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
Scale
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
