Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Foolproof Recipe with Brown Butter

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Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Oh, friends, let’s talk fall baking! Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen? I’m *always* looking for an excuse to bake something cozy, and this Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe is my new go-to. Seriously, it’s ridiculously easy, and the brown butter takes it completely over the top. Trust me, you’ll be obsessed with this easy bake. As someone who has baked for over 20 years, I can confidently say this one is a winner!

Pumpkin Bundt Cake - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Quick and Easy Fall Dessert

Let’s be real, sometimes you just need a dessert *fast*. This pumpkin bundt cake uses a cake mix shortcut, so it comes together in a snap. Less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying that fall foliage, right?

Delicious Pumpkin Spice Flavor

Pumpkin spice is basically the official flavor of autumn, and this cake doesn’t skimp! The cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger… wow! It’s like a warm hug in every bite of this pumpkin bundt cake.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a fancy Thanksgiving dinner or just want a little something special with your afternoon coffee, this bundt cake is perfect. It looks gorgeous, tastes amazing, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Don’t worry, most of it is stuff you probably already have! And hey, even if you don’t, a quick trip to the store is totally worth it. Trust me on this one!

  • 11 tablespoons (154g) unsalted butter – because everything is better with butter, right?
  • 1 box (approx 15 ounces) yellow cake mix – this is our little shortcut!
  • 15 oz can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix!) – super important, we want *pure* pumpkin flavor.
  • 4 large eggs – gotta bind it all together!
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar – just a touch for extra sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – can’t have pumpkin spice without cinnamon!
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds that cozy, warm flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger – a little kick!
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice – rounds out the spice profile perfectly.
  • 2 cups (226g) powdered sugar – for that dreamy glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because vanilla makes everything better.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
  • 3-5 tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy whipping cream or milk – to get the glaze just right.

How to Make Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated, even though it looks fancy, this pumpkin bundt cake is seriously easy to make. I promise, if I can do it (and I’ve had my share of kitchen disasters!), you can too! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of fall heaven in no time.

Preparing the Batter for Pumpkin Bundt Cake

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Now, grab your 12-cup bundt pan and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray – the kind with flour in it. This is *key* to getting the cake out in one piece. Trust me on this! Next, we’re gonna brown some butter. Melt 11 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir it often until it turns a gorgeous brown color. It’ll take about 5-7 minutes, and be super careful – it burns fast! Measure out 1/3 cup of that brown butter and set it aside. Then, in a large bowl, combine that 1/3 cup brown butter with the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Mix it all up with a hand mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Heads up: the batter is gonna be thick!

Baking Your Perfect Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Pour that thick batter into your prepared bundt pan. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 35-38 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes. Once it’s baked, let it cool *completely* before you even *think* about taking it out of the pan. I know, it’s torture, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Glazing Your Delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Okay, glaze time! Take that reserved brown butter and put it in a bowl. If it’s solidified, just microwave it for a few seconds until it’s liquid again. Now, whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Then, add heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I usually use about 4 tablespoons. Finally, drizzle that beautiful glaze all over your cooled cake. Wow, doesn’t that look amazing?!

Pumpkin Bundt Cake - detail 2

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Don’t Overbake Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Seriously, nobody likes a dry cake! Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes with a toothpick. Remember, you want it to come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. And hey, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of slightly underbaked – it’ll stay moister!

Ensuring Easy Release from the Bundt Pan

Okay, so this is *crucial*. That nonstick cooking spray with flour is your best friend here. Make sure you get into *all* those nooks and crannies of the bundt pan. I even like to dust a little extra flour in there, just to be safe. Trust me, a cake that sticks to the pan is a major bummer!

Browning Butter Perfectly for your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Browning butter sounds fancy, but it’s super easy! Just keep an eye on it, and stir often. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells nutty and turns a gorgeous amber color. Don’t walk away from the stove, though – it can go from browned to burned in seconds! And nobody wants burnt butter in their pumpkin bundt cake, yuck!

Pumpkin Bundt Cake Variations

Adding Chocolate Chips to your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Want to add a little something extra? Chocolate chips are *amazing* in this pumpkin bundt cake! I usually toss in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate works too, but I find the darker ones balance the sweetness perfectly. Just fold them into the batter before you pour it into the pan. So good!

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Spicing it Up: Different Spice Combinations in your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Feel like getting creative? Try experimenting with different spices! A pinch of ground cloves or cardamom adds a really interesting twist to this pumpkin bundt cake. You could also add a little pumpkin pie spice blend instead of the individual spices. Just have fun with it!

Nuts and Seeds in Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

For a little extra crunch, try adding some chopped nuts or seeds to your pumpkin bundt cake. Walnuts, pecans, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds!) would be delicious. Toast them lightly before adding them to the batter for even more flavor. Yum!

Storing Your Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Storing at Room Temperature

Good news! This pumpkin bundt cake stays pretty moist, so you can totally store it at room temperature. Just pop it in an airtight container or cover it loosely with plastic wrap. It’ll be good for up to 3 days. Though, let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!

Refrigerating for Longer Storage

Want to keep your pumpkin bundt cake around a little longer? No problem! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before you dig in – it tastes better that way, trust me!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in this Pumpkin Bundt Cake?

Okay, so this is a *really* important question! Pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar already added, and we don’t want that. You absolutely need to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this pumpkin bundt cake recipe. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

Can I freeze this Pumpkin Bundt Cake?

Yes, you totally can! Just wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. It might be a *tiny* bit drier, but it’ll still be delicious. You can also freeze individual slices of the pumpkin bundt cake for easy snacking!

What if I don’t have a bundt pan? Can I still make the Pumpkin Bundt Cake?

No bundt pan, no problem! You can definitely use a regular loaf pan instead. Just grease and flour it really well, and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, though, because baking times can vary. You could also use two 9-inch round cake pans, and adjust the baking time accordingly. The most important thing is that it’s cooked through!

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Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional information can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use and how big you cut your slices. So, I can’t give you exact numbers for calories, sugar, etc. Sorry! If it’s super important to you, I recommend plugging the ingredients into a nutritional calculator online. But hey, it’s cake – just enjoy it!

Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake!

Okay, friends, that’s it! You’re officially a Pumpkin Bundt Cake baking pro! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s seriously my favorite fall treat. And hey, if you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear how it turned out. Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe, and share it with your friends on social media! Happy baking!

Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Bundt Cake!

And there you have it! Your very own, super easy Pumpkin Bundt Cake! I really hope you love it as much as I do. If you bake it, pretty please leave a comment and let me know what you think? Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe – that helps other bakers find it! Happy fall baking, everyone!

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Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Foolproof Recipe with Brown Butter

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  • Author: Lily Harper
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Easy and quick pumpkin bundt cake recipe, full of seasonal flavors like brown butter and pumpkin spice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 11 tablespoons (154g) unsalted butter
  • 1 box (approx 15 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • 15 oz can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 cups (226g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 35 tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy whipping cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray (the kind with flour in it).
  2. Place the butter in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. Melt, then stir often, cooking until the butter browns. This will take 5-7 minutes or so. Stir often. The butter will foam, then reduce. Once it starts to turn brown it burns quickly so be sure and watch it. Remove from heat.
  3. Measure out 1/3 cup of the browned butter. Reserve the rest for the glaze. Place the 1/3 cup brown butter with the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in a large bowl. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth. The batter is thick.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-38 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before removing from pan and glazing.
  5. To make the glaze: Place reserved brown butter in a bowl. If it has solidified, heat it in the microwave for a few seconds until it becomes liquid again. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency. (I used 4 tablespoons.) Drizzle over cake.
  6. Store loosely covered on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Use a 12-cup bundt pan.
  • Ensure the cooking spray contains flour for easy release.
  • Watch the butter closely while browning to prevent burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: Unknown
  • Sugar: Unknown
  • Sodium: Unknown
  • Fat: Unknown
  • Saturated Fat: Unknown
  • Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
  • Trans Fat: Unknown
  • Carbohydrates: Unknown
  • Fiber: Unknown
  • Protein: Unknown
  • Cholesterol: Unknown

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Creamy butter being mixed in a glass bowl using a vintage teal stand mixer in a modern kitchen with natural light.
Hi, I’m Lily!

A passionate baker who loves sharing her favorite recipes and baking tips to inspire both beginners and seasoned bakers. With a whisk in hand, she turns simple ingredients into delightful masterpieces that bring smiles.

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