

Once you own a bundt pan, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Its unique fluted design not only ensures even baking but also creates an elegant presentation with minimal effort. It’s perfect for everything from dense pound cakes to light and airy sponge cakes, making it a true workhorse in any baker’s collection. For inspiration, consider trying some of our other delightful bundt cake recipes, which showcase the incredible versatility of this kitchen tool. We’ve previously created delectable treats such as Mini Decadent Chocolate Ganache Bundt Cakes, Chocolate Chip Mini Bundt Cakes, and elegant Orange Cream Glazed Pound Cakes. Additionally, our Homemade Chocolate Kahlua & Cream Bundt Cake and refreshing Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake are also must-tries. And for a perfect summer treat, don’t miss our Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Crafting this moist and flavorful pumpkin bundt cake requires a selection of common pantry staples, alongside the star ingredient: pumpkin puree. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending and a smooth, consistent batter. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Moist Pumpkin Bundt Cake

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Pumpkin pie spice – a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, essential for that classic fall flavor.
Cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Canola or vegetable oil (or olive oil for a subtle twist)
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and depth of flavor)
Large eggs
Pure vanilla extract
Pumpkin puree – **crucially, ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pie filling**, as pie filling contains added sugars and spices that would alter the cake’s flavor balance.

For the Silky Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
Cinnamon
Pure vanilla extract
Milk of choice – add gradually to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Optional: chopped pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide: How to Make Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Follow these detailed instructions to create a truly spectacular pumpkin bundt cake that will impress everyone. Paying attention to each step will ensure a moist, flavorful cake and a perfectly creamy frosting.

Crafting the Flavorful Pumpkin Cake

**Prepare Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
**Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a separate, larger bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable or canola oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Cream these ingredients until they are light, fluffy, and well combined.
**Incorporate Eggs and Pumpkin:** Gradually add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and then the pure pumpkin puree, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
**Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable at this point. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
**Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter evenly into a thoroughly greased 12-cup bundt pan. Bake according to recipe directions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Whipping Up the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting with a Hint of Cinnamon

**Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:** Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a silky frosting texture.
**Add Remaining Ingredients:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
**Adjust Consistency:** Begin adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. For a thicker, pipeable frosting, use less milk. For a thinner, pourable glaze, you may need a few more tablespoons.

This exquisite frosting is a heavenly combination of rich cream cheese, smooth butter, fine powdered sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and delicate vanilla. Our cream cheese frosting has a subtle hint of cinnamon, which perfectly complements the pumpkin cake and adds an extra layer of warmth. Its light and creamy texture is absolutely amazing, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the delicate crumb of the cake. We meticulously apply a thick layer of this frosting to our bundt cake, and without fail, it receives rave reviews from all our taste testers—some even clamoring for more!

Of course, this pumpkin bundt cake is undeniably delicious on its own, showcasing its inherent moisture and spice. However, the frosting truly elevates it to another level. You can easily customize the frosting’s consistency to your preference. By incorporating a little more milk, you can achieve a thinner, more drizzly glaze, or by adding more powdered sugar, you can create a stiffer, more pipeable consistency. This versatility ensures you can present your cake exactly how you envision it, whether with a lavish, thick coating or a delicate, elegant drizzle.

The Secret to a Perfect Release: Bundt Pan Care

Ensuring your beautifully baked bundt cake slides effortlessly out of the pan without sticking, tearing, or breaking apart is paramount. The key lies in proper preparation of your bundt pan. Even experienced bakers sometimes face challenges, but with these methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of a sticky situation:

Traditional Greasing and Flourishing: To effectively prevent sticking, you must properly grease and flour your cake pans. This involves coating every inch of the pan’s interior, including all the intricate nooks and crannies of the bundt design, with a solid shortening or butter. A pastry brush can be incredibly helpful for working the shortening into these detailed areas. Once thoroughly greased, lightly dust the entire interior with flour, tilting and tapping the pan to ensure an even, thin coating. Pour out any excess flour. This creates a non-stick barrier that helps the cake release cleanly.
The Modern Solution: Baker’s Joy: To make life significantly easier and more consistent, I personally prefer using Baker’s Joy instead of manually greasing and flouring my pan. This fantastic product is a nonstick baking spray that combines oil and flour, guaranteeing a perfect release from your baking pan every single time. It truly simplifies the baking process, making it faster, easier, and much more successful. If you’ve tried it, you already know its magic; if not, I highly recommend giving it a try – you’ll likely never want to go back to the old-school method! Baker’s Joy is free of fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and can typically be found in the cooking oils or baking aisles of most major grocery stores.
Post-Baking Cooling Protocol: Once your cake is out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately flip it. Instead, set a timer for 10 minutes, allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan. This crucial resting period allows the cake structure to firm up, making it less prone to breaking when released. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing & Freezing Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Keeping it Fresh

To enjoy your pumpkin bundt cake at its very best, follow these simple storage and freezing guidelines:

Serving Temperature and Refrigeration: This cake is best served at room temperature, allowing its flavors and soft texture to truly shine. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to bring slices to room temperature before serving for the optimal experience.
Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: For longer storage, this pumpkin bundt cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before adding the fresh cream cheese frosting. This ensures the best possible texture and flavor upon serving.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

While this pumpkin bundt cake is absolutely perfect as is, you can easily customize it with a few simple additions to suit your taste or add a touch of extra flair:

Decadent Chocolate Chips: For all the chocolate lovers out there, dazzle your cake by tossing some chocolate chips (mini or regular, milk, dark, or white) directly into the batter before baking. They’ll melt slightly into the cake, creating pockets of gooey chocolatey goodness.
Luscious Salted Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the flavor profile by drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over the cooled cake, either directly onto the unfrosted cake or cascading over the top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
Spice it Up: Experiment with additional warm spices like a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice in the cake batter for an even more complex and aromatic flavor.

If you’ve been searching for an easy-to-make, exceptionally delicious pumpkin cake, then this pumpkin bundt cake recipe is precisely what you need! It not only tastes fantastic with its harmonious blend of sweet pumpkin and warm spices, but it also effortlessly adds a touch of simple elegance to any holiday gathering. This cake is definitely a crowd-pleaser, much like our popular Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts. Serve it as a festive dessert or a delightful breakfast treat, and watch it disappear!

And for those who simply can’t get enough chocolate, you might want to snag the recipe for these incredible Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies as an added bonus – because there’s always room for more sweetness!

Discover More Delightful Holiday Cakes!

“American Beauty” Retro Red Velvet Cake
Ultimate Carrot Cake
Vanilla White Bundt Cakes
Decadent Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Holiday Chocolate Mint Poke Cake
Pumpkin Butter Pecan Poke Cake
Mini Decadent Chocolate Bundt Cakes
Cinnamon Applesauce Cake
Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

By Kim Lange

This amazing Pumpkin Bundt Cake is full of pumpkin flavor with a luscious thick layer of creamy cream cheese frosting on top! You’ll love the silky texture of this cake, it’s perfectly dreamy all on its own, without the frosting. However, when it comes to pumpkin and cream cheese frosting, it’s pretty obvious, they were made for each other. A happy marriage indeed.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Servings: 12 Servings

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup canola or vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1¼ cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

Cream Cheese Frosting with Hint of Cinnamon

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3-6 tablespoons milk of choice (add more if you want thinner)
Optional: chopped pecans on top

Instructions

Pumpkin Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Using a mixer, beat butter, oil, and sugars until combined and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until combined after each addition. Follow with the pumpkin puree and vanilla, beating until just combined. Add the flour mixture and beat until no streaks of flour remain, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix.
Thoroughly grease a 12-cup bundt pan (using Baker’s Joy nonstick baking spray with flour is highly recommended). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a long toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it directly on the wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting with Hint of Cinnamon

Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, without lumps. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined. Begin adding milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency for frosting.
To frost the cake, add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or your preferred tip). Starting on the interior of the bundt, squeeze the frosting while bringing the bag up the cake and over the side, then back up again, creating an elegant zig-zag pattern. Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator or at a cool room temperature.
For an extra touch, add some chopped pecans to the top! You can also sprinkle on some toffee bits for an additional crunchy bite.

Notes

Cake is best served at room temperature. If any leftovers, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; add frosting after your cake has thawed.

Keywords

cake, cinnamon, cream cheese, frosting, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, fall dessert, bundt cake

Recipe slightly modified from Celebrating Sweets.