Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This delightful Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect autumn treat combining moist, spiced pumpkin cake layers with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or cozy gatherings, this cake offers a comforting blend of warm spices and creamy sweetness that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves). In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Gradually add the oil, then mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake Cake Layers: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Evenly divide the batter between the pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Assemble and Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to create a smooth batter and frosting.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Make sure to fully cool the cake layers before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
Keywords: Pumpkin Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Autumn Dessert, Spiced Cake, Holiday Cake
