Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step

Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe: A Cozy Fall Favorite

Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step is the perfect autumn dessert, bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This moist, tender cake celebrates the comforting essence of fall, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy gathering. Whether topped with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is irresistible. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making this seasonal treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or whole milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or milk (optional)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pumpkin

1. Add the pumpkin puree to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but this is normal.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions.
2. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.

For tips on mixing batter properly, visit King Arthur Baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup (if using) until smooth.

For more cream cheese frosting tips, visit The Kitchn.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Use an offset spatula to create swirls or smooth the surface as desired.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon, chopped pecans, or toasted pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.
2. Slice and serve with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider for the perfect fall treat.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to your taste or add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.

Storage and Freezing

1. Room Temperature: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially if frosted with cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Variations

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Nutty Pumpkin Cake: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step is the epitome of autumn baking—warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Its soft crumb, combined with rich cream cheese frosting, makes it a standout dessert for any fall occasion. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or enjoy a slice with a hot drink on a crisp day, this cake is sure to be a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step

• 2 1/2 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 unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, a 9×13-inch pan, or a bundt pan.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

4. Add eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla

1. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract and the pumpkin puree until smooth. The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal.

5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk

1. On low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions.
2. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Bake the cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes (round pans) or 45-50 minutes (bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla

1. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed.
2. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
3. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the cake

1. If using round layers, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
2. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
3. For a bundt cake, spread the frosting over the top and let it drip down the sides.

Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch.
2. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture—avoid pumpkin pie filling.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and frosting.
• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Cake: A Fall Classic Full of Flavor

When autumn arrives, so does the craving for all things Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step. Pumpkin spice cake is the epitome of fall comfort food—a moist, spiced delight that fills your home with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, one that conjures crisp air, cozy sweaters, and golden leaves.

In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step, what makes pumpkin spice cake so special, tips for baking the perfect cake, and creative variations. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in seasonal flavors, pumpkin spice cake is the ultimate treat.

The History of Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step has become synonymous with autumn, thanks to its blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. However, its origins trace back centuries. In medieval Europe, spices were used not only for flavor but also for their perceived medicinal properties. Over time, these spices became essential in baking, particularly in sweet breads and cakes.

The modern pumpkin spice craze exploded in the early 2000s, driven by the popularity of pumpkin spice lattes and other seasonal treats. Yet, long before it became a cultural phenomenon, pumpkin spice was already a cherished ingredient in traditional American baking.

Why Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step is Irresistible

1. Moist, Tender Crumb

Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step is the secret ingredient that gives pumpkin spice cake its incredible moisture. Unlike other cakes that may dry out over time, this cake stays soft and luscious for days.

2. Warm, Spiced Flavor

The blend of spices in pumpkin spice cake creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and complex. The aromatic mix evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for cooler weather.

3. Versatile and Customizable

Pumpkin spice cake can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for casual gatherings or elegant occasions. It pairs well with a variety of frostings and glazes, from classic cream cheese frosting to maple or brown butter glazes.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake

1. Use Pure Pumpkin Puree

For the best flavor and texture, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of the cake.

2. Balance the Spices

To achieve the perfect spice blend, stick to classic ratios of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Be careful not to overpower the cake with too much spice—subtlety is key.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the crumb light and tender.

4. Cool Before Frosting

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding frosting. Warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, resulting in a messy finish.

Creative Variations of Pumpkin Spice Cake

1. Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

Bake the cake in a Bundt pan for an elegant presentation. Drizzle with a maple glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet stunning dessert.

2. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Transform the cake into individual servings by making cupcakes. Top each with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.

3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

For a decadent twist, fold chocolate chips into the batter. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the warm spices, creating a heavenly combination.

4. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Layer Cake

For an indulgent treat, layer Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step with a rich cheesecake filling. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings.

5. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step

Make a dairy-free, egg-free version by substituting plant-based milk, flax eggs, and coconut oil. The result is a cake that’s just as moist and flavorful as the original.

Frosting and Topping Ideas

1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is the go-to choice for Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step. Its tangy sweetness complements the warm spices perfectly.

2. Maple Buttercream

A maple buttercream frosting adds an extra layer of fall flavor. The rich, buttery notes enhance the cake’s sweetness without overpowering the spices.

3. Brown Butter Glaze

A brown butter glaze adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and spices. Drizzle it over the cake for a rustic, elegant finish.

4. Candied Pecans or Walnuts

Top the cake with candied pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a hint of sweetness. They also add a beautiful visual element to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai, hot cider, or a pumpkin spice latte.
• Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: For an extra comforting treat, serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Holiday Centerpiece: Decorate with edible fall decorations like sugared cranberries or caramel drizzle for a stunning Thanksgiving or Halloween dessert.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fall’s most beloved flavors. With its moist texture, warm spices, and endless variations, it’s the perfect treat for any autumn occasion. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or prefer a modern twist, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.

So, the next time the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, whip up a Pumpkin Spice Cake step by step and savor the taste of the season. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite.