Indulge in the seasonal delight of Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This tender, moist cake captures the essence of fall with its rich pumpkin flavor and hint of spice. Topped with a lusciously smooth cream cheese frosting, it makes the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering or a simple treat with your afternoon tea.
While most ingredients for this recipe are staple pantry items, there are a few you might need to pick up. Pumpkin puree is the star of this recipe, typically found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Also, the pumpkin pie spice, which is a blend of warm spices, might need to be on your shopping list if you don't typically bake fall desserts. Lastly, if you don't regularly bake, ensure you have baking powder and baking soda on hand.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
All purpose flour: This is the base for the cake batter and provides structure to the cake.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: These sweeten the cake and the molasses in the brown sugar adds moisture and flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice: This is a blend of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice) that give the cake its signature fall flavor.
Baking soda and baking powder: These are leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and help the cake to rise.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist.
Pumpkin puree: Provides the cake with pumpkin flavor and moisture.
Butter and cream cheese: These are the base for the frosting, providing a rich, creamy flavor.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to both the cake and frosting.
Sprinkles: Optional for decoration.
One reader, Darice Gladden says:
This pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a game-changer! The cake is moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance of sweetness. It's a hit at every gathering, and I've received countless compliments. It's a must-try for any pumpkin lover!
Essential Techniques for Making Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and allow the oven to heat up before baking the cake.
Coat the pan with cooking spray: Lightly spray a 9-inch x 13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Stir the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl until well mixed.
Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture: Incorporate the vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Spread the batter into the pan: Evenly distribute the cake batter into the prepared pan before baking.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until the cake is set and lightly browned.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: In the bowl of a mixer, combine the butter and cream cheese, mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add the vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract for 30 seconds to flavor the frosting.
Adjust the frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Spread the frosting: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
Top with sprinkles: Decorate the frosted cake with sprinkles for a finishing touch.
Cut into squares: Slice the cake into squares for serving.
How To Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get baking on this easy-to-follow recipe for pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving! It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 2cupsall purpose flour
- 1cupgranulated sugar
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 2tsppumpkin pie spice
- ¼tspsalt
- 1tspbaking soda
- 2tspbaking powder
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 4eggs
- 1cupvegetable oil
- 15ozpumpkin puree
- cooking spray
For Frosting:
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- 4cupspowdered sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- sprinkles,or candy pumpkins, for decoration, optional
Instructions
Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
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Place the flour, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
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Add the vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil and pumpkin puree to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
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Spread the batter evenly into the pan.
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Bake for 35 to 38 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
-
Cool completely in the pan.
Frosting:
-
Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer, then mix for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, then mix on low speed until combined.
-
Add the vanilla extract, then mix for 30 seconds.
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If the frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
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Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, then top with sprinkles.
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Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 340.21kcal
- Fat: 18.23g
- Saturated Fat: 5.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.33g
- Carbohydrates: 42.66g
- Fiber: 0.82g
- Sugar: 32.90g
- Protein: 2.79g
- Cholesterol: 47.22mg
- Sodium: 155.38mg
- Calcium: 52.63mg
- Potassium: 77.80mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 216.27µg
- Vitamin C: 0.78mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
When making the cream cheese frosting, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. This will make them easier to blend together, resulting in a smoother, creamier frosting. If your frosting is too thick, adding a small amount of milk can help achieve the desired consistency. However, add the milk gradually, as adding too much at once can make the frosting too runny.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before. Store them in airtight containers to save time on the day of baking.
Use canned pumpkin: Instead of making your own pumpkin puree, use canned pumpkin for convenience and to save time.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting the recipe to save time on mixing and achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
Bake in advance: Bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day of serving.
Efficient frosting: Use an offset spatula for frosting the cake to achieve a smooth and even finish in less time.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitution is ideal for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a gluten-free option without compromising the texture of the cake.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative with a lower glycemic index, adding a subtle caramel flavor to the cake.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener, providing a unique flavor and moisture to the cake.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: A combination of these spices can be used to replicate the flavor profile of pumpkin pie spice.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: If you run out of baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but keep in mind that the leavening process may be slightly different.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier alternative to reduce the fat content in the cake while adding moisture.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a lower-fat alternative, providing a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting.
powdered sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener for the frosting, adding a distinct flavor and a smoother texture.
sprinkles - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts can be used as a crunchy and flavorful alternative to decorate the cake.
How to Beautifully Present This Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing display. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the cake and frosting to stand out. Consider using a circular mold to create a neat, centered presentation.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of edible gold leaf or candied pumpkin seeds. These delicate and luxurious touches will enhance the overall presentation and add a hint of opulence to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Elevate the plating by incorporating artistic drizzles of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache on the plate. Use a squeeze bottle to create elegant swirls or zig-zag patterns, adding a professional and artistic flair to the presentation.
Embrace minimalism: Emphasize the beauty of simplicity by opting for a minimalist presentation. Place a single, carefully sliced portion of the pumpkin cake on the plate, allowing the rich colors and textures of the dessert to take center stage without overwhelming the visual appeal.
Utilize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dessert with precision, focusing on symmetry and balance. Position the cake slice in the center of the plate and delicately place a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top, ensuring that each element complements the other in a harmonious and visually pleasing manner.
Highlight the cream cheese frosting: Showcase the luscious cream cheese frosting by using a piping bag to create elegant swirls or rosettes on the plate. This technique adds a touch of finesse and draws attention to the luxurious and creamy frosting, elevating the overall presentation.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Embrace the spirit of the season by incorporating a touch of seasonal decor. Consider adorning the plate with a small, tasteful arrangement of edible flowers or a sprig of fresh rosemary, adding a subtle nod to the flavors and ingredients of the pumpkin cake.
Focus on precision slicing: Pay attention to the precision of the cake slices. Use a sharp, clean knife to create clean, uniform slices, ensuring that each portion is presented with finesse and attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking the pumpkin cake.
- 9-inch x 13-inch pan: A baking pan used to bake the cake.
- Cooking spray: Used to coat the baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing the dry ingredients for the cake.
- Mixer: Used to mix the butter and cream cheese for the frosting.
- Spatula: Used for spreading the cake batter and frosting.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used to measure the ingredients accurately.
- Whisk: Used for combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake.
- Cooling rack: Used to cool the cake after baking.
- Knife: Used to cut the cake into squares for serving.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Let the pumpkin cake cool completely before frosting or storing. Once cooled, you can cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Label the cake with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
- For best results, store the cream cheese frosting separately from the cake. Keep the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If you have already frosted the cake, you can still freeze it. Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to allow the frosting to harden, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cake at room temperature for extended periods, as the cream cheese frosting can spoil quickly.
- If you need to transport the cake, keep it in a cool, air-conditioned environment to prevent the frosting from melting.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Cake
- To reheat leftover pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, first let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. This will ensure even heating throughout the cake.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is preheating, wrap the cake loosely in aluminum foil. This will help prevent the cake from drying out during the reheating process.
- Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your cake slice.
- If you prefer a moister cake, you can also add a small amount of water to the baking sheet before placing the wrapped cake on top. The steam from the water will help keep the cake moist as it reheats.
- For a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the cake slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as this can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and become runny.
- If you find that the cream cheese frosting has become too soft or melted after reheating, you can place the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the frosting to firm up again.
- Another option is to remove the cream cheese frosting before reheating the pumpkin cake. Simply scrape off the frosting, reheat the cake using one of the above methods, and then re-apply the frosting once the cake has cooled slightly.
- If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your leftover pumpkin cake. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C), place the cake slice in the basket, and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
The pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This cake is perfect for fall gatherings and celebrations. It's a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavors of pumpkin in a sweet and satisfying treat. The combination of moist pumpkin cake and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a delicious harmony of flavors and textures. Plus, the addition of pumpkin pie spice adds a warm and comforting aroma to the cake. It's a wonderful dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day.
Is Making Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it budget-friendly. The use of pumpkin puree and cream cheese may require a small investment, but the yield is substantial. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10 due to its simplicity, delicious flavor, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable and delightful treat for any occasion.
Is Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a delightful treat, but it's not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The cake contains a significant amount of sugar (granulated and brown), which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The recipe calls for a full cup of vegetable oil, which is high in calories and unhealthy fats.
- The cream cheese frosting is loaded with butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, making it a calorie-dense topping.
While the pumpkin puree does provide some nutrients, such as vitamin A and fiber, the overall nutritional value of the cake is overshadowed by the high sugar and fat content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, and replace some of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Swap out half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to reduce the fat content and add moisture.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Lighten up the cream cheese frosting by using reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter, or opt for a healthier topping like a Greek yogurt-based frosting or a drizzle of honey.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Pumpkin Cake Recipe
The pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. The combination of moist pumpkin cake and rich cream cheese frosting creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. The use of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and depth to the cake, while the creamy frosting provides a luscious finish. The recipe's straightforward instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, and the end result is sure to impress any crowd. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, this pumpkin cake is a wonderful addition to any dessert spread.
Enhance Your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Pumpkin Cake
Ideal Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve With Pumpkin Cake
Why trust this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
This recipe for pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch, perfectly complementing the moist cake. With a balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe promises a delectable dessert experience. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and irresistible treat for all to enjoy.
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