Pumpkin Cake

There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about Pumpkin Cake. Each bite reminds me of those cozy autumn afternoons, with the scent of spices wafting through the kitchen as the cake bakes to perfection. I remember the first time I made it; I was hosting a small gathering and wanted to impress my friends with a dessert that screamed fall. The beautiful golden-orange color, the rich and moist texture, and the delightful cream cheese frosting created a masterpiece that was devoured in minutes. Every slice was a celebration of the season, full of warmth and joy. Every forkful brings with it the essence of Thanksgiving and family gatherings, making it a recipe I cherish.

I love how versatile Pumpkin Cake is; it can be served as a delightful dessert or even a sweet treat for breakfast with a cup of coffee. You can enjoy it plain, or dress it up with frosting and decorations for special occasions. The real magic, however, lies in how simple it is to create this wonderful dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something that feels gourmet! Let’s dive into the reasons why this recipe is one to keep on hand.

Recipe Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake

The ingredients for Pumpkin Cake work harmoniously together, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in bringing this cake to life. The key players include the warm spices that define the taste of fall, the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and depth, and the flour that provides structure.

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour is the base of the cake, providing the necessary structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons of baking powder helps the cake rise beautifully, giving it that delightful fluffiness.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors, making the sweet notes pop.
• Pumpkin pie spice: 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice brings a warm, aromatic flavor that embodies the essence of fall.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon adds depth and a comforting fragrance to the cake.
• Sugar: 1 cup of sugar sweetens the cake perfectly, contributing to its moisture and flavor.
• Oil: 1/3 cup of oil (canola, vegetable, or refined coconut oil) keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Pumpkin puree: 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is what gives this cake its signature flavor and color.
• Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons of maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of richness.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Water: 1/4 cup of water helps bring the batter together.
• Cream cheese frosting: 1 cup of cream cheese frosting is the luscious topping that makes this cake irresistible.

How to Assemble Pumpkin Cake

Assembling Pumpkin Cake is an enjoyable experience. You will see how simple it is to create a delicious dessert that looks impressive! Follow these steps for a delightful result.

1. Preheat your oven to 180C/350F. This step is crucial for even baking. A hot oven helps the cake rise properly. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with oil or butter and set it aside to prepare for the batter.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these well to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
3. Add your wet ingredients to the bowl: 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of oil, 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix until combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
4. Transfer the batter to the greased cake pan. Make sure to spread it evenly using a spatula. This helps it to bake uniformly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
6. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove.
7. Carefully flip the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential, as frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt.
8. Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it lengthways into three thin cakes or two thicker layers, depending on your preference.
9. Spread cream cheese frosting on the base layer. Use a generous amount for a rich taste. Add the next layer and repeat the frosting process until all layers are stacked.
10. Finally, decorate the top and sides of the cake with more cream cheese frosting. You can add additional decorations like nuts or chocolate shavings if desired.

Ways to Customize

Customization can elevate your Pumpkin Cake experience! Here are some ideas to put your own spin on this classic recipe.

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Frosting variations: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter option.
• Layering options: Instead of a traditional cake, consider making it into cupcakes for easier serving.
• Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips or dried fruits into the batter for a sweet surprise.
• Serving styles: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.

Perfect Matches for Pumpkin Cake

When it comes to serving your delightful Pumpkin Cake, there are plenty of options to complement your treat. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Warm beverages: Enjoy the cake with a steaming cup of chai or apple cider to enhance the fall flavor experience.
• Ice cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Seasonal fruits: Pair your cake with fresh apples or pears to add a refreshing contrast.
• Cheese board: Create a cheese board with sharp cheeses to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Occasions: Pumpkin Cake is ideal for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or even birthdays, adding a lovely festive touch.
• Storage: Leftover unfrosted cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days, while frosted cake should be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

FAQ

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the warmth of the fall season. Its perfect combination of spices and pumpkin creates a moist, flavorful cake that is sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try making this delicious dessert; it’s simple, satisfying, and will fill your home with the comforting scents of autumn. Gather your loved ones and share a slice of joy!

Pumpkin Cake

The ultimate fall dessert, Pumpkin Cake is moist, spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights, it's an easy recipe that brings warmth and joy to your table. Make it tonight for a taste of the season!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/3 cup Oil
• 3/4 cup Pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 cup Cream cheese frosting

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Add 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of oil, 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of water to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Transfer the batter to the greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, slice the cake lengthways into two or three layers.
8. Spread cream cheese frosting on each layer as you stack them.
9. Decorate the top and sides of the cake with more cream cheese frosting.

Notes

• Sugar: You can use white sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or sugar-free substitutes.
• No layers: This cake bakes just as well as a single-layer cake.
• Leftovers: Unfrosted cake will keep at room temperature for 5 days or frosted in the fridge for 2 weeks.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.