Pumpkin-Ginger Tunnel Cake

For the filling

    12 oz. cream cheese, softened
    1/2 cup sour cream
    1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
    1/2 tsp. ground ginger
    1/4 tsp. kosher salt
    2 large eggs
    1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
    1/2 cup very finely chopped crystallized ginger

For the cake


    Softened unsalted butter, for the pan
    10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
    2 tsp. kosher salt
    2 tsp. baking powder
    1 tsp. baking soda
    1 Tbs. ground ginger
    2 tsp. ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
    1/4 tsp. ground cloves
    1 15-oz. can pure pumpkin puree
    1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
    3/4 cup vegetable oil
    4 large eggs
    1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
    Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Make the filling
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer) beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, ginger, and salt on medium speed until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition just until incorporated. Mix in the vanilla and then the crystallized ginger. Transfer to a 1-quart liquid measure and set aside.
Make the cake

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.

Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.

Whisk the pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. In 3 or 4 additions, add the dry ingredients, whisking well between each addition.

Fill the prepared Bundt pan with about half of the batter. Stir the filling to redistribute the chopped ginger. While dragging a large serving spoon through the center of the batter to create a trough, pour all of the filling into the trough; it may overflow the trough a bit, which is OK. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and spread to cover.

Bake until a skewer inserted all the way to the bottom comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes and then invert onto a serving plate and remove the cake pan. Cool completely. (If not serving the cake within a couple of hours, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days; serve cold or at room temperature.) Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.