Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze- this doctored cake mix recipe is so moist and full of fall spices.

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Slice of Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze on a plate.

A buttery rum glaze keeps this cake fabulously moist for days.

How To Serve Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze

This cake tastes best served at room temperature or slightly warm. For even more flavor top it with whipped cream and crushed Heath Bars or toffee bits.

Start With A Box Of Cake Mix

I love doctored cake mix recipes. They are virtually foolproof and you don’t have to worry about mismeasuring the flour. You’ll start with a box of yellow cake mix. To the cake mix, you’ll add nuts, a can of pumpkin, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, water, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.

Piece of cake on a plate with pumpkin and rest of cake in background.

Equipment Needed

Cool Cake In Pan Before Removing

Cool the cake in the bundt pan for 10 minutes before removing to a cake stand or plate. If you don’t wait 10 minutes, the cake may fall apart. Let it cool too much in the pan, and it may stick.

Recipe Tips

I use Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker Cake Mix.

Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin and NOT pumpkin pie filling.

I like the addition of 1/2 cup of pecans or walnuts, but they can be left out if you want a nut-free cake.

Storage

This cake actually tastes better a day or two after it is made. Will keep at room temperature for 4 to 5 days or it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Slice of Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze on a plate.

More Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Servings: 18
Pumpkin Cake with Rum Glaze- this doctored cake mix recipe is so moist and full of fall spices.
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 regular-size box yellow cake mix
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Glaze

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter,, cut in cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup rum
  • whipped cream and crushed Heath bar for serving,, optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10-inch bundt pan really well with baking spray with flour.
    Sprinkle nuts into bottom of bundt pan.
  • In a large bowl, use a hand-held electric mixer to beat pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and water until mixed.
  • Add cake mix, and spices and beat on low until completely combined.
  • Transfer batter to prepared bundt pan.
    Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pan 10 minutes and then invert onto a cake stand or serving platter.
  • To makes glaze, heat sugar, butter, cinnamon and cloves in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted.
  • Remove from heat and stir in rum. Place back over heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sugar is completely melted.
  • Poke holes in top of cake with a wooden skewer.
    Slowly spoon glaze over the cake, letting it seep down into the holes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 Comments

  1. Betty says:

    Is there a non-alcohol substitute for the rum I can use for the glaze

  2. judy says:

    when made ahead of time and sitting on the counter ahead of time, should it be covered?

  3. Candace says:

    Made this as it sounded so good and ended up making 3 more to give to friends and family. Going to make it again for New Years Eve. It is so delicious, surprisingly light, great texture, and now a keeper recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Happy New Year

  4. Stephanie says:

    Are you using a white or dark rum and can you use canola instead of vegetable oil?

    1. Christin Mahrlig says:

      I use dark rum but you can use either. Yes, canola oil can be used instead.