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Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 116 reviews

This Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful autumn-inspired dessert, featuring a spiced pumpkin cake layered and covered with a rich, creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall celebrations or cozy gatherings, this cake combines warm pumpkin spice flavors with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting for an irresistibly festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Cake Layers

  • 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 (homemade pumpkin spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice)
  • 450 g dark brown sugar
  • 560 g pumpkin purée (room temperature)
  • 150 g oil (room temperature)
  • 4 eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your conventional oven to 170ºC (340ºF). Line three 20 cm (8 inch) round baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a hand whisk, mix until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or rubber spatula until no dry flour pockets remain and the batter is uniform.
  5. Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cake Layers: After baking, place the pans on a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the cakes from the pans. Let them cool completely on the rack before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting Ingredients: Remove the butter and cream cheese from the fridge 10 minutes before starting. Cut the butter into cubes and sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
  8. Cream Butter: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
  9. Add Cream Cheese and Seasoning: Add the cream cheese, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat together for 1 minute until smooth and well combined.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar: On low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in two parts, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl sides and mix on low speed for a final 2 minutes for a fluffy texture.
  11. Assemble Cake: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or cake board. Spread two large scoops of frosting evenly over the layer with an offset spatula.
  12. Layer Remaining Cake and Frost: Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting application. Top with the final layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly.
  13. Decorate: Optional: Create a wavy frosting design using an offset spatula. Lightly dust the top with cinnamon and decorate with mini fondant pumpkins or other festive decorations as desired.

Notes

  • For homemade pumpkin spice, blend 3 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp nutmeg, 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1 tsp allspice.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture and consistency.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamier and more stable frosting.
  • If you don’t have multiple pans, bake the layers one at a time and allow to cool before proceeding.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Keywords: pumpkin cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, autumn cake, spiced cake, homemade pumpkin spice