Pumpkin Cake

This Pumpkin Cake is the best fall treat—rich, moist, and packed with warm spices, topped off with a buttery whipped cream cheese frosting. It’s easy to make and perfectly tender, bringing all the cozy, decadent flavors of the season to your table.

Imagine the smell of pumpkin spice filling your home—like a warm hug from fall itself! This pumpkin cake is super easy to make and tastes like pure autumn. With the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor, cozy spices, and a sweet, creamy frosting, it’s a treat that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater.

Whether you’re a pro baker or just getting started, it doesn’t matter if this cake is your ticket to fall dessert heaven. It’s not just a cake; it’s a little slice of happiness, perfect for family gatherings, a cozy coffee break, or a friendly get-together.

Serve it right out of the oven or dress it up with some nuts or sprinkles to make it look extra special. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need for fancy skills—just simple steps and ingredients you probably already have.
• Moist & Flavorful: Each bite has that rich pumpkin taste and warm spice blend that’s hard to resist, especially topped with cream cheese frosting.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a hit with everyone, whether family, friends, or kiddos.
• Flexible Ingredients: You’re good to go with basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices.
• Bake Your Way: Use a 9×13 pan, go for cupcakes, or make a loaf—it’s totally up to you!
• Great for Make-Ahead: Bake it a day or two before. It stays moist and tastes even better with time.
• Freezer-Friendly: Slice it, wrap it up, and freeze for a rainy (or pumpkin-craving) day.

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the pumpkin goodness.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Helps it rise and get that nice fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Brings the cozy fall vibes.
• Salt: A pinch goes a long way in balancing flavors.
• Eggs & Vegetable oil: Keeps it moist and binds everything together.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show!
• Butter (for greasing the pan): Keeps it from sticking.

And for the frosting:

• Cream cheese & unsalted butter: Smooth, creamy, and rich—perfect for frosting!
• Vanilla extract: Adds a little warmth.
• Powdered sugar: To thicken and sweeten the frosting just right.

How to Make Pumpkin Cake

Follow along to learn how to make pumpkin cake!

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and place the oven rack in the middle position.
• Step Two: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter.
• Step Three: Sift the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

• Step Four: Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin to a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly.

• Step Five: Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients into the well. Whisk until smooth.

• Step Six: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
• Step Seven: Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Do not overbake.
• Step Eight: Cool on a cooling rack to allow the cake to come to room temperature.

• Step Nine: Add the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla to a bowl. Beat with an electric mixture until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Step Ten: Starting at low speed, add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to the bowl until all the sugar has been added.
• Step Eleven: Beat at high speed until the frosting is soft and creamy, for about 3 minutes.

• Step Twelve: Spread the frosting evenly on the cooled cake.

How to Serve It

• With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream? Yes, please!
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Adds an extra layer of sweetness.
• Add Crunchy Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts make it even more delicious.
• Fresh Fruit: A few apple or pear slices on the side add a fresh contrast.
• Cozy Drinks: Pair it with spiced tea or coffee for the ultimate fall treat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Adjust the Spices: Add more cinnamon or ginger for an extra kick.
• Add-ins: Stir in some chopped nuts or chia seeds for texture.
• Frosting Options: Cream cheese frosting is classic, but a simple glaze works for a lighter touch.

Storage Instructions

• Short-term: Cover and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Long-term: Wrap it up (plastic wrap + foil) and freeze for 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, and let it sit at room temp for a bit before serving. You can freeze the cream cheese frosting, too. Individual pieces also freeze well.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Fresh or Canned Pumpkin: Fresh puree has a rich flavor, but canned works great too!
• More Spice, More Nice: Feel free to add a dash more of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Don’t Overmix: Just mix until everything’s combined to keep it nice and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• Measure Carefully: Use a spoon to add flour to the measuring cup, then level it off to avoid a dense cake.
• Decorate. Top with pecans or walnut pieces or a little cinnamon.

Want to Make Cupcakes?

Use the same recipe, but pour the batter into a muffin tin with liners. They’ll bake in about 18-22 minutes, and a toothpick should come out clean when they’re done.

Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Ribbon Bread
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

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