This pumpkin cake is moist and fluffy, filled with warm spices that make it perfect for autumn. Topped with a creamy caramel frosting, it’s a sweet treat everyone will love!
I can’t resist the smell of pumpkin baking in the oven! Plus, that caramel frosting? It’s the cherry on top—well, the caramel on top! 😂 Enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a cozy moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for consistency and convenience. If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree the flesh. Just make sure to avoid using pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but you can substitute gluten-free flour if needed. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
Oils: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. You could swap it for canola oil or even melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, full-fat cream cheese ensures a creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter option if you’re looking to cut some calories.
How Do You Get the Best Fluffy Cake Texture?
The trick to a fluffy pumpkin cake lies in the mixing method. After combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you no longer see dry flour chunks. Overmixing can create a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Mix sugar, eggs, and oil first to incorporate air.
- Add pumpkin puree and vanilla before the dry mix to help moisture bind.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients without beating.
What’s the Key to Perfectly Layering Your Cake?
Layering your cake properly is important for both presentation and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled to prevent melting the frosting.
- Level each cake layer by cutting off any domed tops with a serrated knife.
- Use a cake board or plate for easy assembly and handling!
Enjoy baking this delightful pumpkin cake, a perfect treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need about 30-35 minutes for baking. After that, let the cake cool for a while before frosting. Set aside about an hour total for everything, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cakes later!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This delicious spice blend is what makes the cake taste like autumn! Set this mixture aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat them together until mixed well. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and blended.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to bring your mixtures together! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—you want your cake to be light and fluffy!
5. Bake:
Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops. Then, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean!
6. Cool:
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy!
7. Make the Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce until everything is perfectly blended.
8. Assemble the Cake:
Time to bring it all together! Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of your caramel cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer, and cover the top and sides with more frosting!
9. Decorate:
If you like, you can add some decorative touches! Pipe dollops of frosting on the top of the cake, and drizzle some extra caramel sauce over everything for that gorgeous finishing touch.
10. Serve:
Your pumpkin cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it up and serve. If you have any leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Enjoy this moist, spiced pumpkin cake with luscious caramel cream cheese frosting—perfect for any festive occasion or cozy fall day!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Simply roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Just be sure to measure out 1.5 cups of freshly pureed pumpkin to match the amount in the recipe.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add some if it doesn’t to help with the texture. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Can I Use Different Frosting Flavors?
Definitely! While the caramel cream cheese frosting is delightful, you can switch it up by using regular cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a fun twist. Just remember that if you’re using a different frosting, the flavor profile will change!