Fall’s Cozy Pumpkin Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fall’s golden embrace brings a delectable pumpkin cake with caramel cream cheese frosting that promises pure indulgence.

Rich autumnal spices dance through every tender crumb of this seasonal delight.

The warm, velvety texture melts on your tongue with layers of comforting flavors.

Creamy caramel swirls blend seamlessly with tangy cream cheese, creating a decadent frosting that elevates this classic dessert.

Each slice tells a story of cozy afternoons and sweet memories.

The aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor this irresistible treat.

Prepare to experience a dessert that captures the very essence of autumn’s delicious charm.

What Makes Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting a Favorite

• Dive into a super simple recipe that welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned pros.
• Capture the cozy essence of fall with a moist, spiced pumpkin cake that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.
• Impress friends and family with a stunning dessert that's both easy to make and guaranteed to vanish quickly at parties, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
• Create a delectable treat that works wonderfully as an after-dinner dessert, afternoon snack, or sweet companion to your morning coffee.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting Ingredient List

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth vegetable that brings rich moisture and deep autumn flavor to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a tender and soft cake texture.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a moist cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, classic fall spice notes to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light texture.
• Salt: Balances and highlights the other flavors in the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Caramel: Create a rich and decadent topping that complements the pumpkin cake's warm flavors.

Instructions for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

This ensures an easy cake release after baking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

These ingredients will form the cake’s foundational flavor and structure.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Beat until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Fold in pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly.

The puree adds incredible moisture and rich autumn flavor.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Add about half the dry mixture, blend completely, then add remaining dry ingredients.

Stop mixer occasionally to scrape bowl sides, ensuring perfect ingredient distribution.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer batter into prepared pan.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by gently pressing cake center and inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cake cool completely inside the pan.

Step 6: Craft Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Vanilla extract

Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature.

Beat until fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.

Drizzle in caramel sauce and vanilla, blending until frosting reaches desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost And Serve

Once cake has cooled, spread frosting evenly across top.

For extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce.

Slice and serve at room temperature.

Tips for Baking Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Use fresh, homemade pumpkin puree for a richer, more authentic flavor compared to canned versions. Drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy cake texture.
• Create your own pumpkin pie spice mix by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a personalized and fresher taste profile.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back immediately. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cake's soft, tender crumb.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free caramel cream cheese frosting. Chill the frosted cake briefly to set the topping perfectly.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for better texture and structure in the cake.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Store the pumpkin cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
• Carefully wrap the entire unfrosted cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of caramel sauce to refresh the cake's moisture and flavor.

Best Pairings for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

• Perfectly Paired Wine Companion: Select a sweet Riesling or Moscato that complements the cake's warm spices and rich caramel notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Decadent Dessert Sidekick: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pumpkin cake, letting the creamy coldness contrast beautifully with the warm cake's spiced texture.
• Autumn Coffee Match: Brew a smooth hazelnut or cinnamon-flavored coffee that echoes the cake's seasonal warmth and enhances the dessert's complex spice profile.
• Nutty Flavor Enhancer: Add candied pecans or toasted walnuts as a garnish, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that deepens the cake's overall taste sensation.

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and consistency. Use xanthan gum for better binding.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and swap cream cheese frosting with dairy-free cashew cream frosting.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cake: Replace white and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce for the frosting to reduce overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Cake: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Incorporate cream cheese and butter for a high-fat, low-carb version.

FAQs

• Can I make this pumpkin cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day before serving. Keep it covered at room temperature and frost it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• How do I know if my pumpkin cake is fresh and high-quality?

Look for a moist, tender crumb and a rich pumpkin color. The cake should have a soft texture and an even rise without dry or sunken spots.

• What can I do if my cake turns out too dense?

Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter, which can develop too much gluten and make the cake heavy. Gently fold ingredients and mix just until combined for a lighter texture.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This pumpkin cake recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The instructions are clear, and the ingredients are common, making it an excellent choice for those new to baking.

Pumpkin Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich, velvety pumpkin cake celebrates autumn’s warmth with luxurious caramel cream cheese frosting. Spiced layers melt in your mouth, inviting sweet memories of seasonal comfort and indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting and Caramel Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, full-fat brick style
• 23 cups powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons whipping cream, as needed
• 1/2 cup salted caramel
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 5 pieces
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create the dry foundation by whisking flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, setting it aside for later integration.
3. Craft the liquid base by vigorously beating vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture in a large mixing bowl.
4. Introduce the pumpkin puree to the liquid mixture, blending thoroughly to infuse moisture and earthy undertones throughout the batter.
5. Methodically fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, incorporating in two stages and pausing to scrape bowl sides, ensuring complete and even distribution.
6. Transfer the fully mixed batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a consistent depth.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the cake surface feels firm and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set and stabilize before serving or frosting.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients for an extra tender crumb.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Create a dairy-free version by using coconut cream cheese and plant-based butter in the frosting for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Control sweetness by reducing sugar content by 25% without compromising texture, which works well for health-conscious bakers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg