Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to festive celebrations. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a standout choice, while the caramel cream cheese frosting adds a delightful twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: This cake is packed with pumpkin spice goodness, making every bite a treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, anyone can whip this up quickly.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because! It fits any occasion seamlessly.
- Decadent Frosting: The caramel cream cheese frosting elevates the cake, adding richness and sweetness.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe serves 15 people, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cake pans
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes mixing the batter effortless, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture in your cake.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Using these ensures that your ingredients are perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (full fat brick style)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel (see below or buy your own)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)
For Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (cut into 5 pieces)
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them for the batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
All-purpose flour
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together:
Vegetable oil
Brown sugar
White sugar
Add eggs one at a time while mixing. Stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Drizzle in salted caramel sauce and whipping cream as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled, place one layer of cake on your serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired. Drizzle extra salted caramel on top for an indulgent finish.
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this moist cake.
For a Cozy Afternoon Tea
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
- Add Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Festive Platter: Arrange slices on a decorative platter, garnished with pecans or walnuts for a festive touch.
- Mini Cake Bites: Cut the cake into small bite-sized pieces for easy snacking during holiday parties.
As a Birthday Cake
- Layered Delight: Consider stacking layers with caramel frosting in between for an impressive birthday presentation.
- Candles on Top: Add candles on top for celebrations; the caramel cream cheese frosting will make it even more special.
With Ice Cream
- Warm and Cold Combo: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the flavors complement each other beautifully.
- Drizzle Extra Caramel: Add an extra drizzle of salted caramel over the ice cream for a decadent finish.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially pumpkin puree, are fresh for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature; baking times may vary.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance its flavor. Here are some suggestions that work wonderfully together.
- Spiced Chai Latte: A warm drink that complements the spices in the pumpkin cake beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness balances nicely with the rich frosting.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tartness from cranberries provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.
- Apple Crisp: The warm cinnamon notes tie in well with pumpkin flavors, making it a seasonal favorite.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory options that balance out the sweetness of dessert.
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup makes for a cozy starter before diving into dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Always bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Skipping the cooling process: Cutting into a hot cake can ruin its texture. Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting it for the best results.
- Using low-quality caramel: A poor-quality caramel can impact flavor. Make homemade salted caramel or choose a high-quality store-bought option for the frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover pumpkin cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess moisture.
How do I know when my pumpkin cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as alternatives, but they will alter the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy its warm, cozy flavors that will surely delight your family and friends!
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 15 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist, fluffy, and infused with pumpkin spice goodness, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Topped with a rich caramel cream cheese frosting, it takes dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. Your guests will be begging for seconds as they savor each bite of this irresistibly sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 oz cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and caramel sauce until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the cooled cake layers generously and drizzle with additional salted caramel if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
