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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Let the cake rest and cool completely within the pan, allowing it to settle and develop its full flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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