Spiced Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake
This Spiced Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake beautifully captures the flavors of autumn with moist pumpkin and tender apple pieces, all enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, this cake is perfect for sharing at gatherings, cozy family dinners, or holiday celebrations. Embrace the fall harvest season with each delightful slice of this delicious dessert that is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Ground Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
3 teaspoons (1 teaspoon for cake, 2 teaspoons for frosting)
Eggs
4 (none)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (none)
Pumpkin Puree
1 (15-ounce) can (none)
Apple
1 (cored, peeled, and chopped)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Cream Cheese
1 (8-ounce) package (softened)
Powdered Sugar
3 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spiced Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake?
It is a moist, seasonal dessert that combines pumpkin puree, fresh apple pieces, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, finished with a cream cheese frosting.
Which types of apples are best for this bundt cake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
Can I make this cake without pecans?
Yes, the pecans are optional. You can omit them entirely for a nut-free version or replace them with walnuts or raisins.
How should I store the leftovers?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, the cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this Spiced Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. It is best to freeze the cake before frosting it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
What ingredients make the cake so moist?
The combination of vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and fresh chopped apples ensures a dense and moist crumb.
Do the apples need to be peeled?
Yes, for the best texture, the recipe recommends that the apple be cored, peeled, and finely chopped.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it is best to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe's balance.
What is the best way to grease a bundt pan?
Use a baking spray that contains flour or generously grease the pan with shortening and dust it with flour, ensuring every crevice is covered.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I substitute butter for the vegetable oil in the cake?
You can use melted butter, but vegetable oil typically produces a moister and softer texture in pumpkin-based cakes.
How long should the cake cool before I add the frosting?
The cake should be completely cool to the touch before frosting, otherwise the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide off.
What is in the vanilla frosting?
The frosting is made from a blend of softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Is this cake suitable for a fall harvest party?
Absolutely, the flavors of pumpkin, apple, and warm spices make it a perfect centerpiece for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, though it will result in a denser texture.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 large eggs to provide structure and richness to the cake.
Can I omit the ginger or nutmeg if I don't like them?
Yes, you can adjust the spices to your preference, though they contribute to the traditional 'spiced' flavor profile of the cake.
What should I do if I don't have a bundt pan?
You can bake this in a 9x13 inch rectangular pan, but you will need to adjust and monitor the baking time closely.
Should I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either will work, but dark brown sugar will provide a slightly deeper molasses flavor and darker color to the cake.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Properly greasing the pan and allowing the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a rack is key to a clean release.
Can I add raisins to this cake?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples is a delicious way to add more texture.
Is the cream cheese frosting shelf-stable?
No, because it contains dairy (butter and cream cheese), the cake should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can attempt a gluten-free version by using a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
How much powdered sugar is in the frosting?
The frosting recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency and sweetness.
Does the recipe contain nuts?
Yes, the recipe specifically includes 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
What size pumpkin puree can do I need?
The recipe uses one standard 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
How much vanilla extract is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract is used: 1 teaspoon for the cake batter and 2 teaspoons for the frosting.
Can I use apple sauce instead of fresh apples?
It is not recommended, as the chopped apples provide a specific texture and bursts of flavor that apple sauce cannot replicate.
Is this a good recipe for baking beginners?
Yes, bundt cakes are very forgiving and don't require the complex assembly or decorating skills of a layered cake.
How many servings does this cake provide?
A standard bundt cake typically serves between 12 and 16 people depending on the size of the slices.