Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, sweet friends, there’s truly nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Cake wafting through your kitchen, is there? It’s a hug in cake form, a warm embrace of autumn spices and tender, moist crumb that instantly transports you to cozy evenings. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, a truly magical treat that comes alive with every bite.

I remember childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg always lingering in the air. We’d experiment with different spice blends, giggling as we mixed batters, and it’s those precious memories that inspire me to share recipes like this. Baking is more than just ingredients; it’s about creating joy, connection, and a little bit of homemade magic.

This recipe for a moist Pumpkin Spice Cake is wonderfully approachable, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and eager beginners. It’s a family-friendly dessert that shines at any gathering, promising to bring smiles all around. My top tip? Don’t rush the creaming process; it’s the secret to a beautifully airy cake!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful dessert begins with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand. The star, of course, is pumpkin puree, which gives our Pumpkin Spice Cake its incredible moisture and earthy sweetness. I always recommend using good quality cream cheese and butter for that dreamy, tangy frosting – it truly makes all the difference! You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake

Making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake is a joyful journey through three simple stages. First, we’ll whisk together our dry ingredients before gently folding in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and oils to create a rich, fragrant batter. Next, a luscious cream cheese frosting comes together in a flash, ready to crown our masterpiece. Finally, we’ll assemble the layers, creating a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in a moist, perfectly spiced pumpkin cake crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting, a quintessential dessert for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar packed
• 2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
• 15 oz Pumpkin puree one can, not pie filling
• 2 Large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk room temperature
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz Cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter 1 stick, softened
• 3-4 cups Powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• Pinch Salt

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring all corners and sides are coated to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, large eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to the edges with your spatula.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely before applying frosting. Cooling completely is essential for the frosting to set properly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Once all sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and lump-free.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake

1. Once the pumpkin spice cake is completely cooled, use an offset spatula or a knife to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Slice and serve immediately, or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest batter and frosting, ensure your eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps them combine uniformly.

Pumpkin Puree: Always double-check that you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners that would alter the cake’s flavor profile.

Pro Tips for Making This Pumpkin Spice Cake

Getting that perfect, tender crumb and irresistible flavor in your Pumpkin Spice Cake is easier than you think with a few of my tried-and-true tricks!

For the moistest cake, make sure all your wet ingredients, especially the eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the fats, creating a smoother batter and a more even bake. It’s a small step that yields big results!

My Secret Trick: I always sift my dry ingredients together twice. This isn’t just to remove lumps; it also helps aerate the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, ensuring they are perfectly distributed throughout the batter. It makes for an incredibly light and fluffy texture every single time.

When it comes to the cream cheese frosting, ensure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened but still cool to the touch. If they’re too warm, your frosting can become runny. Beat them just until smooth, then add the powdered sugar gradually for a perfectly pipeable consistency.

And finally, don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake. Mix just until everything is incorporated, then stop! Your Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake will thank you for it.

Fun Variations for Pumpkin Spice Cake

Baking is all about creativity, and this Pumpkin Spice Cake is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ways to make it uniquely yours.

Add a Nutty Crunch

My friend Sarah always asks me to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. They introduce a fantastic crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the warm spices beautifully. Just fold about a cup of your favorite nuts into the batter right before pouring it into the pans.

A Swirl of Sweetness

For an extra layer of indulgence, try swirling in a ribbon of caramel sauce into the batter just before baking, or drizzle it generously over each layer before frosting. The sweet, buttery notes of caramel are a heavenly match for the spicy pumpkin.

Citrus Zest Brightness

A little zest goes a long way! I love adding the finely grated zest of one orange or lemon to the cake batter. It doesn’t make the cake taste citrusy, but rather brightens and enhances all those wonderful pumpkin spice flavors. It’s a subtle yet impactful twist.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Cake

This delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake is a star all on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate it even further, turning a lovely dessert into an unforgettable experience.

I love serving a slice of this cake with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy vanilla melts slightly into the warm spices of the cake, creating a truly decadent contrast. It’s a simple pleasure that feels incredibly luxurious.

For a comforting autumn pairing, consider a mug of spiced chai latte or a steaming cup of your favorite herbal tea. The warm beverages complement the cake’s flavors without overpowering them, making for a perfect afternoon treat or after-dinner delight. My mom always pairs it with hot cocoa in winter!

You could also offer a light drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for added texture and a touch of gourmet flair. A quick serving idea? A dollop of freshly whipped cream with a tiny dusting of cinnamon is always a winner and comes together in minutes.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cake

To keep your wonderful Pumpkin Spice Cake as fresh and delicious as the day you baked it, proper storage is key.

Refrigerator Storage

Because of its luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake should always be stored in the refrigerator. Place any leftover slices or the entire cake in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out and absorbing any fridge odors. It will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

If you’ve baked ahead or have a generous amount of leftovers, this Pumpkin Spice Cake freezes beautifully! For best results, I like to freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer a slice from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or let it come to room temperature on the counter for an hour or two. My personal tip? A light warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds can bring back that “freshly baked” warmth, especially for unfrosted slices, then re-frost if needed!

Nutritional Benefits

While it’s undeniably a treat, this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake also brings some goodness to the table! Pumpkin puree itself is packed with Vitamin A, an important antioxidant, and offers a lovely dose of fiber. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and offers wholesome ingredients, reminding us that indulging in a homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake can be a delicious way to nourish your soul and body.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, ensure it’s cooked and pureed until very smooth, with no excess water. You’ll need about 15 ounces (approximately 1¾ cups) for this Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe. Make sure it’s cooled before mixing!

Faq 2

How long does this cake last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. It also freezes well, lasting up to 2-3 months.

Faq 3

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The rest of the ingredients for this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake can remain the same.

Faq 4

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill it with milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it reaches one cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles.

Conclusion

Baking this Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just following a recipe; it’s about inviting warmth, comfort, and joy into your home. It’s a delicious reminder that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can transform into magical treats that bring people together. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, bake this delightful cake, and create sweet, cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking, my friends!