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Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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This Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a thick, soft, and perfectly spiced dessert ideal for Fall occasions. It features layers of moist pumpkin cake using a full can of pumpkin puree and warm spices, topped with a dreamy, fluffy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrating cozy autumn gatherings or any special event.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 3/4 cups (388g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 3/4 cup (170g) salted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (about 2 cups homemade)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1 cup (227g) salted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles and spraying the sides with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mix on low speed with a mixer or whisk by hand until the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Add Butter and Oil: With the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, beating for 20-30 seconds after each addition. After all the butter is incorporated, add the vegetable oil and beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the batter. Beat until smooth and fully combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and cool completely on wire racks.
  6. Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined and fluffy. Avoid overmixing to prevent the frosting from becoming runny. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes if the frosting is too soft.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Level any domed tops on the cake layers to ensure flat stacking surfaces. Place the first layer on a cake stand or plate, spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on top, then repeat with remaining layers. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the top and sides. Freeze the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
  8. Final Frosting: Remove the cake from the freezer and finish frosting the outside with the remaining frosting. Smooth the frosting as desired, then slice and serve.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture. Cream cheese frosting cakes can sit out at room temperature for about 2 hours before refrigeration is needed.
  • Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Flash freeze individual slices, wrap with plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Pumpkin Spice Alternative: Substitute the individual spices with 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • Sheet Pan Option: Bake in a 9×13-inch sheet pan for 30 to 40 minutes if preferred.
  • Adjusting Pan Sizes: For 9-inch pans, make 3 layers and reduce baking time by about 5 minutes, or bake 2 layers with an increased bake time of 5 minutes.
  • Variations: Pumpkin cupcakes or bundt cake variations can be found using specialized recipes.