Pumpkin Spice Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Autumn’s arrival brings with it a wave of cozy comfort, and nothing embodies that feeling quite like a warm slice of Pumpkin Spice Cake. This classic dessert, with its aromatic blend of spices and velvety texture, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual weeknight treats to elegant holiday gatherings. This isn’t just any pumpkin spice cake recipe; it’s the culmination of years of baking experiments, designed to deliver the perfect balance of moist cake, and creamy, dreamy frosting. Prepare to be transported to a world of spiced pumpkin perfection, where every bite is a celebration of fall’s delicious bounty. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs, making it accessible to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to follow. Even novice bakers can achieve amazing results with the clear, step-by-step instructions. The recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it convenient and hassle-free. Beyond its simplicity, this cake boasts an unparalleled flavor profile. The perfect blend of warm spices – cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg – perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. The texture is another winning factor; the cake is wonderfully moist and tender, never dry or crumbly. This is achieved by incorporating both oil and pumpkin puree, which add richness and moisture. Finally, the creamy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the spiced cake, providing a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It’s the ultimate pairing, a harmonious dance of spice and creaminess. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. A cozy autumn evening encapsulated in a perfectly baked treat. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating lasting memories. Try it, and you’ll see why it’s become a staple in our home!

Why You Should Try This Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

In a world of countless pumpkin spice recipes, this one truly shines. It’s not just about the familiar flavors; it’s about the perfect execution. This recipe guarantees a consistently moist and flavorful cake, avoiding the common pitfalls of dry or dense pumpkin desserts. The detailed instructions make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their baking experience. It’s also highly adaptable; you can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even make it gluten-free or vegan with a few simple substitutions. This recipe becomes your go-to pumpkin spice cake recipe, consistently delivering delicious results. It’s perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress, and experienced bakers seeking a dependable, delicious recipe. Beyond the deliciousness, baking this cake is a therapeutic experience. The aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen is incredibly comforting, transforming your baking process into a moment of self-care. The pride and satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch are invaluable. Ultimately, this recipe is an investment in deliciousness, comfort, and a delightful baking experience.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake

Gathering the right ingredients and having the necessary tools at your disposal will ensure a smooth and successful baking experience. Let’s delve into the details.

Ingredients: A Detailed Breakdown

• For the Cake:
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake. Consider using cake flour for an even more tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent, crucial for a light and airy cake.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent, working in tandem with baking soda.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A key component of the pumpkin spice blend, providing warmth and sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spiciness and complexity to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a warm, slightly sweet and pungent note, characteristic of pumpkin spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices, contributing to the overall warmth.
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a moist crumb.
• ¾ cup (170g) vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• 1 cup (240ml) strong brewed coffee or water: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor. Coffee brings out the spices beautifully!
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy beating.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
• 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides its light and fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Essential Utensils for Baking Success

• Two 9-inch round baking pans: Ensure they are properly greased and floured to prevent sticking.
• Mixing bowls (medium and large): One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer): For creaming butter and sugar, and for mixing the batter smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Wooden skewer or toothpick: To test for doneness.
• Wire rack: For cooling the cakes.
• Offset spatula: For frosting the cake evenly.

Detailed Steps for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake

This section provides a detailed guide to baking your Pumpkin Spice Cake, complete with helpful tips and tricks to ensure success.

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the cakes.
3. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout the cake.
4. Cream together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the sugar and oil until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coffee (or water), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
6. Divide the batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes: Bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
8. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.

Cream Cheese Frosting Preparation:

1. Beat together cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.
3. Stir in vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Adjust consistency: Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Cake Assembly:

1. Frost the cake layers: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
2. Top with the second layer: Carefully top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

Tips and Variations for Your Pumpkin Spice Cake

This section offers helpful tips and explores variations to customize your Pumpkin Spice Cake.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds) into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl: Melt some dark chocolate and swirl it into the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to use a blend specifically designed for baking.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and butter with vegan butter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Let the cakes cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
• Use a piping bag for a professional look: If you want a polished look, pipe the frosting onto the cake using a piping bag.

For even more delicious fall recipes, check out our website for inspiration. We also have a fantastic recipe for Basque Cheesecake that would pair beautifully with this Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Cake

While Pumpkin Spice Cake is undeniably indulgent, it offers some nutritional benefits. Pumpkin puree is packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. Cinnamon boasts anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar. Ginger aids digestion and has anti-nausea properties. Nutmeg contains antioxidants. Of course, the nutritional profile is heavily influenced by the amount of sugar and fat used. A single serving (approximately 1/8th of the cake) might contain roughly 350-450 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. The precise values will vary based on ingredient brands and measurements. It’s always best to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredient list for accurate results. Enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

Conclusion: Embrace the Deliciousness of Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an autumnal experience. From its warm, comforting aroma to its moist, perfectly spiced texture, and creamy frosting, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. We’ve covered everything from ingredient details and preparation steps to helpful tips and variations, ensuring you can create your own perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake masterpiece. Remember to share your baking adventures and tag us on social media! Check out our Pinterest board for more recipe inspiration: Noeli’s Recipes. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your Pumpkin Spice Cake turned out!

Moist and Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This delicious pumpkin spice cake is perfectly moist and spiced, topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. A perfect fall dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.75 cups Vegetable oil
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 can Pumpkin puree (15 ounce can)
• 1 cup Strong brewed coffee or water

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 ounces Cream cheese (8 ounces) softened
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter softened
• 3-4 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Pinch Salt

Equipment

• 9-inch round baking pans (2)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric Mixer
• Rubber Spatula
• Wire rack

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and oil until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coffee (or water), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While cakes cool, make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach desired consistency.
9. Once cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of water or coffee. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.