Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

The Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This cake features layers of moist pumpkin cake paired with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making it ideal for various occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or cozy gatherings. The combination of warm spices and creamy frosting creates a comforting flavor that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for autumn.
• Moist Texture: This cake remains wonderfully moist thanks to the pumpkin purée and oil, ensuring every bite is delightful.
• Versatile Occasions: Serve it at parties, family gatherings, or as a seasonal dessert to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this delectable recipe.
• Impressive Presentation: Layered cakes look stunning on any table, making it perfect for celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools. Using the right equipment ensures a smoother process and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (round)
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or whipping frosting.
• Baking pans (round): Provides the classic layered cake shape that enhances presentation.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 360 g all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsp pumpkin spice (see notes below recipe to make homemade pumpkin spice)
• 450 g dark brown sugar
• 560 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
• 150 g oil (room temperature)
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 300 g butter
• 150 g full-fat cream cheese
• 540 g powdered sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking throughout the cake layers.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Grease your round baking pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust them lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes once baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, mix together dark brown sugar and oil using an electric mixer. Add in the room-temperature pumpkin purée, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 6: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Layers

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for around 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar along with ground cinnamon and vanilla extract until fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Repeat with remaining layers and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive celebration, serving this cake can elevate your dessert table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of this moist pumpkin cake topped with a swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops! Crumble the cake and mix it with frosting, then shape into balls and dip in chocolate.

Layered Parfait

• Create individual parfaits by layering pieces of pumpkin cake with whipped cream and cinnamon crumbs in clear cups for a beautiful presentation.

Coffee Pairing

• Complement your slice with a warm cup of coffee or chai latte. The spices in the drink will enhance the flavors of the pumpkin cake.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two slices of pumpkin cake to create ice cream sandwiches, adding a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream in between.

Seasonal Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh seasonal fruits like pears or apples on the side for a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs and pumpkin purée, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients helps avoid lumps and ensures an even rise in your pumpkin cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to dry. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when it’s fully baked.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before applying the cinnamon cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.

• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the autumn flavors, creating a comforting touch alongside each slice.

3. Spiced Nuts: Serve a small bowl of spiced nuts as an crunchy accompaniment that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cake.

4. Cinnamon Applesauce: Homemade applesauce spiced with cinnamon provides a fruity counterpart that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

5. Chocolate Ganache: Rich chocolate ganache can be served on the side for those craving extra indulgence alongside their slice.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes, balancing out the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.

7. Tea Selection: Offer various teas such as chai or earl grey that will match beautifully with the spices in both the cake and frosting.

8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and color to your dessert table, making it visually appealing while providing refreshing bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. Cold eggs or butter can cause your batter to be lumpy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy result.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents a dry cake.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your layers to cool completely before frosting. This avoids melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An incorrect temp can result in uneven baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To prevent the cake from drying out, cover it tightly with plastic wrap before storing.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• For the whole cake, wrap it well in aluminum foil after it has cooled completely.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just frost when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for pumpkin purée?

You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as alternatives, but they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

To thicken your cinnamon cream cheese frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for food allergies?

This recipe contains gluten and dairy. Consider using gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese as substitutes if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a perfect fall dessert but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Give it a try; you’ll love how comforting and delicious it is!