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It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe

If you’re a fan of festive fall treats that scream cozy and fun, you’re going to absolutely adore this twist on a classic cake. It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe is more than just a mouthful of a name—it’s a delicious, stunning pumpkin Bundt cake that captures all the warm, spiced flavors we crave during pumpkin season. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to pumpkin dessert every autumn.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and pudding mix keeps the cake tender and perfectly spiced.
  • Visually Stunning Presentation: The layered Bundt cakes with pumpkin-colored frosting and candy decorations really wow guests.
  • Kid-Friendly and Fun: Decorating the Bundt-kin with sprinkles and candy makes it a festive activity everyone can enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake, assemble, and decorate this cake in steps, making it perfect for holiday planning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe is in the familiar pantry staples that come together in a creative way. You’ll want to grab some pumpkin puree and instant pudding mix to boost texture and flavor—and don’t skip the pumpkin pie spice to get that irresistible autumn aroma going.

  • Cooking spray: Essential for easily releasing your Bundt cakes from the pan without sticking.
  • White or yellow cake mix: A simple base that works beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
  • Instant vanilla or pumpkin pudding: Adds moisture and richness—don’t underestimate this secret weapon!
  • Large eggs: Divided between two cakes, they provide structure and help with the batter’s lift.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings that unmistakable pumpkin flavor and moistness.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cakes tender; I use neutral oil so nothing competes with the pumpkin.
  • Sour cream: Gives the batter a slightly tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for authentic fall warmth.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash to deepen all those cozy flavors.
  • Vanilla or cream cheese frosting: Lightly tinted for that perfect pumpkin-orange hue on the cake.
  • Orange and green food coloring: To bring your Bundt-kin to life with vibrant seasonal colors.
  • Cake ice cream cone: This creative touch becomes the “stem” on top—super fun and festive.
  • Green and orange sprinkles and Halloween candy (optional): For decoration and a sweet surprise inside the cake holes.
  • Dowels or straws: Helpful for stabilizing the two-layer Bundt cake—totally optional but makes life easier!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that you can easily tweak It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re going for a richer cake or a less sweet version, there’s room to play around.

  • Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free mix you trust, and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free too—my friends with celiac loved this version!
  • Spice It Up: If you like a bolder spice flavor, add extra pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of ground cloves for more depth.
  • Frosting Swap: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangier contrast; it pairs perfectly with pumpkin and makes the Bundt-kin look fancy.
  • Decorative Twists: Instead of sprinkles, try crushed graham crackers sprinkled on the frosting for a subtle crunch and an extra fall vibe.

How to Make It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Pumpkin Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray—no one wants a stuck Bundt! In a large bowl, combine one box of cake mix with one box of instant pudding (vanilla or pumpkin), 4 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup water. Beat on low speed until everything’s just combined, then scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat a little more. This ensures no flour corners are hiding, which can give you lumps.

Step 2: Bake the First Bundt Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting period helps the cake set and release cleanly.

Step 3: Repeat for the Second Bundt Cake

Wipe out your Bundt pan, then repeat the mixing and baking steps exactly like you did for the first cake using the remaining ingredients. You want two evenly baked pumpkin Bundt cakes—these will stack to create the tall and impressive Bundt-kin.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting and Assemble Your Bundt-kin

Spoon about 1 3/4 cups of frosting into a heatproof measuring cup and add orange food coloring until you reach that perfect pumpkin shade. Using a serrated knife, level the rounded bottoms of your cooled cakes (trust me, this helps the bundt “stack” steadily). Place one cake smooth side up on a serving plate and spread 3/4 cup of the orange frosting evenly over it. Carefully place the second cake on top, matching edges and leveling where needed. If you’d like, push dowels or straws through the center to secure the layers—this step saved my cake from toppling more than once!

Step 5: Frost the Ice Cream Cone Stem and Add Decorations

Mix 3 tablespoons of frosting with green food coloring for your Bundt-kin’s stem. Spread this green frosting all over an upside-down cake ice cream cone and sprinkle on green sprinkles if you like a little texture. Set this aside while you warm the remaining orange frosting in the microwave in short bursts. Once it’s just pourable, slowly drizzle or pour the frosting over the cake in a circular motion to make beautiful drips down the sides. If you’re feeling festive, add orange sprinkles and fill the cake holes with candy to surprise your guests.

Step 6: Crown with Ice Cream Cone and Enjoy!

Place the decorated ice cream cone on top of your cake as a stem, and your Bundt-kin is ready to impress. Pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving to let the frosting set properly. I love this moment—it’s like unveiling a sweet little pumpkin character that everyone loves to take photos of before devouring!

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Pro Tips for Making It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Pudding Mix: I learned this trick from a friend—adding pudding mix makes the cake incredibly moist and less dense than typical boxed cake mixes.
  • Level Your Cakes Thoroughly: Using a serrated knife to level the rounded bottoms is a game-changer for stable layering.
  • Use Dowels for Structural Support: If you want to avoid cake sliding or toppling, dowels (or sturdy straws) inside the stacked Bundts give you peace of mind.
  • Be Patient with Cooling: Cooling the cakes completely before frosting avoids melting or sliding, which I learned the hard way on my first attempt!

How to Serve It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe

A two-layer round cake shaped like a pumpkin sits on a white marble cake stand with a wooden base. The cake is orange-brown inside and outside with slightly rough texture. Orange frosting drips unevenly over the top edges of the cake, sprinkled with small orange round sprinkles. A green glittery cone-shaped decoration sits at the top center, resembling a pumpkin stem. A slice is removed from the side, showing the candy corn spilling out from the hollow inside between the two layers. Colorful leaf-shaped sprinkles scatter around the base. A white card on a stick is inserted into the cake top, with the handwritten words

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but festive. Bright green and orange sprinkles add a playful pop of color and texture, while a few strategically placed Halloween candies in the cake holes give a fun surprise for kids (and kids-at-heart!). If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a subtle, elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This distinctive Bundt cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the spices and richness. For a cozy gathering, serving it alongside hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte rounds out the perfect autumn dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found putting the Bundt-kin on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and autumn leaves really amps up the festive vibe for parties and family dinners. For kids’ birthdays or Halloween events, letting guests help decorate the icing stem or pick their candy “fillings” makes it interactive and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover Bundt-kin tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 5 days—which is great because it rarely lasts that long at my house! Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for soft, tender bites.

Freezing

Freezing this cake is absolutely possible, but I recommend freezing the unfrosted Bundt layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and decorating. This way, you avoid the frosting getting freezer-weird textures.

Reheating

If you want to warm up slices, I stick them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just to take the chill off—this brings out the pumpkin flavors beautifully. Avoid overheating or the frosting will soften too much and get messy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

    Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully and gives a fresh, natural flavor. Just make sure it’s well-drained and has the consistency of canned puree to get the right texture in the cake batter.

  2. Is this recipe difficult to assemble for beginners?

    Not at all! The recipe is straightforward, but take your time leveling the cakes and frosting. If you don’t have dowels, chilling the cake layers before stacking will help them stay firm. Plus, the decorating with the cone adds a fun, manageable touch anyone can do!

  3. Can I make this Bundt-kin ahead of time for a party?

    Yes, you can bake the cakes and store them separately in the fridge up to two days before assembling and decorating. This helps reduce the day-of stress and keeps everything fresh-looking and delicious!

  4. What if I don’t have a cake ice cream cone for the stem?

    No worries! You can substitute with a large sugar cone, or for a whimsical touch, use a cinnamon stick painted green with food coloring or even a cluster of pretzel sticks tied into a “stem” shape using a little frosting.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful this pumpkin Bundt cake turned out. Plus, its whimsical presentation makes it such a joy to serve and share. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert, or just craving that pumpkin spice goodness, this recipe is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it—trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe just like mine did!

Print
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It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 40 mins
  • Yield: 2024 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Celebrate fall with this festive Great Bundt-kin cake inspired by Charlie Brown! Two moist and spiced pumpkin-infused Bundt cakes are stacked, frosted with vibrant orange and green frosting, and topped with a decorated ice cream cone ‘stem’ for a charming pumpkin look. Perfect for Halloween or autumn gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • Cooking spray, for greasing
  • 2 (15.25-oz.) boxes white or yellow cake mix, divided
  • 2 (3.4-oz.) boxes instant vanilla or pumpkin pudding, divided
  • 8 large eggs, divided
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree, divided
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, divided
  • 3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 cup water, divided

Assembly

  • 2 1/2 cups plus 3 tbsp. store-bought vanilla or cream cheese frosting (from 2 [16-oz.] containers), divided
  • Orange food coloring
  • Green food coloring
  • 1 cake ice cream cone
  • Green and orange sprinkles and Halloween candy, for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure easy cake release.
  2. Mix First Cake Batter: In a large bowl using an electric mixer on low speed, combine 1 box cake mix, 1 box instant pudding, 4 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup water. Beat until fully combined, scraping sides and bottom to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Bake First Cake: Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Repeat for Second Cake: Wipe out the Bundt pan. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining ingredients (1 box cake mix, 1 box pudding, 4 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup oil, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup water) to bake the second cake.
  5. Prepare Colored Frosting: Spoon 1 3/4 cups frosting into a heatproof 2-cup measuring cup and mix in orange food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
  6. Level and Assemble Cakes: Using a large serrated knife, level the rounded bottoms of the cooled cakes to create flat surfaces. Place one cake smooth side up on a serving platter, spread 3/4 cup orange frosting evenly over it, then carefully align and place the second cake on top. Secure the layers with dowels or straws if using, trimming them as needed. Refrigerate the stacked cake for 15 minutes.
  7. Prepare Green Frosting and Decorate Cone: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of frosting with green food coloring to desired shade. Spread the green frosting over the ice cream cone and decorate with green sprinkles if desired.
  8. Create Drip Effect with Frosting: Microwave the remaining orange frosting in 3-second increments, stirring between each, until just pourable (about 10 seconds total). Slowly pour the warmed frosting over the cake in a circular motion to create a drip effect. Decorate with orange sprinkles if preferred.
  9. Final Assembly: Fill any holes or gaps in the layered cakes with Halloween candy if using. Place the frosted ice cream cone upside down on top of the cake to resemble a pumpkin stem.

Notes

  • Use a Bundt pan with a capacity of 12 cups for proper sizing.
  • Food coloring amounts can be adjusted based on desired color intensity.
  • Dowels or straws help stabilize the two-layer cake.
  • Optional decorations allow customization for festive presentation.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Store any leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/24th of cake)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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