Moist Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake Recipe for Fall Desserts

Salted caramel pumpkin cake blends autumnal warmth with luxurious sweetness in every delectable slice.

Fall’s most beloved flavors dance together in this irresistible dessert that promises pure comfort.

Rich seasonal ingredients redefine a simple cake into a memorable culinary experience.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe brings together contrasting tastes that complement each other beautifully.

Subtle hints of spice mingle with deep caramel undertones, creating a complex and enticing profile.

Crafted with care, the cake offers a perfect balance between decadent indulgence and homemade charm.

You’ll love how each bite tells a delicious story of tradition and innovation.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Cake

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure the perfect cake texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Matters: Bring eggs and Greek yogurt to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Don't Overmix: Stir the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Watch Caramel Carefully: Monitor the caramel sauce closely while cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve the right golden-brown color.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before glazing to prevent the topping from becoming runny and ensure clean, sharp slices.

Storing and Reheating Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

• Refrigerate: Seal cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Store frozen cake for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add fresh sea salt sprinkle before serving to refresh caramel flavor.

Great Pairings for Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: The rich, aromatic chai perfectly complements the cake's warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the pumpkin's earthiness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, cool vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the cake's warm caramel and salty notes, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness with smooth, refreshing undertones.
• Serve with Caramel Macchiato: This coffee drink mirrors the cake's caramel layers, intensifying the dessert's decadent caramel profile while adding a subtle espresso depth that cuts through the sweetness.
• Accompany with Toasted Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle chopped, lightly toasted pecans alongside the cake to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that echoes the caramel's richness and adds delightful complexity.

Creative Twists on Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

• Nutty Autumn Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the pumpkin spices.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Surprise: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the cake batter before the final baking, adding a tangy richness to the dessert.
• Maple Pecan Topping: Replace the regular glaze with a maple-infused glaze and sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a decadent autumn-inspired finish.
• Chocolate Caramel Fusion: Mix in dark chocolate chips to the batter and drizzle additional melted chocolate over the caramel glaze for a luxurious chocolate-caramel combination.

Why Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake Is a Must for Fall

• Capture Seasonal Sweetness: Dive into a delightful autumn-inspired dessert that celebrates the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and caramel in every single bite.
• Texture Treasure Trove: Experience a magical combination of moist cake, silky caramel layer, and smooth glaze that creates an incredible contrast of soft and creamy textures.
• Elevated Comfort Baking: Master a surprisingly simple yet impressive recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet-style dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home bakers looking to wow their friends and family.

What You Need for Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provides structure and nutty depth to the cake, with whole wheat adding whole grain goodness.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: Classic warm spices that create a quintessential autumn flavor profile for the pumpkin cake.

• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with moisture and caramelization.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Pumpkin Puree: Signature ingredient that brings moisture and classic fall flavor.
• Milk: Adjusts batter consistency for the second cake layer.

• Brown Sugar: Key ingredient for creating deep caramel flavor.
• Half & Half: Provides creamy richness for caramel and glaze.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth caramel sauce.
• Sea Salt: Enhances caramel flavor and provides contrasting taste.
• Confectioner's Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze topping.

How to Bake a Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Grab an 8×9 inch baking dish and lightly coat it with non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect warm environment for your cake.

Step 2: Craft the Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Ginger

Step 3: Create the Wet Ingredient Harmony

• Egg
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

• Greek yogurt
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin puree

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients with Love

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.

Step 5: Bake the First Layer

Spread half the batter into the prepared baking dish. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Craft Liquid Gold Caramel

• Brown sugar
• Half & half

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture darkens and sugar dissolves (about 4 minutes).

• Butter
• Sea salt

Continue stirring for 2 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 7: Layer on the Caramel Magic

Pour the warm caramel evenly over the partially baked cake. Stir a splash of milk into the remaining batter and pour over the caramel layer.

Step 8: Complete the Baking Journey

Return the cake to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 9: Whip Up the Decadent Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Half & half

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture darkens (4-5 minutes).

• Butter
• Confectioner's sugar

Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for an extra flavor pop. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving your masterpiece.

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Salted caramel pumpkin cake delivers autumn’s richest comfort in a single slice. Warm spices mingle with creamy caramel, creating a luxurious dessert that welcomes seasonal memories with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup sugar

Caramel and Glaze Components:

• 12 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons half & half
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• Additional coarse sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a medium mixing bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, blend egg and sugars until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Incorporate Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree into the sugar mixture, stirring until completely smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Distribute half the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
7. Create caramel sauce by combining brown sugar and half & half in a saucepan, boiling while stirring constantly until the mixture darkens and sugar dissolves.
8. Remove caramel from heat and whisk in butter and sea salt until silky, continuing to stir for an additional two minutes to slightly cool.
9. Drizzle caramel evenly over the partially baked cake base.
10. Thin remaining batter with milk and pour over the caramel layer.
11. Return cake to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
13. Prepare glaze by heating brown sugar and half & half in a saucepan, boiling and stirring until the mixture darkens.
14. Reduce heat, incorporate butter, then whisk in confectioner’s sugar until glossy.
15. Pour glaze over cooled cake, spreading evenly.
16. Finish by sprinkling coarse sea salt across the top and allowing glaze to set before serving.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and optimal texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic and rich autumn flavor.
• Carefully monitor the caramel sauce while cooking to prevent burning and achieve perfect consistency.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the topping from melting or becoming runny.
• The sea salt sprinkle adds a sophisticated contrast to the sweet caramel, elevating the entire dessert experience.
• This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg