Craving a cozy treat that combines the flavors of fall? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake. This delightful dessert brings together the warm spices of gingerbread with the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Originating from the fusion of traditional gingerbread and the beloved pumpkin pie, this bundt cake offers a unique twist on classic flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge in a slice of comfort, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast looking to add a touch of autumn to their table.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices and sweetness as you bake up this pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake. Follow along for a simple yet impressive dessert that captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
To prepare this delightful pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake, you will need the following equipment:
Mixing Bowls:
Prepare a large mixing bowl to combine the dry ingredients and another for blending the wet ingredients.
Bundt Cake Pan:
Have a 10-12 cup bundt cake pan ready. Make sure to grease it well to prevent the cake from sticking.
Electric Mixer:
An electric mixer will make the process easier for mixing the cake batter thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Ensure you have measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements of both dry and wet ingredients.
Spatula:
A spatula will help you to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and fold in ingredients evenly.
Cooling Rack:
Have a cooling rack on hand for letting the cake cool down properly after baking.
Whisk:
Use a whisk to blend the glaze ingredients smoothly for a perfect topping.
Oven:
Preheat your oven to the specified temperature before starting to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake.
Gathering these essential items before you begin will streamline the baking process and ensure a scrumptious pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake.
Preparation Steps
Before we dive into baking this delightful pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake, let’s prepare our cake pan and pre-measure our ingredients.
Preparing the Cake Pan
- Start by greasing the bundt cake pan generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure the cake releases easily once baked.
- Dust the greased pan with a light coating of flour. Make sure to tap and rotate the pan to evenly distribute the flour and prevent the cake from sticking.
- Gather all your ingredients on the countertop. Having everything pre-measured and ready to use will streamline the baking process.
- Measure out the required amount of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in separate bowls. Accuracy in measuring these dry ingredients is key to the cake’s texture and flavor.
- In another bowl, measure the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, molasses, and buttermilk as per the recipe instructions. Preparing these wet ingredients in advance ensures a smooth mixing process later on.
- Lastly, if you plan to glaze your cake, measure out the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the finishing touch. This way, your glaze will be ready when the cake comes out of the oven.
Instructions
In this section, I will guide you through the steps to create a delicious pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake. Let’s get started!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together until well mixed and set the bowl aside.
Combining Wet Ingredients
- In another mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of molasses, and 1/2 cup of buttermilk until fully incorporated.
Incorporating Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- The batter should be smooth and well blended, ready to be poured into the prepared bundt cake pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract over the cooled cake for a sweeter touch.
Assembling the Cake
Once the pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to enhance its flavors and presentation with a luscious glaze and decorative toppings.
Applying the Glaze
I whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, creating a smooth glaze. I carefully drizzle this sweet mixture over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the nooks and crannies of the bundt shape.
Adding Decorative Toppings
To elevate the cake’s visual appeal and add a delightful crunch, I sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts atop the glaze. The nuts not only provide a pleasing texture but also complement the warm autumn flavors of the pumpkin gingerbread cake beautifully.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
When serving this delightful pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake, I recommend slicing it into generous portions to showcase its rich flavors fully. Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of pumpkin and gingerbread, perfect for serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm spices and moist texture of this cake make it a versatile treat suitable for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage Tips
To preserve the freshness of your pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To maintain its moisture, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. Before serving leftovers, gently warm the slices in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft texture and fragrant aroma.
Conclusion
Creating a pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake is a delightful way to infuse your baking with the warm flavors of fall. The combination of pumpkin and gingerbread spices offers a rich and comforting treat for any occasion. Remember to follow the steps carefully to achieve a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests. Experiment with different toppings or accompaniments to elevate the taste even further. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this cake for several days, savoring each slice as if it were freshly baked. Embrace the season and indulge in the cozy goodness of a homemade pumpkin gingerbread bundt cake.