Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
One bite of this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle and you’ll never want another cake ever again. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering, a holiday feast, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. The combination of moist pumpkin cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and luscious salted caramel drizzle makes it truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices paired with pumpkin create an inviting taste that is perfect for autumn.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Presentation: Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it at home, the cake looks stunning with its caramel drizzle and optional fruit decorations.
- Perfectly Moist: The pumpkin puree keeps the cake wonderfully moist, ensuring every slice is a delight.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the components in advance, making it ideal for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gathering the right tools will make your process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- 8-inch cake pans
- Piping bag or squeeze bottle
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes whipping the cream cheese frosting easy and fluffy.
- 8-inch cake pans: Ensures even baking and perfect layer sizes for your cake.
- Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly and spreading frosting smoothly.
Ingredients
One bite of this Pumpkin Cake and you’ll never want another cake ever again. Topped with the best cream cheese frosting and a salted caramel drizzle.
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 7 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
In another bowl:
1. Mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Now incorporate:
– Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
– Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel
In a medium saucepan:
1. Heat granulated sugar on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring gently.
Once melted:
– Remove from heat immediately when it turns medium gold hue.
– Stir in butter carefully; expect bubbling!
Next:
– Pour in heavy cream while stirring until combined. Return to heat for about 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
– Remove from heat again; stir in salt. Let cool at room temperature while making frosting.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
Using your stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
– Cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add:
– Vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; whip until well combined (about another 2 minutes).
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Place one layer on a serving plate:
– Spread a large dollop of frosting on top.
Layer in two more cake layers, adding frosting between each one.
Finish by spreading remaining frosting over the entire outside of the cake.
Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle
Transfer slightly cooled salted caramel to a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a small tip:
– Start from center; squeeze out in tight spiral towards edges of cake.
To finish:
– Create zig-zag movements at edges to allow caramel to cascade down sides.
Step 8: Optional Decoration
If desired, decorate top of your cake with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries for an extra touch!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to consider.
With Seasonal Fruits
- Fresh Figs: Their sweet, chewy texture complements the rich flavors of pumpkin cake beautifully.
- Pomegranate Seeds: The tartness of pomegranate adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to your dessert table.
- Blackberries: These juicy berries provide a lovely contrast in flavor and add a touch of elegance.
With Beverages
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai echo the flavors in the cake, making for a cozy pairing.
- Apple Cider: A chilled or warm apple cider brings out the autumnal vibes while balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee can enhance the cake’s flavor profile, creating a comforting experience.
For Special Occasions
- Festive Platter: Serve slices on a decorative platter with edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation at gatherings.
- Ice Cream Scoop: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with the cake.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
To ensure your pumpkin cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter, ensuring even baking and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for lightness.
- Test Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: If you frost while warm, the frosting may melt, ruining its presentation and texture.
- Adjust Caramel Consistency as Needed: If it’s too thick, microwave briefly to get it flowing again for easy drizzling.
- Decorate Creatively: Use seasonal fruits or nuts on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
Pairing side dishes with your delicious pumpkin cake can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.
- Roasted Butternut Squash: Sweet and savory, this dish complements the flavors in pumpkin cake nicely.
- Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances well with the sweetness of the cake.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish provides another layer of fall flavors that harmonizes with your dessert.
- Apple Crisp: The warm spices in apple crisp echo those found in pumpkin cake while adding crunchy texture.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast to each bite of cake.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can bring savory notes that pair beautifully with dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can lead to lumpy frosting. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your layers to cool completely before adding frosting.
- Ignoring measurements: Baking is a science; precision matters. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy in your ingredients.
- Rushing the caramel: Making caramel requires patience. Take your time and watch closely, as it can burn quickly if not monitored.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cake on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook it down and strain excess moisture for the best results.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Greasing and flouring your pans properly should prevent sticking. You can also line them with parchment paper for extra assurance.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or experiment by incorporating chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor.
How long does it take to make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle?
The total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including prep and bake times.
Final Thoughts
This delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is a perfect dessert to charm anyone at your gathering. Its moist texture paired with creamy frosting makes it irresistible! Feel free to customize it by adding spices or toppings that you love; this recipe is versatile enough to suit any preference!
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with our Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle. This moist and flavorful cake combines warm spices and pumpkin for a delightful treat, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, every bite is an irresistible experience. Whether enjoyed as a sweet pick-me-up or showcased at a holiday feast, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for caramel)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
- 7 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the salted caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan until golden, then carefully stir in butter and heavy cream. Add salt and let cool.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by layering with frosting between layers and on top; drizzle with cooled caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
