Autumn’s Magic: Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Nestled in the heart of autumn’s golden embrace, this pumpkin cake whispers stories of cozy evenings and warm gatherings.

Soft spices dance through each tender crumb, promising comfort in every bite.

Delicate layers meld rich pumpkin essence with smooth cream cheese frosting that swirls like a sweet caramel dream.

Rustic yet elegant, the recipe captures seasonal magic without complexity.

Baking becomes an intimate ritual connecting you to generations of home cooks.

Aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will weave memories that linger long after the last delectable slice disappears.

Bake this cake and watch kitchen conversations bloom with delight.

Reasons to Bake Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Capture the essence of autumn with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor that will wow family and friends at gatherings.
• Indulge in a moist, decadent dessert that combines the classic charm of pumpkin cake with the luxurious touch of caramel cream cheese frosting.
• Prepare this cake in advance, letting the flavors meld and intensify, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and help with moisture retention.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake with a soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers classic autumn flavor and natural moisture to the cake.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Warm spices that create the quintessential pumpkin cake flavor profile.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt, Vanilla Extract: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a decadent, sweet flavor and beautiful drizzle to the cake.

Steps to Make Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab two round cake pans and coat them with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

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

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended with no lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture looks smooth and has a consistent golden-orange color.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake Golden Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 6: Craft Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.

• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Decadent Cake

Allow cake layers to cool completely.

Place first layer on serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of frosting.

Carefully position second cake layer on top.

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Drizzle extra caramel sauce for a stunning finish.

Tips to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or create a custom blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a personalized flavor profile.
• Use vegetable oil instead of butter to keep the cake incredibly moist and tender, ensuring a soft, delectable texture.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adding xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and prevent crumbling.
• Allow eggs, cream cheese, and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly incorporated ingredients.
• Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve a beautiful, silky cascade over the frosted cake.

How to Store Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Store cake covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep frosted cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen slices for quick single-serving treats up to 1 month.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then briefly warm at room temperature before serving.

Pairings for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair Warm Spiced Cider: A hot, spiced apple cider complements the pumpkin cake's autumnal spices, enhancing the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes while providing a cozy seasonal beverage.
• Serve Bourbon Vanilla Latte: A rich, creamy bourbon-infused vanilla latte balances the cake's sweetness, with its robust coffee flavor and smooth bourbon undertones cutting through the caramel cream cheese frosting.
• Match Salted Caramel Ice Cream: A scoop of salted caramel ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm cake, echoing the caramel sauce while adding a cool, creamy texture that heightens the dessert's indulgence.
• Enjoy Spiced Chai Tea: A fragrant, spicy chai tea mirrors the cake's warm spice profile, offering a complementary drink that intensifies the pumpkin cake's rich, comforting flavors.

Frosting Styles for Pumpkin Cake Delight

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Autumn Spice Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and opt for coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Treat: Substitute flour with almond or coconut flour, use sugar alternatives like erythritol, and create a low-carb cream cheese frosting with sugar-free caramel sauce.
• Nut-Free Celebration Cake: Eliminate any potential nut ingredients, using seed-based alternatives if needed, while maintaining the rich pumpkin and caramel flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes the spices work so well in this pumpkin cake?

The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness, creating a rich, cozy autumn flavor profile that enhances the cake’s overall taste.

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can substitute fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin for canned puree. Just ensure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin to maintain the cake’s moisture and texture.

• How do I prevent my cake from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and check the cake early with a toothpick. The oil in the recipe helps keep the cake moist, and removing it from the oven when just done prevents drying out the cake.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

While this recipe is traditional, you can modify it by using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities or swap eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version. Always adjust ingredients carefully to maintain the cake’s texture.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Seasonal pumpkin cake with caramel frosting delivers autumn’s warmest embrace in one delightful dessert. Spiced layers drizzled with rich caramel promise comfort and pure indulgence for sweet-seeking souls.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
2. Create a dry ingredient blend by thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, aromatic spices, and salt in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Develop a wet ingredient mixture by vigorously beating granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Merge dry and wet ingredients carefully, folding gradually and mixing until just incorporated to maintain cake’s delicate structure.
5. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness with a toothpick test – it should emerge clean when inserted into cake’s center.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire cooling racks, facilitating even temperature reduction and preventing moisture condensation.
7. Craft luxurious caramel cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until achieving a creamy consistency with no lumps.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract into frosting, mixing until reaching a light, fluffy texture.
9. Assemble cake by applying frosting between cake layers, then covering top and sides with remaining frosting. Optional: drizzle additional caramel sauce for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Make cake extra moist by adding a splash of buttermilk or sour cream to the wet ingredients, enhancing the pumpkin’s rich texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and gluten-free flour mix, ensuring same delightful consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, which complement the pumpkin’s natural sweetness perfectly.
• Enhance spice profile by toasting ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger before adding to dry ingredients, releasing deeper, more complex flavor notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg