Pumpkin Spice Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly brings the feeling of autumn to the table. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and rich pumpkin flavor, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday meals, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates a fragrance that fills the kitchen while it bakes, making it as inviting as it is delicious.
This cake is often topped with a cream cheese frosting that adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the warm spice and sweetness. It’s versatile too—you can bake it as a sheet cake, layer cake, or even cupcakes. No matter the form, the result is moist, flavorful, and irresistible.
1. Serving Quantity
Serves 12
2. Cooking Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
3. Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
5. Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 38g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
6. Tips
- For extra texture, fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
- You can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier cake.
- If you want less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting to 2 cups.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosted cake for an elegant finish.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy season. With its rich pumpkin flavor, spiced aroma, and creamy frosting, it delivers comfort and indulgence in every slice.
