Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake

by Brooke on November 22, 2009

*I’ve tried to instill in my children the ability to say thank you for the little things.*Rather than chucking out the slightly-canned (if not entirely lovely) line,I’m thankful for my familyI want them to look for the details, and speak them aloud.*I’m thankful my family hiked through a trail brown littered oak leaves on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon to discover the remnants of acorns, left ungathered by discerning squirrels, that we may have mini-acorn-people crafts upon our Thanksgiving table.*See the difference? It’s all about the little things.I suppose by that, I really mean the big things.Because it’s the little things that really make a big difference in our lives, isn’t it?*Little things like this blog of mine.I’ve been at it for just over a year now, and wowzaree! what a wonderful whirwind of a year it’s been.*I’ve won myself a few recipe contests.Lost a bunch of others.Collaborated with noteable illustrators, writers, and renowned food artists while wearing my workout clothes and a sweaty ponytail. (ick. I think I should have left out that “sweaty” part).I’ve taken to the streets, followed by dear photog friend, Becki, to act out some of my dreamiest fantasies.I’ve had an idea one night, brought it to life in my kitchen the very next morning, and published it for the world to see before afternoon set itself upon the day.I’ve baked, created, concocted, coordinated, conjured and thrown away a million magnificent (and many not-so-magnificent) recipes. And, sheesh! Have I had fun doing it.*There are so many little blessings this little blog of mine has brought along with it.But, the littlest blessing of them all–or, rather, the biggest–occurs everyday, when one mom, one grandmother, one girl, one foodie, one friendclicks over here to say hello.*However could I give back to you in the big way you’ve given to me. Your delightsome comments, your generous emails, your weekly visits. Could I ever find words big enough to tell you how much your incredible loyalty inspires me, keeps me going, makes me smile? Try as I might, I’m afraid I’d fail.Which, I suppose, leaves me with just little words.Two of them.*Thank. You.(How you are adored.)

Pumpkin-Cranberry-Pecan

Upside Down Mini Bundt Cakes

with Warm Vanilla Syrup

Beth at BlackberryPaper emailed me a few weeks back with this tempting question: Recently I ate dessert at Plates & Palates in Bountiful, Utah. They served a Pumpkin-Cranberry-Pecan Upside-Down Bundt Cake with warm vanilla syrup. It was absolutely yummy. Do you have a recipe similar to that to share with me? Or know where I could find something like that?

I didn’t have a recipe such as she requested, but by golly. Pumpkin? Pecan? Cranberries? WARM VANILLA SYRUP? I simply HAD to create one. So here, Beth (and all of use pumpkin passionatista’s) is one of the most moist, savory, lick-your-fingers delectable recipes I’ve ever created. Thanks, Plates & Palates for the inspiration. It’s a wee bit finickier that your average bundt cake by gosh-oh-gee, is it worth it.

Pecan Topping

A gooey delight to top a perfect pastry. Be sure to use chopped pecans to get the most bang in your bite.

3 T. butter, melted

3 T. brown sugar

3 T. maple pancake syrup

1 1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Spoon into 6 well-greased and floured mini-bundt tins.

Cranberry Compote

These fresh cranberries, melted in a chai-spiced sugar sauce until they pop, then stirred into the pumpkin batter? Oh.my.gosh. There.are.no.words.

If you really like the Chai spice, use it generously. If not, just go easy on it. I really like it. A lot.

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1-3 tsp. McCormick Chai Spice blend

1 1/2 c. fresh cranberries

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Cook until cranberries begin to pop, about 7-10 minutes. Set aside.

Pure Pumpkin Cake

Simple, fluffy, the perfect canvas for a bright red cranberry mix-in.

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. melted butter

3/4 c. pumpkin puree

1/3 c. milk

1/2 tsp. baking powder

(add an additional 1/2 tsp if baking at low altitude)

dash salt

1 c. flour

Mix all ingredients into a large bowl. Once well mixed, pour cranberry compote into batter and stir until fully incorporated. Spoon atop pecan mixture in greased & floured mini bundt tins. Bake 350 degrees for 24-27 minutes, or until cake springs back to a light touch. Once you’ve removed them from the oven, be sure to turn them over while the cakes are still very warm, lest the pecan topping gets stuck to the pan.

Warm Vanilla Cream Syrup

Using both pure and imitation vanilla extracts in this syrup adds a richness flavor that you’re going to adore.

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

1/3 c. water

1/4 c. cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 tsp. imitation vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sugar together over medium heat. Add water and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add cream and vanilla’s. Continue stirring just until syrup reaches the boiling point. Remove from heat and serve immediately. If the syrup is still grainy, simply add a few tablespoons of water and het until sugar dissolves. Serve warm over bundt cakes.

Don’t have a mini bundt pan?

No problem! You’ll want to 1 1/2 times this recipe to have enough batter to fit into a regular bundt cake pan. While I haven’t made the cake in that way, I’m guessing it will take about 40 minutes or so in the oven. If you make it that way, be sure to check back in and let us know how long it took to fully bake it. Happy Eating!

May you & yours enjoy a truly

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted in Cakes and Cupcakes

23 comments »

23 Responses to “Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Bundt Cake”

1

Snooky doodle on November 23, 2009 at 12:10 am Reply

these little bundt cakes look so Christmasy and delicious. Wish I ha one right now :)
http://maltesebakes.blogspot.com/
2

HoneyB on November 23, 2009 at 4:15 am Reply

These are so pretty!
3

Maren on November 23, 2009 at 8:59 am Reply

WOW. I'm definitely going to try this! Do you think it would keep well overnight?
4

aenea on November 23, 2009 at 9:42 am Reply

These look absolutely delicious! The perfect combination of some of my very favorite things. It would be perfect for my book club I'm hosting in December, except that we have someone in our group who does not eat gluten. Do you have any non-gluten dessert ideas? I will definitely use this one for something else though!
5

Anatomy of A Dinner Party on November 23, 2009 at 10:08 am Reply

How can I ever tell you how thankful I am for YOU??? You are the greatest!
6

Todd on November 23, 2009 at 11:01 am Reply

You are so sweet to go to such lengths to get me my cake recipe! I'm going to have to get me some mini-bundt pans and go for it! They are so cute when they are little. Thanks so much! Can't wait to try this out for Thanksgiving! Have a lovely holiday! You're wonderful!
7

Todd on November 23, 2009 at 11:02 am Reply

Ok, for some reason it posted my husband's name on that comment. That was not from Todd. It was from me, Beth. At Blackberry Paper.
8

Diana on November 23, 2009 at 11:08 am Reply

This looks so fabulous. My crazy pregnant palate is loving pumpkin right now. I must try this!
9

Teresa on November 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm Reply

How DIVINE!
Your blog sends me a SWEET warm & cozy feeling!
XXOOXX
10

Kathleen on November 23, 2009 at 12:44 pm Reply

These are lovely and sound delicious too!
11

Marti on November 23, 2009 at 3:26 pm Reply

Great recipe and gorgeous post, B!
12

Stacey Killpack on November 23, 2009 at 5:35 pm Reply

this looks SO good it makes me want to cry a little…
13

betchacanteatjustone on November 24, 2009 at 8:28 am Reply

What a beautiful dessert! I look forward to serving this at my next dinner get together!
14

Karine on November 24, 2009 at 7:38 pm Reply

these look fantastic! Thanks for sharing :)
15

courtneyb on November 24, 2009 at 10:21 pm Reply

Oh my goodness girlfriend!! I'm wishing I had these ingredients right now!

And I thank you. Love the way you write,I've loved every recipe I've made.
16

The Blonde Duck on November 25, 2009 at 7:14 pm Reply

As always, drooling!
17

shannon @ bakeandbloom.com on November 25, 2009 at 11:22 pm Reply

Brooke I would be very grateful if you would come to my house & cook these for me.. they're too cute!
18

KaraLyn on November 27, 2009 at 11:25 pm Reply

Oh Brooke, these look delicious. Today we went to La Jolla, and I paid $4.00 a cupcake to try several different flavors at a cupcake boutique. Seven of us cut them up and had tastes of each. My son-in-law's assessment was, "Not as good as your's Mom." Whew! (Most of my recent cupcakes have been your's. Thanks.
19

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20

Alex on May 24, 2010 at 12:09 pm Reply

Hi thanks for this delicious recipes. I am searching for this for very long time
21

Christmas Text Messages on May 28, 2010 at 6:19 pm Reply

Very Sweet recipe as you are…thank you so much for the recipe.
22

Kate on September 20, 2011 at 7:55 am Reply

Wow, it looks stunning! is it possible to use dried cranberries as a substitute? Cranberries are not easy to come by in my part of the world. :)
23

Debbie on March 23, 2012 at 8:38 pm Reply

What brand mini bundts pan do you use? I see some that hold 1/2 cup batter and some that hold a full cup