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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A cozy, moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm autumn spices with a tangy, luscious frosting. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting seasonal dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until uniform.
  4. Blend Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and moist.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and well combined.
  7. Assemble and Frost: Once the cakes have fully cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on the first layer, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides evenly. Smooth the surface for an inviting finish.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for best flavor impact.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly for an airy frosting texture.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
  • Use an oven thermometer to maintain accurate baking temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin spice cake, cream cheese frosting, autumn dessert, moist cake, fall flavors, gluten-free option