Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This pumpkin spice cake features a moist, tender crumb infused with warm autumn spices and smooth pumpkin puree, topped with a silky cream cheese frosting that adds tangy sweetness and richness to every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight desserts, or satisfying a seasonal craving, this cake comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
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Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree pure pumpkin, not pie filling
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature, full fat brick style like Philadelphia
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar sifted if lumpy
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Blend Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, about 30-45 seconds; do not overmix.
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs; do not overbake.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Add the sifted confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat on medium speed until smooth and spreadable, about 1-2 minutes; do not overmix or the frosting may become grainy.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the frosting and adjust salt or vanilla to your preference.
- Level the Cake: If desired, use a serrated knife to level the top of the cake for a flat surface; this step is optional but helps with frosting application.
- Apply Frosting: Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, working from the center outward.
- Garnish: If desired, top with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice, crushed candies, or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.