The Best Ever Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! This amazing pumpkin cake recipe is incredibly moist, bursting with warm, comforting spices, and topped with the most luscious cream cheese frosting. It is truly a delightful treat, perfect for any autumn gathering or a cozy night in. Get ready to bake a cake that will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cake Recipe

This fantastic pumpkin cake recipe is a joy to make and even better to eat. It is designed to be easy to follow, perfect for beginners looking for a rewarding baking project. You will adore its incredibly moist texture, which practically melts in your mouth. The cake boasts a perfect balance of fall spices, creating a truly aromatic experience. It is wonderfully versatile for any occasion, from holiday feasts to simple family desserts. Finally, the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting is the ultimate complement, making every bite heavenly.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup oil, vegetable or canola
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Notes & Substitutions

Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for this pumpkin cake. You can use homemade pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s thick and free of excess water. Vegetable or canola oil works best, providing moisture without imparting flavor. Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the frosting; this ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency. According to baking experts, room temperature ingredients bond together more easily for a seamless and evenly textured batter. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference, adding more ginger or less clove if desired. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Equipment

You only need a few basic tools to prepare this delightful dessert. Gather a large mixing bowl, a separate medium bowl, and a whisk. You will also need measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. A rubber spatula is handy for scraping bowls. Finally, ensure you have a 9×13 inch baking pan for the perfect cake.

Instructions

For the Pumpkin Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring no spots are missed. This preparation prevents sticking and makes for easy cake removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This forms the flavorful base of your delicious pumpkin cake.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Thoroughly combine them to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.

Pour the completed batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread it out with your spatula to ensure an even layer for consistent baking. This simple step is crucial for a beautifully baked pumpkin cake.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully cooked through. Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow the pumpkin cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost it. Cooling thoroughly prevents the frosting from melting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your pumpkin cake cools, prepare the delightful cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and cream cheese. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth.

Next, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and airy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until they are just combined. Do not overmix at this stage. Once the cake is completely cool, spread this luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or knife. Enjoy your perfectly frosted pumpkin cake!

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cake

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cake is simple with a few key tricks. Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the frosting; this creates a smooth, lump-free texture. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. Avoiding overmixing the cake batter, as discussed by culinary science resources, can prevent a tough cake by limiting gluten development. Test for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Finally, ensure the cake is completely cooled before you even think about frosting it, otherwise, your frosting will melt.

Serving, Storing & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful pumpkin cake plain, allowing its rich flavors to shine. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a spiced apple cider, especially during the autumn season.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover frosted pumpkin cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Covering it tightly prevents the cake from drying out and keeps the frosting fresh. You can also freeze unfrosted cake slices or even the whole cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months. To freeze frosted cake, flash freeze it until firm, then wrap tightly. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

Easily transform this classic pumpkin cake recipe into pumpkin cupcakes by using cupcake liners and reducing the baking time to about 18-22 minutes. For a show-stopping layered dessert, divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans and adjust baking time. You can also add a delightful crunch or extra flavor by folding in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts into the batter before baking.

Nutrition Information

This delicious pumpkin cake offers a comforting treat with balanced nutrition. Each serving provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes, you absolutely can use fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe. Just make sure to roast and puree it yourself, then drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy cake.

Why is my pumpkin cake dry?
A dry cake usually results from overbaking or incorrect flour measurement. Always use the toothpick test for doneness and measure flour by spooning it into the cup, then leveling it off.

How long does pumpkin cake last?
Frosted pumpkin cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. Unfrosted cake or individual slices can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature, unfrosted. Prepare the cream cheese frosting separately, then assemble and frost just before serving for the freshest taste. This pumpkin cake recipe is perfect for planning ahead.

Conclusion

This incredible pumpkin cake recipe delivers ultimate fall comfort in every single slice. Its moist crumb, aromatic spices, and dreamy cream cheese frosting make it an instant classic that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and bake this wonderful cake today. Share the warmth and joy of this perfect fall dessert with your loved ones!