Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging yourself, this cake is the perfect choice. Its moist texture and rich flavor, combined with the luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, make it stand out among pumpkin desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices ensures each bite is filled with rich flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, birthdays, or a cozy fall evening, this cake fits right in.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious treat effortlessly.
- Versatile Frosting Options: You can adjust the sweetness of the caramel cream cheese frosting to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 15 servings, this cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process for a smooth batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for best results.
Ingredients
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is hands down, the best pumpkin cake recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s moist, flavorful and filled with pumpkin spice.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (full fat brick style)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel (see below or buy your own)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)
For Homemade Salted Caramel (If Desired)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (cut into 5 pieces)
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan will ensure easy removal of the cake later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Combine vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add in the pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay!
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan:
1. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness is reached.
3. Stir in salted caramel sauce and whipping cream to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled:
1. Spread frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a rubber spatula.
2. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired.
Now enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this flavorful cake.
As a Festive Dessert
- Serve during the holidays for a seasonal treat that everyone will love.
- Pair with warm beverages like spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice latte.
For Afternoon Tea
- Slice into smaller portions for an elegant addition to your afternoon tea spread.
- Complement with a selection of teas or coffee.
At Birthdays and Celebrations
- Decorate with extra caramel drizzle and festive sprinkles for birthdays.
- Use candles to create a celebratory vibe.
With Ice Cream
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Try drizzling extra caramel over the ice cream as well.
On a Dessert Platter
- Include slices on a dessert platter with other treats for variety.
- Arrange with cookies or mini pastries for an appealing display.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results when making this pumpkin cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: For the best flavor, opt for homemade pumpkin puree rather than canned.
- Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly to prevent undercooking or overbaking.
- Room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s moisture and fluffiness.
- Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool down fully to avoid melting the frosting.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Roasted Autumn Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and squash brings out seasonal tastes.
- Cinnamon Spiced Nuts: These crunchy snacks add texture and warmth alongside your sweet cake.
- Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with nuts offers a crisp contrast to the creamy frosting.
- Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a rich pairing experience.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup enhances the cozy theme of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be tricky. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for better mixing and texture.
- Skipping the spice blend: Don’t omit the pumpkin pie spice; it adds essential flavor. Use a fresh blend for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Not measuring flour properly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup; don’t scoop directly from the bag. This prevents excess flour that can make the cake dry.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Test for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the pumpkin cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting special?
This cake is moist and flavorful, thanks to real pumpkin puree and warm spices. The caramel cream cheese frosting elevates it to an irresistible dessert.
Can I use homemade caramel for the frosting?
Yes! Homemade caramel adds a personal touch, but store-bought works just fine if you’re short on time.
How do I avoid a dense pumpkin cake?
Make sure not to overmix your batter and measure your flour correctly. Room temperature ingredients also help achieve fluffiness.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
You can modify this recipe by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese if needed, making it versatile for different diets.
How should I decorate my Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting?
Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your frosting for added crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon also enhances its visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, adjusting spices, or even trying different frostings. I encourage you to make this comforting dessert for any occasion — it’s sure to impress!
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 15 slices 1x
Description
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fall dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice with a rich, indulgent frosting. This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with the essence of autumn, making it perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. The creamy caramel cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness that complements the cake beautifully, ensuring it’s a hit with friends and family alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at dessert for the first time, this easy recipe will guide you through creating a stunning centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (full fat brick style)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel (see below or buy your own)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix in salted caramel until desired consistency is reached.
- Once cooled, frost the cake and drizzle extra caramel if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
