Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Fall is within the air, and what higher strategy to rejoice than with a slice of heavenly pumpkin cake smothered in velvety cream cheese frosting?

This iconic autumn deal with combines the nice and cozy, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese – a match made in dessert heaven!

Do you know that pumpkin cake recipes date again to the 1800s? Let’s dive into this timeless basic that’s positive to grow to be your new favourite fall indulgence!

Components You’ll Want

Earlier than we begin baking, let’s collect all the mandatory substances. Right here’s what you’ll want for this mouthwatering pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting:

For the Pumpkin Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 massive eggs
1/4 cup milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Non-compulsory add-ins and variations:

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1 teaspoon orange zest for a citrusy twist

Step-by-Step Baking Instruction

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch spherical cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Put aside.
In a big bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Combine till properly blended.
Beat within the eggs one after the other, then stir within the milk.
Step by step add the dry substances to the pumpkin combination, mixing till simply mixed. Don’t overmix!
Pour the batter into the ready pan(s) and easy the highest with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes for spherical desserts or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch cake, till a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clear.
Cool within the pan for 10 minutes, then take away and funky utterly on a wire rack earlier than frosting.

Whipping Up the Good Cream Cheese Frosting

Now, let’s make that impossible to resist cream cheese frosting!

Be sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. That is essential for a easy, lump-free frosting!
In a big bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter till mild and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step by step add the powdered sugar, mixing on low pace till included.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high pace till easy and creamy.
If the frosting is simply too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too skinny, add extra powdered sugar till you attain the specified consistency.

Professional tip: For a twist, strive including a teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of maple syrup to your frosting!

Assembling and Adorning Your Pumpkin Cake

As soon as your cake is totally cool, it’s time to frost! For a layer cake, place one layer on a cake stand and unfold a thick layer of frosting on high. Add the second layer and frost the highest and sides.
For a sheet cake, merely unfold the frosting evenly excessive.
Get artistic together with your decorations! Strive:

Swirling the frosting with the again of a spoon for a country look
Piping rosettes across the edges
Sprinkling chopped pecans or candied pumpkin seeds on high
Dusting with cinnamon for a of entirety

Retailer your frosted cake within the fridge, however deliver it to room temperature earlier than serving for the very best taste and texture.

close up pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting

Troubleshooting Frequent Pumpkin Cake Points

Dry cake? Be sure to’re not overbaking. Additionally, strive including an additional egg or a bit extra oil subsequent time.
Melting frosting? Chill your cake layers earlier than frosting, and maintain the completed cake cool.
Spice ranges off? Regulate the pumpkin pie spice to your style, or create your personal mix with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Must make forward? Unfrosted cake layers might be wrapped tightly and frozen for as much as a month. Thaw earlier than frosting!

Well being Advantages and Dietary Modifications

Consider it or not, this indulgent dessert does have some dietary perks! Pumpkin is filled with nutritional vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s comparatively low in energy.

For dietary restrictions:

Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Vegan? Strive substituting flax eggs and plant-based cream cheese.
Watching sugar? Scale back the sugar within the cake and use a low-fat cream cheese for the frosting.

Keep in mind, moderation is vital. Take pleasure in a slice (or two!) with out guilt by training portion management.

Whether or not you’re a seasoned baker or making an attempt your hand at fall desserts for the primary time, this recipe is certain to impress.

Comfortable baking, and don’t overlook to share your scrumptious creations with family members!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I take advantage of contemporary pumpkin as an alternative of canned puree?

Sure, you may! Roast and puree contemporary pumpkin, however be certain that to empty extra liquid to keep away from a soggy cake.

Is it potential to make this recipe as cupcakes?

Sure! Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for about 18-22 minutes on the identical temperature.

Can I cut back the sugar with out affecting the feel?

You’ll be able to cut back the sugar within the cake by as much as 1/4 cup with out considerably impacting the feel. For the frosting, it’s possible you’ll want to regulate the consistency in the event you cut back the sugar.