Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for a perfectly spiced fall dessert that’s both moist and easy to make? This Pumpkin Spice Cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it the ultimate treat for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy Fall evening.

With a soft texture and warm pumpkin pie spices, this recipe is bound to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Moist and Flavorful: The perfect balance of pumpkin, spices, and sweetness.
• Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve as a dessert or enjoy a slice with coffee.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike!

If you are a big fan of easy pumpkin desserts, you’ll love this Easy Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling and these Soft Pumpkin Cookies.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

Creating a moist pumpkin spice cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting starts with the right ingredients. This easy-to-follow pumpkin cake recipe uses pantry staples and seasonal favorites to deliver a dessert perfect for October gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy night in.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of this cake, providing structure and balance.
• 1 cup light brown sugar – Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to complement the pumpkin spice flavors.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness with a clean, light taste.
• 1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin puree – Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic pumpkin flavor.
• 4 large eggs – Ensure they are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake extra moist and fluffy.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the spices in the cake.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – The star of the show, combining warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Boosts the warmth of the pumpkin spice blend.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the cake is light and airy.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese – Softened to room temperature for a creamy, spreadable texture.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Also softened to room temperature, ensuring a smooth frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – For a sweet, fluffy frosting with the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the frosting.
• Pinch of salt – Cuts through the sweetness, giving the frosting a balanced, tangy flavor.

Pro Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring your eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature for best results.
• Pumpkin Purée: Double-check the label to avoid accidentally using sweetened pumpkin pie filling.

These carefully selected ingredients come together to create the best pumpkin spice cake recipe with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake

For the Cake:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth frosting and even cake texture, ensure cream cheese and butter are softened.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of moist and fluffy.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations

• Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
• Layer Cake: Divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans for a stunning layer cake presentation.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
A: Absolutely! Ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.

Q: How do I make tangy cream cheese frosting?
A: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to the frosting for a tangier flavor.

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to highlight the flavors of fall. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or simply indulging your love for pumpkin, this cake will deliver on taste and texture.

Pin this recipe for your next baking day, and let us know how it turned out by leaving a rating or comment below!

Have you tried making this Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cake? Please leave a comment below telling me what your family thought about this delicious Fall dessert and leave a recipe rating in the recipe card below.

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