How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Pumpkin pie or cake? Why not both! This recipe for pumpkin pie cake combines the warm spices and creamy texture of pumpkin pie with the satisfying crumb of a moist cake. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or just a cozy night in. I’m excited to share my family’s favorite recipe with you – trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious pumpkin pie cake, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the cake and one for the dreamy cream cheese frosting.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Two 9-inch round baking pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Serrated knife
• Piping bag and tip (optional, for frosting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. To prevent sticking, line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, and eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the pumpkin puree until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional cinnamon.

8. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the bottom layer with half of the cream cheese frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

9. Get Creative: You can leave the frosting as is, or get creative with piping techniques. Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even festive sprinkles if you’re feeling adventurous.

Slice of pumpkin pie cake

Tips for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend together smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so it’s essential to check for doneness early. If the toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
• Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake will lead to a melty mess. Be patient and let the cakes cool entirely before frosting.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cake

Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree will enhance the flavor even further. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze pumpkin pie cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Q: What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
A: You can use an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or melted coconut oil for a slightly healthier twist.

Pumpkin Pie Cake Ingredients

Enjoy the Flavors of Fall!

Baking this pumpkin pie cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The combination of warm spices, creamy frosting, and moist cake is simply irresistible.

If you’re looking for other delicious fall-inspired treats, check out our recipes for How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake and How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to share pictures of your pumpkin pie cake creations in the comments below!