Incredibly Moist Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Nothing says autumn like the warm, comforting aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin spice bundt cake filling your kitchen. This moist, perfectly spiced cake captures the essence of fall in every single bite, combining rich pumpkin puree with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Did you know that bundt cakes became popular in the 1960s after a Minnesota woman won a baking contest with her “Tunnel of Fudge” bundt cake? This pumpkin spice version carries on that tradition of show-stopping elegance while remaining surprisingly simple to make.

Just like our popular apple cinnamon coffee cake, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

What is Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake?

Ever wondered why we call it a “bundt” cake? This delightfully shaped dessert gets its name from the distinctive fluted pan that gives it those gorgeous ridges and elegant presentation.

Think of it as the crown jewel of fall baking! The beautiful ring shape isn’t just for show – it actually helps the cake bake evenly, creating that perfect tender crumb we all crave.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake certainly paves that path with golden perfection. Ready to become the fall baking hero of your household?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake:

The Ultimate Fall Comfort Dessert

This pumpkin spice bundt cake delivers everything you love about autumn in one spectacular dessert. The combination of real pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a cake that’s incredibly moist and bursting with seasonal flavor. Each slice reveals a tender, golden crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness

Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery, and you control every ingredient. With simple pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from an expensive bakery. No artificial flavors or preservatives – just pure, wholesome ingredients.

Stunning Presentation That Wows

The beautiful bundt shape makes this cake naturally elegant, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings. Top it with a simple glaze, dust with powdered sugar, or serve plain – it’s gorgeous no matter how you present it. Unlike our rustic pumpkin bread, this cake brings sophisticated bakery-style appeal to your table.

Ready to transform your kitchen into a fall baking paradise? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake:

Quick Overview

This pumpkin spice bundt cake is remarkably easy to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing and delivering incredible results every time. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree and warm spices, creating a cake that’s moist, tender, and packed with autumn flavor.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Baking Time: 55-60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Serves: 12 people

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake:

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup water

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat every ridge and crevice. Dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. This step is crucial for easy cake removal.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cake.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and water until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color and texture.

Creating the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.

Baking the Cake

Pour batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Removing

Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If the cake sticks, gently tap the pan and use a thin knife to loosen the edges.

Adding the Glaze (Optional)

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled cake, allowing it to flow down the sides naturally.

What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake With:

This versatile cake pairs beautifully with numerous accompaniments. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A hot cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee complements the warm spices perfectly.

For brunch occasions, pair thin slices with cream cheese spread or mascarpone. The cake also makes an excellent addition to fall picnics alongside apple cider and other seasonal treats.

Consider serving with caramel sauce drizzled over each slice, or dust with additional cinnamon for extra warmth. Fresh berries like cranberries or raspberries provide a lovely tart contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure eggs and other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and more even cake texture.

Don’t Skip the Pan Preparation

Properly greasing and flouring your bundt pan is essential. Use butter or shortening rather than cooking spray for better results, and make sure to coat every ridge thoroughly.

Check for Doneness Carefully

Bundt cakes can be tricky to test. Insert your toothpick in several spots, as the hollow center can give false readings. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.

Avoid Overmixing

Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb you want.

Cool Properly Before Glazing

Wait until the cake is completely cool before adding any glaze or frosting. Warm cake will melt the glaze, creating a messy appearance.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Store your pumpkin spice bundt cake covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

For longer storage, wrap the cake (without glaze) tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. Add fresh glaze after thawing if desired.

If you need to refresh day-old cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This restores some of the original moisture and enhances the spice flavors.

Leftover cake makes excellent french toast or bread pudding. Simply slice and use in place of regular bread for a delicious breakfast treat.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories	285
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	62mg
Sodium	285mg
Total Carbs	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	35g
Protein	5g
Vitamin A	184% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well-drained and has the same consistency as canned puree. Roast and puree about 2 pounds of pumpkin to get the equivalent of one 15-oz can.

Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?

Inadequate greasing is usually the culprit. Make sure to use butter or shortening in every crevice of the pan, then dust with flour. Some bakers swear by a mixture of equal parts flour, oil, and shortening brushed into the pan.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Store covered at room temperature or freeze for longer storage. Add glaze just before serving.

What’s the best way to tell if my bundt cake is done?

Use a long skewer or thin knife inserted in several spots. The cake should spring back when lightly touched, and a tester should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but this may affect the cake’s texture and moisture. The sugar helps create the tender crumb characteristic of a good bundt cake.

My cake has a dense texture. What went wrong?

Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using old leavening agents. Mix just until combined, and make sure your baking soda is fresh (replace every 6 months).

Additional Helpful Information

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, create your own blend using the individual spices listed. For a dairy-free version, the vegetable oil makes this cake naturally dairy-free when you skip the milk-based glaze.

Seasonal Variations

Try adding 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor. A cream cheese glaze also makes a delicious alternative to the basic powdered sugar version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake develops cracks on top, your oven temperature may be too high. Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. Cracks can also indicate overmixing or too much leavening.

Professional Presentation Tips

For bakery-style presentation, dust your serving plate with powdered sugar before placing the cake. This creates an elegant border around the base. Garnish with a few cinnamon sticks or star anise for a sophisticated touch.

Gift-Giving Ideas

This cake makes wonderful holiday gifts. Wrap cooled, unglazed cakes in decorative cellophane with ribbon, or present in disposable bundt pans for easy gifting. Include the glaze ingredients separately with instructions for finishing.

This pumpkin spice bundt cake truly embodies everything wonderful about fall baking. Its impressive appearance belies how simple it is to make, and the results are guaranteed to wow family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn, this recipe delivers every single time.