Description
Looking for the best pumpkin cake? This easy, quick recipe makes a fluffy, spiced fall treat topped with dreamy frosting! Great for holidays, cozy gatherings, or anytime you need a simple, healthy-inspired dessert idea that feels homemade and festive. The best pumpkin cake for entertaining or gifting!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Optional: chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering frosting between the cakes and spreading more on top. Sprinkle with pecans if desired.
Notes
- Chill frosting briefly before assembling for easier spreading.
- Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and frosted later.
- Swap frosting flavors — try maple or brown butter!
- Decorate with nuts or fall-themed toppings for added flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg