featured 20676

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze — Fall Dessert Recipe

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 my favorite—simple to make and stunning to serve. A good bundt pan can make any baker look like a pro, and this Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my top fall desserts. It ranks right up there with my Jewish Apple Cake among seasonal favorites. Bake it for family, friends, or coworkers—they’ll be thrilled.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.

One quick tip I always share for pumpkin desserts: add a tiny pinch of black pepper. Just a dash brightens the spices and lifts the whole flavor profile, much like a squeeze of lemon does for fish or chicken. It’s subtle, but it makes a noticeable difference.

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.This recipe is also wonderfully uncomplicated—no stand mixer needed. A whisk does the job, which I love because it feels hands-on and satisfying. If your brown sugar is firm, break it up first so it mixes smoothly into the batter.

I’d love to see your results—tag me on social media or send a photo when you bake this bundt cake!

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?

Generously coat the pan with baking spray that contains flour for the easiest release. If you don’t have baking spray, spread shortening or softened butter all over the pan with a paper towel, getting into every groove. Then dust the pan with a few tablespoons of flour, tapping out the excess so the coating is even.

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

Yes—using a hand or stand mixer is fine. I prefer whisking by hand when I can, but either method will give you a great cake.

Will the ground pepper make the cake spicy?

No. Use only a small pinch of black pepper. It enhances the other spices and adds subtle depth without making the cake hot. Try it—you may be surprised how well it works.

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 touch more aroma, but pre-ground black pepper is perfectly fine—especially if your grinder releases larger bits.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice in place of the individual spices?

You can substitute pumpkin pie spice if that’s what you have, though the flavor will be slightly different. It will still be delicious.

What is the best way to frost a bundt cake?

Place large spoonfuls of frosting on top of the cooled bundt and use the back of a spoon to gently spread and press it down and around the sides. This fills the crevices and gives a rustic, attractive finish.

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

A dark blue and white plate with six pumpkin squares.The Best Pumpkin Squares with Cream Cheese FrostingA slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipping cream on top sitting on a small dessert plate. Faded in the background is a pie server and a pumpkin pie with a slice cut out of it.Best Pumpkin Pielarge pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on a white plateThe Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe Type: Dessert/Fall/Pumpkin
Author: Slightly adapted from my Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Icing
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 16
A tender pumpkin bundt cake finished with creamy cream cheese frosting and a warm blend of spices—an ideal autumn dessert.
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. Generously spray a 12-cup bundt pan with baking spray and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, salt, cloves, and pepper until combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Pour 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 before frosting.
  8. For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
  9. To remove the cake from the pan, run a butter knife around the edges and center, then invert onto a serving plate.
  10. Spoon large dollops of frosting on top and use the back of a spoon to spread and press it down into the cake’s grooves.
  11. Slice and enjoy.
3.5.3251

More of the Best Pumpkin Recipes

A dark blue and white plate with six pumpkin squares.The Best Pumpkin Squares with Cream Cheese FrostingA serving of ground beef rice casserole and two scoops of pumpkin on a dark blue plate. A fork is inserted into the casserole from the left and a spoon in the upper left corner.Dinner in a Pumpkinimg 20676 13Pumpkin Bread

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