Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
The Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy, irresistible treat that instantly warms your heart and home with its rich blend of autumn spices and luscious cream cheese topping. This cake combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. Finished with a smooth, tangy frosting, this dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting bite that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting plays an essential role, bringing its own unique flair to the final masterpiece. From the fluffy texture that flour provides to the deep autumnal aroma of the spices, every element is carefully chosen to create a cake that’s simply unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the spices.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, sweetness, and that signature orange hue.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to ensure the perfect lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic pumpkin spice flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle kick that complements the sweeter spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way in delivering that quintessential autumn vibe.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The heart of the frosting, lending a creamy, tangy richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Blends into the frosting for smoothness and flavor.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a gentle aroma and balances the tanginess.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional): Adjusts the frosting consistency to make spreading easier.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for an even bake. Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This small prep step will save you so much frustration later on!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the aromatic spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend is what gives your cake its unmistakable Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting flavor, so take a moment to savor the scent as you mix.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs until fully combined. The creamy pumpkin is the magical moisture that transforms the cake into a moist delight everyone will love.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the batter is smooth. Be mindful not to overmix; you want the cake tender and fluffy, not dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops with a spatula. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use the classic toothpick test to check doneness – when it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes so they don’t break apart, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully before frosting is key to keeping that creamy topping smooth and shiny.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well to create a luscious frosting. Stir in the vanilla extract, and if the frosting feels thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s just right for spreading.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and slather a generous amount of frosting on top. Carefully add the second layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides for that classic creamy finish.
Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy
Decorate your Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting however you like — a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts adds a lovely touch. Slice and indulge in this seasonal classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a wonderful way to personalize your Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting. Toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can amplify the autumn vibes and impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This cake naturally pairs with cozy sides like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cup of spiced chai tea or coffee. These accompaniments complement the spices and add layers of warmth to your serving experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving your Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting in mini bundt cake pans or as cupcakes topped with piped frosting. You can even transform leftovers into trifle-style desserts with layers of cake, frosting, and whipped cream for a show-stopping treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for up to 4 days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving helps revive the cake’s moist texture and the frosting’s creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting to extend their shelf life. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake for best results.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t generally recommended. However, if you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave a small portion for about 10-15 seconds – just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin works wonderfully and offers a vibrant flavor. Just be sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth for the best texture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the cake’s structure and softness.
Is it possible to make the cake vegan?
You can adapt the recipe by using flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), a plant-based oil, and dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Why is my frosting too runny?
If your cream cheese frosting turns out runny, it might be due to softened cream cheese or butter that was too warm or too much milk added. Chill the frosting in the fridge for a bit to firm it up before frosting your cake.
Can I use this frosting on cupcakes?
Definitely! The cream cheese frosting is perfect for cupcakes and can be piped beautifully on top for an elegant finish. Just keep the frosting chilled if you’re not serving immediately.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about making and sharing a Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting. Its tender, warmly spiced crumb paired with a rich, creamy frosting never fails to brighten any day or celebration. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become your go-to dessert for embracing all the comforts of the season.
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Pumpkin Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cake topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for autumn celebrations or anytime you crave a cozy seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Top Layer and Frost: Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate the cake as desired, slice, and serve to enjoy this cozy seasonal treat.
Notes
- Ensure pumpkin puree is well drained if using fresh to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted with milk according to preference; thicker for piping or thinner for spreading.
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cake, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, autumn cake, pumpkin cake recipe
