Pumpkin Bundt Cake

When the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s time to indulge in those comforting, spiced desserts that warm your soul. There’s something about a Pumpkin Bundt Cake that evokes the cozy feeling of family gatherings, holiday parties, and autumnal celebrations. This cake is not only packed with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin but also filled with a comforting blend of spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. And the best part? It’s drizzled with a cinnamon cream cheese icing that’s pure heaven. Perfect for serving a crowd, this Pumpkin Bundt Cake becomes a centerpiece at any gathering, inviting compliments with each slice.

I remember the first time I made this cake for a fall get-together at a friend’s house. It was such a hit that I had to share the recipe with everyone, and now, it’s a staple in my fall baking repertoire. The combination of moist, fluffy cake with a tangy cinnamon drizzle makes it a dessert everyone looks forward to during the holidays. From my kitchen to yours — let’s bring this dish to life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Bundt Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. If you’re looking for fall desserts for a crowd, this cake checks every box. It’s easy to make, beautifully spiced, and, most importantly, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause to savor the flavors. Every bite bursts with the warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, wrapping you in that cozy fall feeling. Plus, it’s topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting that drizzles over the bundt in a gorgeous pattern. This cake is a true showstopper.

What I love most about this Pumpkin Bundt Cake is how it can effortlessly go from a family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Whether you’re preparing it for a fall dinner or as a sweet treat for a Thanksgiving gathering, it’s a dessert that brings everyone together. It’s also incredibly versatile – it works for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet finish to any meal.

Ready in just about an hour, this cake is simple enough for beginners yet indulgent enough to impress seasoned bakers. With only 25 minutes of prep and a short time in the oven, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake to serve at any event, making it one of the best fall desserts for a crowd.

Print

Ingredient Overview

The magic of this Pumpkin Bundt Cake lies in its simple ingredients, which come together to create a moist, spiced masterpiece. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this cake perfect for fall desserts for a crowd.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient in this Pumpkin Bundt Cake, pumpkin puree adds moisture and depth to the cake, creating a soft, tender crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is perfect for this bundt cake, giving it just the right structure without making it too dense.

• Spices (Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice): These spices are quintessential to any fall dessert. They fill your kitchen with the cozy, irresistible scent of autumn.

• Butter & Oil: A combination of both fats creates a wonderfully rich texture in the cake, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The balance of these two sugars gives the cake sweetness and a slight caramelized flavor.

• Cream Cheese & Butter (for Frosting): The cream cheese frosting is rich, tangy, and the perfect complement to the spiced cake.

This recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also incredibly easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

Step-by-step Instructions

Making this Pumpkin Bundt Cake is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic choice for fall desserts for a crowd. Let’s walk through the simple steps that will lead you to a moist, spiced cake that everyone will love.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven. This ensures even baking. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly, using nonstick baking spray with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. A well-prepared pan is key when making fall desserts for a crowd, as it ensures that your cake releases beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ground star anise (optional), and kosher salt. Set this dry mixture aside. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, which is especially important in fall desserts for a crowd to ensure every bite has that perfect balance of warm autumn flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the unsalted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and richness, making this cake a perfect choice for fall desserts for a crowd.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to a denser texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all ingredients are incorporated. The resulting batter should be thick and rich, perfect for a fall dessert for a crowd.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, but rest assured, the warm spices and pumpkin will fill your home with a welcoming scent as the cake bakes. This step is what truly transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary fall dessert for a crowd.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cake cool fully before adding the frosting, as this helps the frosting set properly and ensures a beautiful drizzle over the bundt shape.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating on low and then high speed to combine. Once well mixed, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. This creamy frosting is what makes the Pumpkin Bundt Cake such a fantastic fall dessert for a crowd.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the bundt in a zigzag pattern using a piping bag with the tip snipped off. The frosting will pool beautifully around the bundt’s ridges, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. This final step adds the perfect touch to your fall dessert for a crowd.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. Serve it at your next fall party or holiday gathering, and watch it disappear! It’s a fall dessert for a crowd that always gets rave reviews.

Pro Tips

Pro Tips

• Measuring Flour: To get the right texture for your Pumpkin Bundt Cake, be sure to measure your flour correctly. Fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with the back of a knife. This ensures the perfect balance between dense and fluffy for a fall dessert for a crowd.

• Check for Doneness: Different ovens can bake at different rates, so make sure to check your cake with a toothpick around 40 minutes. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. It’s always better to err on the side of under-baking slightly, as this will keep the cake moist and tender – just like the best fall desserts for a crowd.

• Bundt Cake Removal: When removing the cake from the pan, give it about 10 minutes to cool. This step helps prevent the cake from breaking apart. Use a knife to gently loosen the edges before flipping it onto a wire rack. This extra care will help ensure your fall dessert for a crowd stays intact and looks stunning.

• Frosting Consistency: The frosting should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay in place. Adjust the milk in the cream cheese frosting to achieve the perfect drizzle for your fall dessert for a crowd.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version of this Pumpkin Bundt Cake, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will still be moist and flavorful, perfect for those who need gluten-free fall desserts for a crowd.

• Add-ins: Feel free to personalize your cake by adding a cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter. These add-ins provide a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor to your fall dessert for a crowd.

• Vegan Option: You can make this cake vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and using a dairy-free butter substitute. This ensures your fall desserts for a crowd are inclusive for all dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This Pumpkin Bundt Cake is perfect for any fall dessert for a crowd. It’s the ideal centerpiece at a Thanksgiving table or fall gathering. For a cozy family dinner, serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider. If you’re looking to make it extra festive, top the cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added touch of fall flavors.

For a lighter pairing, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s one of those fall desserts for a crowd that pairs wonderfully with just about anything, whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a large holiday gathering. You could even serve individual slices on a dessert platter with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Bundt Cake truly captures the essence of fall. It’s rich, spiced, and indulgent, yet simple enough for any home baker to master. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or a fall party, it’s one of those fall desserts for a crowd that will never disappoint. The moist, flavorful cake topped with the cinnamon cream cheese icing is sure to bring smiles and warmth to any occasion.

I love how this cake brings people together, just like all the best fall desserts for a crowd. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the memories you create around the table. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and make this cake your own. I promise you, this Pumpkin Bundt Cake will become a fall favorite that everyone asks for year after year.

Give this Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe a try at your next fall gathering and see how it becomes the star of your fall desserts for a crowd. Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out or any creative variations you added! Be sure to share your version of the cake on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious creations. From my kitchen to yours, let’s make memories one bite at a time!Follow along on Pinterest.