Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, nothing embodies the essence of fall like a slice of Pumpkin Spice Cake. This moist, tender cake infused with warm spices is beautifully complemented by a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a comforting hug in cake form, perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings by the fireplace, or as a delightful treat for Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake is the star of the season—it evokes nostalgia, warmth, and a feeling of home.
Baking this Pumpkin Spice Cake fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma, creating an inviting atmosphere that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it as a sweet breakfast treat with a warm cup of coffee, this cake will surely bring a smile to every face. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make something special together!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prepare your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting: beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use applesauce instead of vegetable oil for a lighter cake or substitute whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Optional Variations: Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist or include chopped nuts for extra texture. A dash of clove or allspice can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty level: Easy
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Pumpkin Spice Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Frosting Preparation
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.
Assembly
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!