Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Discover the secret to an Irresistible Autumn Delight: a moist pumpkin cake topped with creamy cheese frosting, featuring pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Perfect for fall!
Irresistible Autumn Delight: Pumpkin Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Autumn ushers in a stunning tapestry of colors and flavors, and among my favorites is the rich and comforting essence of pumpkins. There’s something truly magical about transforming this humble gourd into a luxurious dessert that captures the spirit of the season. Today, I’m delighted to share with you my cherished recipe for an Irresistible Autumn Delight: Pumpkin Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake boasts a moist, spiced crumb paired with a decadent frosting that will surely make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Table of Contents

For the Pumpkin Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Blend until smooth.

Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until well incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish or divide between the cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using two pans, check after 20 minutes as the layers will bake more quickly.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan(s) for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract.
Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

If you’re making a layered cake, level the tops of your cakes with a serrated knife to create a flat surface.
Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. If using a single sheet cake, simply spread the frosting over the entire surface.
For layered cakes, place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula.

Optionally, you can decorate the cake with a dusting of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of autumn flair.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a simple and joyful bake but also a beautiful centerpiece for your autumn gatherings. Its rich and warming spiciness, combined with the creamy sweetness of the frosting, creates a harmony of flavors that embodies the essence of the season. Whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or simply enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a crisp fall day, this cake is sure to become a seasonal staple in your home. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite!