Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

As autumn leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin wafting from the kitchen. This irresistible Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that embodies the cozy essence of the season, promising moist, tender pumpkin cake swirled with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling and draped in a delicate vanilla glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

• Sensory Delight: Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm pumpkin spice and creamy, sweet tang.
• Showstopper Presentation: The classic bundt shape, beautifully drizzled with glaze, makes for an effortlessly elegant dessert.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Vegetable oil and pumpkin puree ensure an incredibly tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
• Effortlessly Impressive: While it looks fancy, the process is straightforward enough for any home baker.
• Seasonal Favorite: It’s the quintessential treat for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or simply a cozy evening in.
• Balanced Flavors: The rich pumpkin cake is perfectly complemented by the bright, smooth cream cheese swirl.

Ingredients Needed for Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this autumnal masterpiece. We’ll be using fresh, high-quality components to ensure every slice of this pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake is absolutely perfect.

• For the Cake:
  • 180g / 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder & 1 teaspoon baking soda: These leavening agents give the cake its lift.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: The perfect blend of warming spices.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
  • 200g / 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture.
  • 120ml / 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
  • 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Essential for a warm, inviting aroma.
  • 240g / 1 cup pumpkin puree: Ensure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 226g / 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, smooth filling.
  • 65g / 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the tangy cream cheese.
  • 1 large egg: Helps the filling set during baking.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic touch.
• For the Glaze:
  • 240g / 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, pourable glaze.
  • 60ml / 1/4 cup milk: Use any milk you prefer to achieve the right consistency.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For an extra pop of flavor.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – A delightful individual portion of pumpkin and cream cheese goodness.

this …

Essential Equipment for This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze. Here are the essentials you’ll need to create this gorgeous pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake:

• Bundt pan: Crucial for the cake’s signature shape. A 10-12 cup pan is ideal.
• Mixing bowls: Several sizes for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and the cream cheese filling.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and making the glaze smooth.
• Electric mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar, and beating the cream cheese, much easier.
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling the cake evenly and preventing sogginess.

Recipe Overview for Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling)
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Follow these steps carefully to achieve a perfectly baked, beautifully swirled pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake that will impress everyone.

Preparing the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, generously grease and flour your bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. A baking spray with flour is also an excellent choice for this step.

Crafting the Pumpkin Cake Batter

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until they are light and well combined, ensuring no sugar lumps remain.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and vibrant.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Creating the Cream Cheese Filling

6. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy.
7. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and the filling is uniform.

Assembling and Baking Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

8. Pour approximately half of the pumpkin batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it gently to cover the bottom.
9. Spoon the rich cream cheese filling evenly over the pumpkin batter, creating a luscious layer.
10. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese filling, ensuring it is fully covered.
11. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out perfectly clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the cake to firm up before you attempt to invert it. After 10 minutes, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

The Finishing Glaze

13. For the glaze, in a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Add more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
14. Once the bundt cake is completely cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.
15. Finally, slice and serve this exquisite pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake to your eager guests!

CHECK OUT: Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl – Another delightful way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin in a smaller, comforting loaf.

Tips for Success with This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and filling.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your bundt pan meticulously. Use a pastry brush to get into all the nooks and crannies to avoid sticking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can develop the gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix only until just combined.
• Cool Completely: Drizzling glaze on a warm cake will cause it to melt and absorb, rather than create a beautiful outer layer. Patience is key!
• Pumpkin Puree vs. Pie Filling: Always use 100% pumpkin puree, not the pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that will alter the recipe.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives. Ensure they are plain and unsweetened.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cake batter for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin batter for added texture.
• Chocolate Swirl: Melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and swirl into the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey twist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

This pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake is a star on its own, but a few accompaniments can elevate the experience even further.

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea is the perfect partner for this rich cake.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm slice is pure decadence.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the glaze can take it to the next level.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

While this is a delicious treat, it offers a few positive notes! Pumpkin puree is a great source of Vitamin A and provides dietary fiber, aiding digestion. The eggs contribute a bit of protein, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg offer antioxidant properties. Enjoy this delightful dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

To keep your pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days due to the cream cheese filling.
• Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cooled cake and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: For a “just baked” experience, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until just warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Here are some common questions about making this fantastic bundt cake:

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute 1 3/4 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for convenience.

Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?

This usually happens if the pan wasn’t sufficiently greased and floured. Ensure you coat every part of the pan thoroughly, especially intricate designs.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pumpkin cream cheese bundt cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, it’s ready.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can try reducing the sugar by a small amount (e.g., 1/4 cup total), but significant reductions may affect the cake’s texture and moisture.

More Delicious Dishes

If you’ve loved this delightful pumpkin creation, explore more seasonal treats and comforting bakes from our collection:

• Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread – A cozy twist on classic pumpkin bread, featuring a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl.
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake – Perfect for breakfast or brunch, with a tender crumb and streusel topping.
• Delicious Apple Bundt Cake Recipe for Fall Baking – Another stunning bundt cake, bursting with the sweet flavors of apple and spice.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is truly a celebration of fall flavors, combining moist pumpkin spice cake with a luscious cream cheese swirl and sweet glaze. It’s a treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Print