What a perfect dessert to have at Halloween or Thanksgiving…a pumpkin shaped cake! This fun fall dessert starts with a simple orange cake mix and a bundt cake pan, then turns into a cute centerpiece that looks like a pumpkin. It’s easy enough for a family baking day, festive enough for a party table, and one of those recipes that makes people smile before they even take a bite.
If you love recipes that look impressive without requiring fancy decorating skills, this pumpkin cake is a great one to try. The bundt pan does most of the shaping for you, and a little creativity finishes the look.
How do you make a pumpkin shaped cake?
Use a bundt cake pan to make half of the pumpkin. Bake it two times, or use two bundt cake pans and bake both halves at the same time. Once the cakes are cooled, place one bundt cake upside down and the other on top so the rounded sides create a pumpkin shape. Add frosting, glaze, or a light dusting of powdered sugar if you like, then finish the top with a green ice cream cone to imitate the stem.
The first time I made this, I didn’t use a stem. However, this time I used a green ice cream cone to imitate the stem.
Fun facts about pumpkin cakes
- Bundt pans are great for this recipe because the ridges naturally look like pumpkin grooves.
- Pumpkin-shaped cakes are popular for both Halloween and Thanksgiving because they can be decorated spooky, cute, rustic, or elegant.
- You do not have to use pumpkin-flavored cake. Orange, vanilla, spice, carrot, or chocolate cake can all work, depending on the flavor you want.
- The “stem” can be made from a green ice cream cone, a pretzel rod, a wafer cookie, or even a small piece of fondant.
Do you flip a bundt cake right away?
No. Allow the cake to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes before turning it out of the pan. As it cools, it will start to pull away from the sides, which helps it release without tearing. If the cake is still stuck, gently loosen the edges before flipping.
Do bundt cakes take longer to bake?
Yes, for the most part. Baking times may vary based on the size of the pan, the amount of batter, and the density of the cake. If you’re using a cake mix, check the box for bundt pan timing first, then test with a toothpick. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Tips and tricks for the best pumpkin shaped cake
- Grease the pan well. Bundt pans have lots of curves, so make sure every ridge is coated before adding the batter.
- Let the cakes cool completely. Warm cakes can slide, crumble, or melt frosting between the layers.
- Level the bottoms if needed. If one cake domes too much, trim a small amount so the two halves sit together nicely.
- Use frosting as glue. A thin layer of frosting between the cakes helps hold the pumpkin shape in place.
- Decorate simply. A glaze, orange frosting, sprinkles, candy leaves, or a green cone stem can make the cake look festive without much extra work.
Serving suggestions
Serve this cake on a cake stand or platter so the pumpkin shape really stands out. For Halloween, add candy corn, chocolate candies, or plastic spiders around the base. For Thanksgiving, place it on a fall tray with cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, or faux autumn leaves. It is delicious with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, cream cheese frosting, or a hot cup of coffee.
Storage tips
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days if it does not have perishable frosting or filling. If you use cream cheese frosting, whipped topping, or any dairy-based filling, refrigerate it in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Some other Halloween treats…
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Pumpkin Shaped Cake
Equipment
- Bundt Cake Pan
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 Boxes Orange Cake Mix
- 4 Eggs, Large Follow your cake mix directions.
- 2 Cups Water Follow your cake mix directions.
- Cooking Spray
- 4 Tbsp Milk Optional for icing
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar Optional for icing
- 1 Tbsp Butter Optional for icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°. Spray bundt cake pan with cooking spray.
- Following your cake mix directions, mix the cake mix with required ingredients. Pour into bundt pan. Bake as directed. Cool 15 minutes. Remove from bundt pan. Cool for additional 1 hour. After cooling. Cut the top (as seen in picture) to make flat. You can usually see the "seam". That's where you want to cut.
- Repeat the above process. Mix, bake, cool and slice the cake. Place on top of the other cake "upside down" or technically, right side up.
- Optional Icing. Mix milk, powder sugar and butter in a small bowl using a hand mixer. Pour over cake.
- Add stem if desired using a green or brown ice cream cone. Or, fill the middle with candy or filling. Slice and serve!
Wowwww Bobbi – it looks FANTASTIC !!
It’s more than just “cool”
You did a great job!
Winnie recently posted…עוגת דבש עם חמאת בוטנים
Thanks so much Winnie!! You know I was worried about doing this..but it worked out 🙂 Always awesome to see you swing by!
Have a great day!
Yum! How cute too. I bet it tastes yummy.
Leslie recently posted…Silent Sunday
Thanks Leslie…and yes, I love orange supreme cake…almost tastes like a Dreamsicle. 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by!!
Have a great day!