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As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn colors. Nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked pumpkin spice cake. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a moment of self-care.
This cake is easy to make and ready in just 2 hours. It’s moist and full of flavor, combining fall spices with pumpkin puree. Enjoy it plain or top it with cream cheese frosting. Either way, it’s a treat that will warm your heart and home.
Why This Pumpkin Spice Cake Will Become Your Fall Favorite
As autumn arrives, we all start to crave cozy flavors. This pumpkin spice cake is the perfect treat for fall. It’s moist and filled with warm spices, making it a favorite for the season.
Perfect Balance of Moisture and Spice
The cake’s moist texture comes from using oil instead of butter. Pumpkin puree adds to its moistness. The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom gives it a cozy, indulgent taste.
Quick and Simple Preparation
This pumpkin spice cake is easy to make. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy days. You can make it quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the season’s cozy flavors.
Versatile Serving Options
This cake is great in many ways. You can serve it plain or with cinnamon. For something special, try it with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin ale caramel sauce. Its versatility makes it perfect for any autumn event.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Cake
Making a delicious pumpkin spice cake is simple with just a few ingredients. You can use a 2-ingredient mix of a spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree. Or, you can make it from scratch with flour, baking powder, and other spices.
The secret to great spiced cakes is pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. This lets you control the cake’s sweetness and texture. With basic pantry items, you can make a moist, tasty pumpkin spice cake for fall.
Ingredients for the Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
For a quick version, mix a 15.25-ounce spice cake mix with a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree. Both ways make a moist, tasty pumpkin cake recipe great for fall and holidays.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect pumpkin spice cake, you need some key baking tools. First, grab a sturdy 9×13-inch baking pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan. This choice depends on the cake shape you prefer. These pans are crucial for a successful cake preparation.
For mixing the batter, you’ll need a large bowl, a whisk, and a spatula. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer can be useful, but not essential. Make sure you have the basic tools for the right consistency.
You’ll also need some extra items. Get measuring cups and spoons, a cooling rack, and aluminum foil for the pan (if you want). For the cream cheese frosting, a medium saucepan is needed for the caramel glaze.
| Baking Pan Requirements | Mixing Tools | Additional Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking pan 12-cup Bundt pan | Large bowl Whisk Spatula Stand mixer (optional) Electric hand mixer (optional) | Measuring cups and spoons Cooling rack Aluminum foil (optional) Medium saucepan (for frosting) |
With these baking tools and cake preparation equipment, you’re ready to make a delicious pumpkin spice cake. It’s perfect for the fall season.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Baking the perfect pumpkin cake recipe for fall is easy. You can use a spice cake mix or make it from scratch. Either way, you’ll get a moist and tasty pumpkin cake that will wow your guests.
Preheat and Prepare
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a Bundt pan. Use non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Batter
- For the easy version, mix the spice cake mix with one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree. Stir until it’s well blended.
- For the from-scratch version, whisk eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree in a bowl. Then, add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices) and pumpkin puree. Mix until just combined.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake the easy version for 25-30 minutes. For a Bundt cake, bake for 60-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.
Let the pumpkin cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups (270 g) |
| Unsalted butter (for frosting) | ¾ cup (170 g) |
| Icing sugar (for frosting) | 3¼ cups (400 g) |
| Cream cheese (for frosting) | 1 heaped cup (250 g) |
| Vanilla extract (for frosting) | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon (for frosting) | ½ tsp |
| Walnuts or pecans (optional for decoration) | ½ cup (50 g) |
Creating the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your fall desserts with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. This topping is perfect for pumpkin spice cake, adding sweetness and tang. Let’s look at the key ingredients and techniques for the perfect frosting.
Frosting Ingredients
To make the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
Mixing Techniques
The secret to a smooth cream cheese frosting is in the mixing. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
Application Tips
Once your fall desserts like pumpkin spice cake are cooled, it’s time to frost. Use a spatula or knife to spread the frosting evenly over the cake. This creates a beautiful and cohesive layer.
For a decorative touch, swirl the frosting or use a piping bag for intricate designs. Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Storing your pumpkin spice cake right is important. It keeps it fresh and tasty, whether you eat it now or later. The right storage methods help keep the cake moist and flavorful for days.
For short-term storage, keep the cake at room temperature for up to 4 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container to keep it moist. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is best. The cake stays fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, or use an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 4 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Proper cake storage is key to keeping your dessert fresh. Follow these tips to enjoy your pumpkin spice cake for longer.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Enjoying this pumpkin spice cake is great, but knowing its nutritional info is key. It’s also important to make it fit your dietary needs. Let’s look at how to make it healthier and more inclusive.
Caloric Content
A slice of this cake has about 462 calories. It might seem high, but the cake’s taste is so good, a small piece feels like enough.
Dietary Adaptations
If you can’t have gluten, no worries. Just swap the flour for a gluten-free mix. The cake might not rise as much, but it will still taste amazing.
Portion Guidance
This recipe makes 12-15 slices, perfect for sharing or keeping for a few days. Remember, a little goes a long way because of the cake’s richness.
FAQ
What is the total time needed to prepare and bake this pumpkin spice cake?
This easy pumpkin spice cake recipe takes only 30 minutes total time to prepare and bake.
How many servings does this pumpkin spice cake recipe yield?
The recipe yields a 9×13-inch cake or 15 servings.
What makes this pumpkin spice cake stand out?
This pumpkin spice cake stands out for its perfect balance of moisture and warming spices. The use of oil instead of butter ensures a supremely moist texture, while the pumpkin puree enhances the overall moistness.
Why is this pumpkin spice cake ideal for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings?
The cake’s quick and simple preparation makes it ideal for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings.
In what ways can this pumpkin spice cake be served?
It’s versatile in serving options, as it can be enjoyed plain, with cream cheese frosting, or even as a base for other desserts.
What are the key ingredients for this pumpkin spice cake?
The key ingredients include a 15.25-ounce package of spice cake mix and a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree. For a from-scratch version, you’ll need eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, canola or vegetable oil, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
What type of pumpkin puree should be used for this recipe?
It’s crucial to use pure pumpkin puree, not pre-sweetened pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and texture of the cake.
What equipment is needed to make this pumpkin spice cake?
Essential equipment includes a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan, a large bowl, whisk, and spatula. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer can be helpful but is not necessary. Additional equipment includes measuring cups and spoons, a cooling rack, and optionally, aluminum foil for lining the pan.
How do you bake the pumpkin spice cake?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the cake ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. For the easy version, simply mix the spice cake mix with canned pumpkin. For the from-scratch version, whisk wet ingredients first, then gradually add dry ingredients alternating with pumpkin puree. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan or Bundt pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes for the easy version, or 60-65 minutes for the Bundt cake version, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How do you make the cream cheese frosting for the pumpkin spice cake?
For cream cheese frosting, you’ll need softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend these ingredients until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake using a spatula or knife.
How can the pumpkin spice cake be stored?
The pumpkin spice cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, store the cake and frosting separately in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and serving.
What is the nutritional information and dietary considerations for this pumpkin spice cake?
A slice of pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting contains approximately 462 calories, 57g carbohydrates, 4g protein, and 25g fat. The cake can be adapted for dietary restrictions by using gluten-free flour substitutes, though results may vary. For a healthier version, consider reducing sugar content or using alternative sweeteners. Portion control is key; the recipe typically yields 12-15 servings, making it suitable for sharing at gatherings or portioning for individual enjoyment over several days.