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Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

A slice of pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting on a dessert plate with a fork inserted into the cake and faded into the background is a pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting with a piece cut out on a round plate.Bundt cakes are a simple way to make an impressive dessert, and this Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is no exception. With minimal effort and a good bundt pan, you can create a beautiful cake that tastes like fall in every bite. This recipe is one of my favorites alongside other seasonal hits. Make it for family, friends, or coworkers — everyone will love it!Two slices of pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting sitting on small plates with two forks crisscross on each other between the plates. In the upper right corner is a pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting on a round platter with a couple slices cut out.

Here’s a small but powerful tip I use in many pumpkin desserts: add a dash of black pepper. Just a little brings out the warm spices the way a squeeze of lemon brightens fish or chicken. It’s subtle but makes a noticeable difference — give it a try.

A slice of pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting on a dessert plate with a fork next to it. Faded in the background is another piece of cake on a small plate and a part of a pumpkin bundt cake on a blue round plate.Another perk of this recipe: you don’t need an electric mixer. A whisk is all it takes to combine the ingredients, though a mixer works if you prefer. Whisking by hand is quick and satisfying — just be sure your brown sugar is soft so it blends smoothly.

I love seeing your versions of this cake — tag me on social media or send a photo if you make it!

More Yummy Bundt Cakes

  • Apple Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze
  • Spiced Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake
  • Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
  • The Best Bundt Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Andes Mint Chocolate Bundt Cake
  • Best Ever Banana Bundt Cake Recipe

Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

10-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting.A round platter with a pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting with a couple slices cut out, and a slice of pumpkin cake on a dessert plate with two forks sitting crisscross on each other on the left.Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

What is the best way to prepare the bundt pan so the cake comes out without sticking?

Coating the pan generously with baking spray that contains flour gives the most consistent results. If you don’t have baking spray, spread shortening or butter over the pan with a paper towel, getting into all the crevices, then dust the pan with a few tablespoons of flour to cover the grease.

Is it okay to use a mixer to make the cake?

Yes. The batter is intentionally easy to whisk by hand, but you can use a stand or hand mixer if you prefer.

Will the ground pepper make the cake spicy?

No — just a pinch of black pepper enhances the other spices without adding heat. It’s a subtle flavor booster that lifts the pumpkin and warm spices.

A pumpkin bundt cake topped with dollops of cream cheese closely together sitting on a large round plate.Is it better to use ground black pepper or pepper from a grinder?

Either works. Freshly ground pepper adds a bit more aroma, but pre-ground pepper is fine — just avoid large pieces if your grinder produces them.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices called for?

You can substitute pumpkin pie spice if that’s what you have. The flavor will be slightly different than using the individual spices, but the cake will still be delicious.

What is the best way to frost a bundt cake?

Place large spoonfuls of frosting on the top of the cooled bundt and use the back of a spoon to spread and gently press it down and around the sides. This creates a rustic, attractive finish and lets the frosting cling to the cake’s contours.

Two-photo Pinterest picture with the text of the title in the middle, separating the photos.Baker’s Tools:

  • 12-cup bundt pan
  • Baking spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cake stand

Popular Pumpkin Recipes

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Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe Type: Dessert / Fall / Pumpkin
Author: Slightly adapted from Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 16
A moist, spongy pumpkin cake finished with creamy cream cheese frosting and a harmonious blend of warm spices — the perfect dessert for autumn.
Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, not packed
  • 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/16 tsp ground black pepper (a big pinch or about 5 cracks from a grinder)
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan generously with baking spray or grease and flour it well; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, salt, cloves, and pepper together.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it to frost.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until smooth, then add powdered sugar and mix until creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
  9. To release the cooled cake, run a butter knife around the edges and the center tube, gently shake the pan, and invert onto a serving plate.
  10. Frost the cake by placing large spoonfuls of frosting on top and using the back of a spoon to spread it down and around the cake.
  11. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

More of the Best Pumpkin Recipes

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Pinterest picture with the text "Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting" at the top.