Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake: Moist, Easy, and Drizzled with Cream Cheese Glaze

Name: Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake: Moist, Easy, and Drizzled with Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed; 4 large eggs; 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk (or more for thinner glaze); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

July 26, 2025

BySophia

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When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like baking a fragrant Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake. With warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a tangy cream cheese glaze, this dessert brings cozy autumn flavor to every bite. It’s easy to make, perfectly moist, and beautiful enough for holiday gatherings or casual fall weekends.

This cake is for bakers of all levels—from first-time bundt cake makers to seasoned pros—who want something festive yet low-fuss. Whether you’re searching for a showstopping pumpkin dessert, an elegant centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, or just the perfect excuse to enjoy pumpkin spice again, this cake delivers.

Ingredients to Make a Moist and Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

For the cake:

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese glaze:

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (or more for thinner glaze)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt pan, making sure to coat every groove to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill and bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and remove from pan
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the cream cheese glaze
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and serve
Once the cake is fully cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let set slightly before slicing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make This Bundt Cake

10–12 cup bundt cake pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and/or electric hand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack
Small bowl and spoon for glaze

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake Easy Enough for First-Time Bakers

This is a pumpkin spice bundt cake easy enough to make without special skills or equipment. There’s no need for layering, decorating, or complicated techniques. Just mix, pour, bake, and glaze. And because it uses oil instead of butter, you don’t even need to worry about softening or creaming.

The result? A cake that’s fluffy, moist, and full of fall flavor every time—even if it’s your first attempt.

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or Glaze

Some bundt cakes use a thick cream cheese frosting, while others are topped with a lighter cream cheese glaze. This version uses a silky glaze that drips beautifully down the ridges of the bundt cake and pairs perfectly with the warm pumpkin spice flavor.

If you prefer frosting, simply use less milk and whip the glaze until thick and spreadable. Both options taste amazing and complement the cake’s texture.

Cream Cheese Glaze That Elevates the Flavor

To make the perfect cream cheese glaze:

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Slowly mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Add milk a little at a time until you get a thick but pourable consistency.
For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

This glaze adds a tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced cake and gives a bakery-style finish without any piping bags or fuss.

Moist Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake Tips for Perfect Texture

Achieving a moist pumpkin spice bundt cake is easier than it seems. Here’s how:

Use pumpkin puree: Not only does it bring flavor, it adds moisture and structure.
Use oil, not butter: Oil keeps the crumb tender and stays moist longer.
Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated.
Let it cool: A fully cooled cake holds together better and absorbs the glaze.

This cake stays soft for days, making it perfect for advance prep or leftovers.

Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Center – Can You Add Filling?

Want to take things up a notch? Turn this into one of those fancy pumpkin bundt cakes with cream cheese filling. Here’s how:

Make a simple filling by mixing 8 oz cream cheese, 1 egg, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla.
Spoon half the batter into the pan, then gently add the cream cheese layer. Top with remaining batter and bake as usual.
The result is a sweet surprise inside every slice.

This variation works well for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Bundt Cakes Recipes That Work for Holidays, Potlucks, and Gifting

Bundt cakes are naturally elegant and easy to slice, making them ideal bundt cakes recipes for entertaining or gifting. This pumpkin spice version looks impressive without the need for extra decorating. Just a simple glaze, maybe a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’re ready to serve.

Transporting it? Use a cake carrier or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to keep it fresh.

Pumpkin Cake vs Pumpkin Bundt: What’s the Difference?

While both are delicious, there’s a difference between pumpkin cake and pumpkin bundt cake:

Pumpkin cake is often a sheet or layer cake with thick frosting.
Pumpkin bundt cake is denser, baked in a molded pan, and often topped with glaze.
Bundt cakes tend to be more festive and have a rich, sliceable texture.

If you’re looking for a more impressive, make-ahead pumpkin dessert, the bundt version is your best bet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Dessert Cakes

Using pumpkin pie filling: Always use pure pumpkin puree for the right texture and flavor.
Skipping pan prep: Bundt pans need to be greased and floured thoroughly.
Overbaking: Check the cake at 50 minutes; overbaking leads to dryness.
Not cooling before glazing: A warm cake will melt the glaze and turn it runny.
Overmixing: Stir until just combined for a tender crumb.

Avoiding these errors will keep your cake moist, flavorful, and picture-perfect.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Pumpkin Bundt Cake

To store:
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze:
Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed is best) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

To reheat:
Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness.

FAQs About Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, as long as it’s roasted and puréed smooth. Be sure to drain excess water.

Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own or dusted with powdered sugar.

Can I use a different spice mix?
Sure! Use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, but be careful not to overmix once you add the flour.

Final Thoughts on This Irresistibly Moist Pumpkin Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake is fall baking at its best. It’s incredibly moist, filled with rich pumpkin flavor, and drizzled in a luscious cream cheese glaze that brings the whole thing together. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, bring it to a potluck, or slice it for a cozy night in, this is one pumpkin dessert you’ll make again and again.

It’s easy enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for your holiday table. Bake it once, and it’ll become a fall tradition in your kitchen.

If you loved this Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake, don’t forget to share it with friends, pin it to your fall baking board, and subscribe to the blog for more seasonal dessert recipes that are big on flavor and easy on stress.

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