Cozy, spiced sweetness meets creamy indulgence in this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s destined to become your favorite fall dessert. Every mouthful is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors: the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing on your palate, the gentle heat of ginger and cloves that lingers just long enough, and the earthy richness of real pumpkin puree that keeps each bite irresistibly moist. This cake isn’t just a seasonal treat—it’s a comforting hug on a chilly afternoon, a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings, and a way to bring that spark of autumnal magic into your home kitchen. As a beginner-friendly recipe, it offers an effortless path to baking success, even if this is your very first scratch-made layer cake. Imagine pulling golden-brown rounds from the oven, the kitchen aglow with that signature pumpkin spice charm, and knowing you crafted something truly scrumptious with your own hands.
The journey continues with a luscious layer of velvety cream cheese frosting that balances the spice-forward cake with a cool, tangy finish. Whipping together just a handful of pantry staples—cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt—yields a dreamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re layering it between two perfectly baked rounds, smoothing it around the sides, or piping decorative swirls on top, the result is stunningly photogenic and undeniably delicious. Gather your favorite mug for a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy chai latte, call a few friends or family members to share a slice, and watch as this cake transforms any ordinary afternoon into a moment worth savoring. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a dessert that’s not only richly flavored and beautifully textured, but also brimming with the warmth of homemade care and festive cheer.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the foundational flour that gives structure to the aromatic spices that define its character, to the smooth frosting that crowns each slice, each component has a purpose. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the essential structure and crumb to the cake layers, ensuring they hold together while still remaining soft and tender.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fine crumb by aerating the mixture as it’s creamed with the dry ingredients.
- Light brown sugar
Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture, giving the cake a deeper, more caramelized sweetness.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender, ensuring it doesn’t dry out even after a few days in the fridge.
- Large eggs
Act as binders to hold the ingredients together, contribute to the cake’s leavening, and add richness to the texture.
- Baking powder
A leavening agent that helps the cake rise evenly, producing a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda
Works alongside the baking powder to further boost the rise and counterbalance the acidity from the pumpkin and brown sugar.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, round out the sweetness, and balances the aromatic spices.
- Ground cinnamon
The star spice for that quintessential pumpkin pie flavor, offering warm, sweet notes that define this cake.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a slightly sweet, floral depth that complements the cinnamon with a touch of nutty warmth.
- Ground ginger
Introduces a subtle, spicy kick that brightens the overall spice blend.
- Ground cloves
Provides a robust, almost bittersweet warmth that adds complexity to the spice profile.
- Pumpkin puree
The hero ingredient that brings natural sweetness, moistness, and that unmistakable fall hue.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor, lifting the spices and highlighting the pumpkin’s rich, earthy notes.
- Cream cheese
The foundation of the frosting, offering tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
- Unsalted butter
Enriches the frosting’s texture, making it smooth, spreadable, and delightfully silky.
- Confectioners’ sugar
Sweetens the frosting and contributes to its light, fluffy consistency when beaten.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a sweet, aromatic lift that complements the cream cheese’s tang.
- Salt (pinch)
Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuanced flavors in the frosting.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Baking this cake is a delightful journey from mixed spices to a beautifully frosted final masterpiece. Follow these steps closely to ensure light, moist layers and a silky smooth frosting that holds its shape.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal of the cake layers once baked.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir well until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and the spice blend is uniform.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a glossy, orange-hued batter.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir just until combined—overmixing can lead to a denser crumb.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even rise.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into each center layer comes out clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then gently invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
8. To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate every last bit.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Then, place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake to create a flawless finish.
11. Decorate as desired—a dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or piped frosting rosettes make for a festive presentation—and serve to delighted guests.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
When it comes to serving this festive Pumpkin Spice Cake, presentation and pairing can elevate every delightful bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, thoughtful serving touches will make your creation look as good as it tastes. Consider the color palette of autumn leaves for your table setting—earthy browns, warm oranges, and creamy whites—to complement the cake’s golden hue and frosting’s ivory gloss. Use cake stands or tiered platters to give the dessert center stage, and line the table with cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, or sprigs of fresh thyme for a rustic, seasonal vibe. Soft, ambient lighting from candles or string lights can cast a warm glow that enhances the inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to prepare hot beverages—coffee, chai, or spiced cider—to accompany each slice, bringing out the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in every bite.
- Serve a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon for extra cozy comfort.
- Present individual mini cakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins or small ramekins; top with a swirl of frosting and a single pecan for elegant single servings.
- Garnish the whole cake with toasted chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to add both texture and a festive visual pop.
- Pair each slice with a seasonal spiced beverage, such as hot apple cider or a chai latte, to harmonize the warming spices and sweet-tangy frosting.
HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Proper storage ensures every slice of your Pumpkin Spice Cake remains as moist and flavorful as the day you baked it. Because the cream cheese frosting is sensitive to temperature, refrigeration is key to maintaining both food safety and frosting texture. Begin by placing the cake in an airtight container or covering it securely with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors or moisture from the fridge. If you plan to enjoy the cake over several days, slice it into individual portions before chilling—this makes it easy to grab a piece without exposing the entire cake to warm air.
- Refrigerator storage: Keep the frosted cake in the fridge for up to five days. Always wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.
- Freezer-friendly: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Short-term room temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within 24 hours, you can leave it at room temperature in a cool spot, tightly covered with a cake dome or large bowl to guard against drying.
- Pre-serving prep: Remove refrigerated or frozen slices 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly for the best texture and flavor release.
CONCLUSION
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is your ticket to a perfectly spiced, moist dessert that captures all the cozy charm of fall. Beginning bakers will appreciate its straightforward steps and forgiving batter, while seasoned home chefs will love customizing it with nuts, spices, or decorative frosting swirls. From the soft crumb of cinnamon-infused cake layers to the tangy, velvety finish of the cream cheese frosting, this recipe delivers a festive treat that’s both comforting and impressive. Don’t forget to print this article and save it for your holiday baking rotation—you’ll want it at the ready when autumn winds start to whisper and your kitchen craves those familiar, heartwarming aromas. Scroll down to find an FAQ that answers common questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting, and flavor variations to make this recipe your own.
We’d love to hear about your baking adventures with this cake! If you have any comments, questions, or need help with a particular step—whether it’s achieving the perfect crumb or getting that frosting just right—please share your feedback below. Let us know what twists you tried, what your favorite pairing was, or any tips you discovered along the way. Your experience enriches this community of home cooks, making every slice that much sweeter.
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
This delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake brings together the cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by luscious cream cheese frosting. Every bite is a festive treat that captures the essence of autumn!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Stir well until evenly mixed.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
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To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy.
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Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
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Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
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Decorate as desired and serve.
Note
- For added flavor and texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
- Always ensure the cake layers are fully cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- You can enhance the fall flavor by adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
