Dreamy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Autumn’s crisp whispers dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this nostalgic pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting.

Memories of grandma’s cozy farmhouse flood back with each slice I cut.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg mingle beautifully in this tender dessert.

Soft, moist layers promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious smoothness that makes this cake irresistible.

Each forkful connects me to cherished moments of seasonal gathering.

You’ll want to savor this delightful treat slowly and share it with those you love.

Storage and Reheating for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Store the pumpkin cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
• For best flavor and texture, remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• The fragrant, spicy notes of chai complement the pumpkin cake's warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• A light drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting enhances the cake's rich, sweet profile and adds luxurious depth.
• A smooth, small-batch bourbon with vanilla undertones perfectly balances the cake's autumnal spices and creamy frosting, elevating the dessert's complexity.
• A chilled, spiced apple cider brings out the cake's seasonal warmth while providing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy texture.

Variations to Try on Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly version of the classic dessert.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace cream cheese frosting with a cashew-based vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining rich pumpkin flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use coconut flour, erythritol as sweetener, and create a cream cheese frosting with additional heavy cream to lower carbohydrate content for ketogenic dieters.

Why Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Is a Seasonal Hit

• Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delightful dessert without complicated steps. This pumpkin cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Celebrate autumn's warmth with a classic recipe that captures the essence of fall. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Guaranteed to please all ages, this cake offers a crowd-pleasing dessert that's both nostalgic and delicious. Kids and adults will love its moist texture and creamy frosting.
• Prepare the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or unexpected guests. The cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Flour: All-purpose flour provides the cake's foundational structure, whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Pumpkin Puree: Fresh, pure pumpkin brings rich autumn flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture, neutral in taste.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic pumpkin cake flavor profile, freshly ground spices provide more intense taste.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cake's caramelization, brown sugar adds deeper flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, pure vanilla gives best results.

• Cream Cheese: Base of the frosting, full-fat variety provides rich, tangy flavor.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting texture.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Prep your 9×13-inch pan by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredient Goodness

• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick- it should come out clean. Let cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Craft Heavenly Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of salt

Whip until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Celebrate

Slather that luscious frosting all over the cooled cake. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips for Moist Pumpkin Cake and Frosting

• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the warmth of your cake by increasing or decreasing ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to match your taste preferences.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to ensure a tender, light cake texture.
• Boost Moisture: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients for an extra moist and rich pumpkin cake.
• Storage Secrets: Refrigerate the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and become more intense over time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this delicious cake accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Pumpkin Cake delights autumn dessert enthusiasts with spiced, moist layers crowned by silky cream cheese frosting. Warm fall flavors and rich textures invite sweet memories of seasonal comfort and kitchen happiness you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cake Base):

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C). Create a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch pan using grease, flour, or parchment paper.
2. Craft a delicate spice blend by whisking together flour, leavening agents, salt, and warm autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a medium mixing vessel.
3. Transform pumpkin puree into a luxurious base by combining it with vegetable oil, both white and brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the pumpkin liquid base, stirring with a delicate touch to prevent overworking the batter. Incorporate until just combined, maintaining the mixture’s tender structure.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Allow the cake to bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a perfectly cooked center by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
6. Let the cake rest and cool completely within the pan, allowing it to settle and develop its full flavor profile.
7. Whip the cream cheese and butter into a smooth foundation, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a subtle salt accent. Beat the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and irresistibly creamy.
8. Lavish the completely cooled cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, spreading it evenly across the surface. Slice into portions and serve immediately, or chill for a refreshing treat.

Notes

• Boost moisture by adding a splash of buttermilk or sour cream to the batter for an extra tender crumb.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, which complement the pumpkin’s earthy flavor.
• Enhance spice profile by toasting whole spices before grinding, intensifying the warm, aromatic notes in the cake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg