Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
A moist and flavorful pumpkin layer cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layers
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which could lead to a dense cake.
- Bake Cake Layers. Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow layers to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Assemble Cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bringing cream cheese and butter to room temperature prior to making frosting helps achieve a smooth consistency.
Keywords: pumpkin cake, pumpkin layer cake, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, holiday cake, homemade cake
