Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
The Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to welcome fall. This moist pumpkin layer cake, paired with a creamy cinnamon frosting, is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake brings warmth and comfort to every occasion. With its blend of rich spices and creamy texture, it truly stands out as a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or Thanksgiving dinner, this cake fits perfectly into any celebration.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered design topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting looks stunning on any table.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin purée, this cake remains moist and tender, ensuring every bite is delightful.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gathering your tools will streamline the baking process. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Cake pans
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and preventing spills.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when whipping up the batter and frosting.
- Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading frosting evenly.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 360 g all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp pumpkin spice (see notes below recipe to make homemade pumpkin spice)
- 450 g dark brown sugar
- 560 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
- 150 g oil (room temperature)
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 300 g butter
- 150 g full-fat cream cheese
- 540 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon 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 baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin spice
Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, mix:
1. Dark brown sugar
2. Pumpkin purée
3. Oil
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While cakes are cooling, beat together:
1. Butter
2. Cream cheese
Add powdered sugar gradually until smooth, then mix in ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few delightful ways to enjoy it.
Classic Slice
- Serve a slice of this moist pumpkin cake on its own. The rich flavors of pumpkin and spices shine through.
With Coffee
- Pair your cake with a warm cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the frosting beautifully.
Ice Cream Topping
- Top a slice with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. The cold ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm spices in the cake.
Fall Fruit Garnish
- Add slices of fresh apples or pears on the side. Their crispness adds a refreshing element to each bite.
Mini Cake Bites
- Cut into small squares for easy snacking. These mini bites are perfect for gatherings or as an afternoon treat.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting your Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, oil, and pumpkin purée to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one.
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Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
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Cool completely before frosting: Allow the layers to cool fully before adding cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This prevents melting and keeps your frosting intact.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Enjoying your Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can be even more delightful when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.
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Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
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Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and richness that balances the soft cake.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice elevates sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast to the dense frosting.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness alongside the rich pumpkin flavors, perfect for balancing sweetness.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, can provide a savory counterpoint to this sweet dessert.
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Warm Spiced Cider: A mug of warm cider complements fall spices in both drink and dessert form, creating a cozy atmosphere.
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Dark Chocolate Shavings: Add shavings on top for an elegant finish that enhances flavor depth without overpowering it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can ruin the fun. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
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Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs, oil, and pumpkin purée are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a less fluffy cake.
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Overmixing the batter: Once you add flour to the mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense cake instead of a light and airy one.
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Skipping the spice measuring: Pumpkin spice is key for flavor. Ensure you measure it correctly to avoid an overpowering or bland taste.
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Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your cake is done. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s ready; otherwise, give it more time.
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Rushing cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering it to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I use canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar.
How do I make homemade pumpkin spice?
Combine equal parts of cinnamon and nutmeg with smaller amounts of ginger, allspice, and cloves. This mix is great for various fall recipes!
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. However, this may alter the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Whether for fall gatherings or any special occasion, this cake will surely delight your guests! Give it a try!
Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist layer cake, infused with rich pumpkin and warm spices, is a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering or cozy evening at home. Topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, each slice offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your guests longing for more. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Thanksgiving, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 360 g all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 450 g dark brown sugar
- 560 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
- 150 g oil (room temperature)
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g butter
- 150 g full-fat cream cheese
- 540 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
- In another bowl, mix dark brown sugar, pumpkin purée, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter into prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon.
- Once cakes are cool, frost between layers and on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
