Easy Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin cake brings warm autumn memories flooding back with its rich, spicy essence.

Seasonal baking changes kitchens into cozy sanctuaries of comfort and delight.

Soft, moist textures complement the deep orange hue that signals harvest happiness.

Aromatic spices dance through every crumb, creating a sensory experience that feels like a culinary embrace.

Bakers love how this dessert celebrates the quintessential flavors of cool, crisp days.

Creamy frosting adds luxurious dimensions to an already spectacular treat.

The perfect balance of sweetness and warmth makes this cake an irresistible centerpiece for gatherings.

Ingredients for a Soft Pumpkin Cake with Creamy Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake, choose unbleached for the best quality..
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of spices that gives traditional pumpkin flavor, freshly ground is most aromatic..
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy..
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness..

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, neutral-flavored oil works best..
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's moisture and texture..
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cake..
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor, pure extract recommended for best taste..
• Pumpkin Puree: Gives signature pumpkin flavor and moisture, use 100% pure pumpkin..

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy base for frosting, use full-fat versions at room temperature..
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting..
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds rich, deep caramel flavor to the frosting..
• Whipping Cream: Helps adjust frosting consistency if needed..

• Granulated Sugar: Base for creating caramel sauce, use white sugar for classic color..
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth caramel..
• Whipping Cream: Stops cooking process and creates silky texture..
• Vanilla.

Step-by-Step to Make This Autumn Dessert Favorite

Step 1: Warm Up Your Baking Space

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Team

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re best friends.

Step 3: Create the Wet Wonder

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Beat until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently, about half at a time. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to make sure everything gets cozy together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it feels firm and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 6: Craft the Caramel Magic

Create the caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until it turns a beautiful amber color.

• Butter
• Whipping cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and blend until creamy.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar and caramel sauce. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit of whipping cream.

Step 8: Dress Your Cake

Spread the caramel cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Make it look as delicious as it tastes!

Step 9: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into this autumn masterpiece and enjoy every single bite of your homemade pumpkin delight!

Tips for That Rich Caramel Cream Cheese Layer

• Check Pumpkin Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most vibrant autumn flavor and moist cake texture.
• Prevent Cake Sinking: Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the cake rise evenly.
• Master Caramel Technique: Stir sugar constantly while melting to prevent burning and create a smooth, golden caramel sauce.
• Achieve Frosting Perfection: Soften cream cheese and butter completely to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice or drizzle additional salted caramel on top for a gourmet touch.

Storing and Serving Pumpkin Cake Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Seal cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover frosted cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for best flavor. Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain moisture and softness.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting to Fall For

• Create Seasonal Comfort: This pumpkin cake captures the essence of autumn with its warm, spiced flavors and cozy texture that wraps you in pure comfort.
• Indulge in Decadent Layers: The combination of moist pumpkin cake and rich caramel cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible dessert that balances sweet and slightly salty notes perfectly.
• Wow with Minimal Effort: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe is surprisingly simple to make, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a show-stopping dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as a weekend baking project that brings family and friends together with its delightful aroma and incredible taste.

Complementary Drinks and Toppings for Pumpkin Cake

• Brew the Perfect Spice: Pair this pumpkin cake with a warm chai latte or spiced apple cider to complement the cake's rich autumn flavors.
• Elevate with Wine: A sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late harvest Riesling will beautifully balance the cake's caramel and cream cheese notes.
• Craft a Cozy Combo: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the cake's creamy texture and warm spices.
• Nutty Companion: Add a side of toasted pecans or candied walnuts to provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that matches the cake's seasonal profile.

Pumpkin Cake Variations That Keep It Exciting

• Nutty Autumn Fusion: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for extra crunch and depth of fall flavor.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Dream: Swirl melted dark chocolate through the cake batter or add cocoa powder to create a rich, decadent variation.
• Spiced Maple Transformation: Replace caramel sauce with pure maple syrup in the frosting and sprinkle cinnamon on top for an enhanced seasonal profile.
• Gluten-Free Harvest Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible pumpkin cake celebrates autumn’s warmth with rich spices and creamy caramel cream cheese frosting. Sweet layers promise comfort and indulgence, inviting you to savor seasonal deliciousness in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Cake Ingredients:

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) white sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can pumpkin puree

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 ounces (170 grams) full-fat brick-style cream cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) salted caramel
• 2–3 cups (240–360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 milliliters) whipping cream

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) white sugar
• ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Craft a pumpkin cake foundation by meticulously blending dry ingredients – flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel.
2. Create a silky wet mixture by vigorously whipping oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
3. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet blend, folding gently to maintain a consistent texture and preventing lumps from forming.
4. Transfer the velvety batter into a prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring even distribution.
5. Roast the cake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring for a firm surface and clean toothpick test.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely, creating a perfect canvas for frosting.
7. For the frosting, whip softened butter until achieving a creamy, light consistency.
8. Integrate cream cheese into the butter, blending until uniformly smooth and free of lumps.
9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, mixing in stages to develop a luxurious, silky frosting texture.
10. Fold salted caramel sauce into the cream cheese mixture, creating a rich, decadent flavor profile.
11. Adjust frosting consistency by adding whipping cream if needed, ensuring spreadability.
12. For homemade caramel sauce, melt sugar carefully, watching it transform from clumpy to amber-hued liquid.
13. Incorporate butter, whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt into the caramel, creating a complex, layered sauce.
14. Generously spread the caramel cream cheese frosting across the cooled cake, ensuring complete coverage.
15. Slice, serve, and indulge in this luxurious autumnal dessert.

Notes

• This indulgent pumpkin cake combines warm autumn spices with a rich, creamy caramel cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert experience.
• Perfectly moist and flavorful, the cake uses pumpkin puree and a blend of brown and white sugars to create a tender, deeply satisfying texture.
• Homemade salted caramel sauce adds a luxurious layer of complexity, transforming a simple cake into an extraordinary treat that will impress family and friends.
• The cream cheese frosting strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and tangy, complementing the earthy pumpkin flavors with its smooth, silky consistency.
• Prepare the cake ahead of time, as it tastes even better after the flavors have melded together, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to continue developing and intensifying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg