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

If you’re looking for a show-stopper dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, I’ve got just the thing for you. It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe is a delightful two-layer pumpkin Bundt cake that captures all the cozy fall vibes and some Peanuts-inspired nostalgia, too. Trust me, the combination of pumpkin spice, creamy frosting, and the playful presentation will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). I love this recipe because it feels like a celebration every time you slice into it, and you’ll find that it’s easier to pull off than it looks. So, let’s get baking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe works together to offer moist, flavorful cake layers with that signature pumpkin kick. I recommend picking good-quality cake mixes and fresh pumpkin puree for the best results.

• Cooking spray: Use a non-stick spray with flour to ensure your cake releases perfectly from the Bundt pan.
• White or yellow cake mix: These provide a neutral base that lets the pumpkin shine without overpowering the flavor.
• Instant vanilla or pumpkin pudding mix: Adds moisture and a velvety texture to the cake layers.
• Large eggs: Fresh eggs help with structure and a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the recipe — go for canned pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for best control over sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Key seasoning for warming all those classic fall flavors.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances depth and rounds out the cake’s flavor.
• Vanilla or cream cheese frosting: Creamy and tangy, perfect for that festive decorating step.
• Food coloring (orange and green): Brings the Bundt-kin to life with fun, vibrant hues.
• Cake ice cream cone: For that adorable pumpkin stem on top.
• Green and orange sprinkles and Halloween candy (optional): Adds whimsy and extra festive flair on the final cake.

Variations

Personalizing It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe can be a blast! I often tweak the flavors or decorating elements depending on the season or who’s coming over — you should definitely try your own spin, too.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer, more complex spice profile — it’s subtle but elevates the flavor.
• Dairy-free: Swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt and use a compatible frosting to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing moisture.
• Chocolate twist: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a surprise in every bite — my kids adore this.
• Seasonal topping: Change sprinkles and candy toppings to match holidays or celebrations; think pastel colors for spring or red and green for Christmas.

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

Step 1: Getting Your Cake Batter Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray. Using an electric mixer on low speed, combine one box of cake mix, one box of instant pudding (vanilla or pumpkin), 4 eggs, 1 cup of 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. Mix until everything is just combined, then be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl — you don’t want any pockets of dry ingredients hiding! This batter is your base for one layer, and I like the texture here: smooth and luscious with just the right pumpkin punch.

Step 2: Baking Your First Bundt Layer

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top gently with a rubber spatula. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes — start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. I’ve learned not to rush this step: cooling completely is key for clean frosting and stacking later without any sliding.

Step 3: Making the Second Layer

Wipe out the Bundt pan and repeat the entire mixing and baking process with the remaining cake mix, pudding, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and water. When both cakes are fully cooled, you’re ready for assembly — and this is where things get really fun!

Step 4: Coloring and Frosting Magic

Scoop out 1 3/4 cups of vanilla or cream cheese frosting into a heatproof container and blend in orange food coloring until you reach that perfect pumpkin hue. Level the bottoms of your cakes with a serrated knife so they stack evenly. Place one layer smooth side up on your serving plate, spread 3/4 cup of your orange frosting evenly over the top, then stack the second layer on top, aligning edges carefully. If you want extra stability, like I do when I’m transporting this cake, insert a few dowels through the layers and trim any excess. Then pop the layered cake in the fridge for 15 minutes to let the frosting set a bit.

Step 5: Creating the Pumpkin Stem & Decorating

Mix 3 tablespoons of frosting with green food coloring in a small bowl, then spread that over an upside-down ice cream cone — this will be your pumpkin stem! Adding green sprinkles gives it texture and whimsy. Meanwhile, gently warm the remaining orange frosting in the microwave in 3-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s just pourable (be careful not to overheat!). Pour this glaze slowly over the cake in a circular motion to create a festive drip effect. Sprinkle with orange sprinkles and add candy in the holes of the Bundt; then place the frosted ice cream cone right on top. It’s such a charming finishing touch and always a crowd-pleaser.

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

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple yet festive with green and orange sprinkles — they add just the right pop of color and texture without overwhelming the look. For some extra fun, toss on a handful of small Halloween candies or edible glitter. It’s these details that make the cake feel truly festive and special, especially if you’re sharing with kids.

Side Dishes

This Bundt cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or rich coffee, perfect for fall gatherings. If you’re serving it as part of a larger dessert spread, light vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements the cake’s pumpkin flavor nicely without competing with it.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that placing the cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and colorful autumn leaves sets the perfect seasonal vibe. For parties, I sometimes arrange smaller cupcakes around the Bundt, each frosted with matching orange and green swirls — it amps up the festive spirit and provides easier portion sizes for gentler appetites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge — they stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. If the whole cake is leftover, storing it in an airtight container or cake dome does wonders to preserve freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and assemble as usual. I’ve done this when prepping ahead for a big party, and it saves so much stress on the big day.

Reheating

To bring cake slices back to life, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds covered with a damp paper towel — this keeps them moist without drying out. Just avoid overheating or the texture can get off.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s The Great Bundt-kin, Charlie Brown Recipe is such a joy to make and share — it really brings that nostalgic warmth and pumpkin-spiced goodness right to your table. I always get compliments on how charming it looks and how moist and flavorful the layers turn out. If you love baking with a splash of creativity and a sprinkle of fun, this recipe is definitely a winner. Give it a try and watch your friends and family light up with every bite!

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