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Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for the perfect fall dessert that will impress your guests? This Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful celebration of autumn flavors. With a tender pumpkin base spiced just right and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Top it off with a crunchy crumb topping, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin spice cake is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the warmth of fall spices with the rich flavor of pumpkin. Its moist texture and creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds.

  • Irresistibly moist thanks to pumpkin puree.
  • Perfect balance of spices for that classic autumn flavor.
  • Decadent cream cheese frosting that pairs beautifully with the cake.
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Great for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts or granola (for topping, optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
  10. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  11. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or granola on top for added texture.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Easy Variations

  • Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
  • Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

What to Serve With It

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • A dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creaminess.
  • Hot apple cider or spiced tea for a cozy pairing.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield/Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts or granola (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
  10. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  11. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or granola on top for added texture.

Notes:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.

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