Pumpki

Get ready to bake the most incredible pumpkin cake you’ve ever tasted! This recipe delivers a beautifully moist crumb, infused with a comforting blend of fall spices. Topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, this is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any home baker.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cake

This delightful pumpkin cake is a true standout, making it a must-have for your baking repertoire.

• It offers an incredibly rich, authentic pumpkin flavor that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
• You will adore its supremely moist and tender crumb, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
• A harmonious blend of warm fall spices creates a comforting and inviting aroma throughout your home.
• Its single-layer preparation makes this pumpkin cake refreshingly simple, even for beginner bakers.
• This versatile dessert is perfect for casual family gatherings, festive holidays, or a cozy evening treat.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this delightful pumpkin cake and its irresistible frosting. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your homemade treat.

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup (240ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Notes & Substitutions

Pumpkin Puree: Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results. As explained by WebstaurantStore, pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices, allowing for better control of flavor. If using fresh puree, ensure you drain any excess moisture for a consistent cake texture.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: A store-bought blend works perfectly. You can also make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Oil: Canola or vegetable oil keeps the cake incredibly moist. For a slightly lighter version, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, providing the perfect structure for a tender crumb. Avoid self-rising flour.

Brown Sugar: This is crucial for the cake’s deep, molasses-rich flavor and contributes significantly to its moistness. Do not substitute with granulated sugar.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter are essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Room temperature eggs also ensure even mixing into the batter.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking this spiced pumpkin delight even easier.

• 9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size for a single-layer sheet cake.
• Large mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: For combining ingredients thoroughly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for consistent baking results.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly and prevents a soggy bottom.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious pumpkin cake that will impress everyone. Remember, baking is a joyful process, so take your time and enjoy each stage.

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly. I often use a glass pan for this recipe.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This step ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the canola or vegetable oil, large eggs, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, canned pumpkin puree, and pure vanilla extract together until they are well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer on low speed or a sturdy whisk to combine everything until just blended. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine. The batter will be notably thick.
5. Bake the Cake: Spread the thick pumpkin cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 30-36 minutes. Baking times can vary, so keep a close eye on your cake. The cake is perfectly done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the top or edges of your cake browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last part of baking.
6. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place the entire pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the spiced pumpkin cake to cool completely at room temperature. To speed up the cooling process, after about 45 minutes, you can carefully place the pan in the refrigerator. Ensure the cake is fully cool before frosting.
7. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on high speed until the mixture is smooth and wonderfully creamy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds until combined, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you desire a slightly thicker frosting, add the extra 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar and beat again until smooth (I typically add it for extra body).
8. Frost and Chill: Once the pumpkin cake is completely cool, evenly spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top. For easier serving and to allow the frosting to set beautifully, refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect pumpkin cake is simple with a few expert tips.

• Accurate Measuring: Always spoon and level your flour into measuring cups. Scooping directly can pack in too much flour, leading to a dry cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix until just combined for a tender, moist crumb.
• Baking Time Varies: Ovens differ significantly. Rely on visual cues and the toothpick test rather than just the clock to know when your cake is done.
• Prevent Browning: If the top of your cake starts browning too quickly while the center is still baking, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
• Perfect Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients will lead to lumpy frosting, while overly warm butter can make it too soft.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile pumpkin cake is a treat that can be enjoyed in many ways, stored for later, or adapted to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your frosted pumpkin cake with a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of festive fall leaves, or even some candied pecans. Serve slices with a warm cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or a glass of cold milk for a delightful dessert experience. This is the ultimate autumn treat.

Storage Instructions

Cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Frosted cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month, wrapped similarly.

Variations

• Pumpkin Cupcakes: Transform this recipe into delightful cupcakes! Fill muffin liners about two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This makes about 24 cupcakes.
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-12 cup Bundt pan. Increase baking time to 45-55 minutes, checking for doneness with a skewer.
• 2-Layer Pumpkin Cake: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. Reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. Layer with frosting in between and on top.
• Alternative Frostings: While cream cheese frosting is classic, consider a vanilla buttercream, a brown butter cream cheese frosting, or a simple maple glaze for a different twist on this moist pumpkin dessert.

Nutrition

Enjoying a slice of this delicious pumpkin cake is a wonderful treat. While exact values vary by serving size and ingredients used, this homemade dessert provides a satisfying combination of carbohydrates, fats, and some protein. It is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Note: These values are approximate and may vary.

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect pumpkin cake? We have answers!

• Can I use fresh pumpkin puree? Yes, but you must drain it well to remove excess moisture, or your cake might become too wet and dense. Pat it dry with paper towels.
• How to make this cake nut-free? This pumpkin cake recipe is naturally nut-free, so you do not need to make any substitutions to accommodate nut allergies.
• Why did my cake sink in the middle? This often happens from opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or underbaking the cake. Ensure accurate oven temperature.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost before serving.
• What other spices can I add? Feel free to customize your spice blend with a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of ground cloves for extra warmth.

Conclusion

This ultimate moist pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting truly delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. It’s a delightful way to embrace the autumn season, bringing warmth and comfort to your kitchen and your table. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover how enjoyable baking can be. Get ready to create cherished memories and delicious treats that everyone will adore!

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