Description
This moist and flavorful pumpkin cake with caramel cream cheese frosting is the ultimate fall dessert. Infused with warm spices and topped with a rich, luscious frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. Make this easy recipe your go-to for the season!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup caramel sauce
2 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and caramel sauce. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Frost the Cake: Once cooled, spread frosting evenly over the cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
Add chopped nuts like pecans for crunch.
Adjust spices for a deeper flavor profile.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
