Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Fall Perfect Dessert
Get ready for a delicious dessert. This pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting is packed and is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.
Nothing says fall quite like the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin spice cake baking in your oven. This incredibly moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting combines all your favorite autumn spices with rich pumpkin puree and topped with tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting.
Here’s a fun fact: pumpkin spice actually contains no pumpkin at all – it’s the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes this cake irresistible! This recipe is perfect for busy families who want homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
What is Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Ever wondered why we go absolutely crazy for pumpkin spice everything when autumn arrives? This delightful cake perfectly captures that cozy fall feeling we all crave! Pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting is essentially autumn’s love letter to your taste buds – combining warm spices with real pumpkin and topped with the most heavenly tangy-sweet frosting.
After all, they say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and this cake definitely delivers! Ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Rich, Moist Texture That Melts in Your Mouth This pumpkin spice cake delivers an incredibly tender crumb thanks to real pumpkin puree and oil, creating a cake that stays moist for days. The warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – create layers of flavor that dance on your palate with every bite.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery, and you control every ingredient. No artificial flavors or preservatives – just pure, wholesome ingredients that create bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.
Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the warm spices in the cake. It’s not overly sweet but adds that perfect creamy richness that makes each slice absolutely divine. Similar to our popular carrot cake recipe, this frosting elevates the entire dessert experience.
Ready to create your own slice of autumn heaven? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Quick Overview
This pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting is surprisingly simple to make and delivers restaurant-quality results. The cake features a perfectly spiced, incredibly moist texture thanks to pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cake layers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Serves: 12-16 slices
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour, tapping out excess. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.
Making the Pumpkin Spice Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.
In another large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your cake tender. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Baking the Perfect Cake Layers
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract, salt, and enough heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top. Place second layer on top and frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for clean slices.
What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting With
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages like coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate. For a special occasion, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Consider offering fresh apple cider, spiced wine, or even a rich espresso to complement the autumn flavors. For texture contrast, add some toasted pecans or candied walnuts on the side.
The cake also makes an excellent dessert for Thanksgiving dinner, birthday celebrations, or cozy fall gatherings with family and friends.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredient Temperature Matters
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and more even baking. Take eggs and cream cheese out of the refrigerator 2-3 hours before baking.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the cake batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb we want.
Test for Doneness Properly
Use the toothpick test, but don’t overbake. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs – completely clean means your cake is overdone and will be dry.
Frosting Consistency Tips
If your frosting is too thick, add cream one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. The frosting should hold its shape but spread smoothly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the cake from absorbing other flavors.
For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
The frosted cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for best results.
For serving, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cutting to allow the cake to come to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/16 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 54g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead. Wrap cooled layers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the day you plan to serve for best results.
Can I substitute the oil in this recipe?
You can substitute melted butter or applesauce for oil, but the texture will be slightly different. Oil creates the moistest cake, while butter adds more flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitutions.
How do I know when my cream cheese frosting is the right consistency?
The frosting should hold peaks when lifted with a spatula but spread smoothly on the cake. If it’s too stiff, add cream; if too loose, add more powdered sugar.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
Absolutely! This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Use the same frosting recipe – you’ll have plenty for generous swirls on top.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
You can substitute 3 tablespoons of store-bought pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices listed. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does the frosted cake need to set before serving?
Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the frosting firm up for cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Extra Tips for Success
Make It Your Own: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture, or swirl in some cinnamon sugar for added sweetness.
Decoration Ideas: Pipe rosettes of frosting around the edges, dust with cinnamon, or top with candied pumpkin pieces for a professional bakery look.
Flavor Variations: Try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the spice flavors, or fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Storage Hack: Place a slice of bread in the container with your cake to help maintain moisture longer.
This pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting truly captures the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of warm spices, tender cake, and tangy frosting creates a dessert that’s perfect for any autumn celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to fill your home with the wonderful aroma of fall spices, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
Remember, the best part about homemade cake is sharing it with the people you love. So gather your family and friends, and let this pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting be the centerpiece of your next cozy gathering!
