Holiday Pumpkin Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A moist, spiced pumpkin cake infused with warm flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or autumn celebrations. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze for added richness.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup golden raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice cake mix according to the directions on the package.
  2. Add one can of pumpkin to the cake batter and mix well.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan.
  4. Bake following the directions on the cake package, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
  6. Drizzle with a vanilla glaze before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Holiday Pumpkin Cake, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. If you prefer, you can substitute the spice cake mix with a yellow cake mix for a milder taste. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts and raisins. If you want a sweeter glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of vanilla extract and milk until smooth.

Serving Suggestions

This Holiday Pumpkin Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced cider. Consider serving it with a simple fruit salad or alongside your favorite autumn dishes like Catalina Chicken(Low-Fat) for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. To reheat, slice the cake and microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer a chilled dessert, enjoy the cake straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Pumpkin Cake contains roughly 764 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of potassium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value).

764 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 55.2g 71% DV
Carbs 65.7g 24% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 8.6g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 33.1mg 1% DV
Potassium 831mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 100.3mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 54.3mg 4% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, then measure out 15 oz. for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may give a slightly different texture but will add a lovely homemade essence to the cake.

How do I make a glaze for this cake?

To make a simple vanilla glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake just before serving for a sweet finish that complements the pumpkin flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made one to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors often deepen, making it even more delicious when served a day later.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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