This moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bundt Cake is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, making it a perfect dessert for the fall season. The cake is topped with a rich maple glaze, adding sweetness and a touch of autumn flavor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Pumpkin and Vanilla: Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, and beat until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour Batter into the Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Add more milk as needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Pumpkin Bundt Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The moist texture and warm spices make it a delightful fall dessert.
Key Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and a deep pumpkin flavor.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice to enhance the pumpkin taste.
- Buttermilk: Helps achieve a tender crumb and slight tang.
- Maple glaze: Made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk, creating a smooth topping.
Instructions Summary:
- Prepare the Bundt pan: Grease the pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the batter: Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining. Fold in the pumpkin puree and spices.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Let the cake cool completely before drizzling the maple glaze on top.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure to measure the flour correctly using a spoon and leveling method to avoid a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Additional Tips:
- Proper Pan Preparation: Ensure you grease every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan. You can use nonstick spray, softened butter, or shortening, followed by a dusting of flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients combine more smoothly, resulting in a uniform texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense.
- Check for Doneness: Depending on your oven, the baking time can vary slightly. Start checking at 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. If you try to remove it too soon, the cake may break.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, sweet twist.
- Swirl in ¼ cup of cream cheese to create a marbled effect.
- Different Glazes:
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you reach a drizzle consistency.
- Spiced Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with milk or cream.
- Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake:
- To intensify the fall flavors, you can add ½ teaspoon of ground cloves and ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the spice mix.
Serving Ideas:
- With Ice Cream: Serve a slice of the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top the cake with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra sweetness and a gooey texture contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, and sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend the shelf life, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Making Ahead:
- You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container and add the glaze just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Bundt Cake is a delicious and versatile dessert perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a taste of fall. With its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet maple glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the tips and variations, you can personalize it to create a dessert that suits your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, topped with ice cream, or simply on its own, this Pumpkin Bundt Cake is a treat that brings the cozy flavors of the season to your table.