Print

Perfect Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

pumpkin layer cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A moist and tender pumpkin layer cake packed with warm spices and topped with decadent cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups (300g) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. The mixture should become light and fluffy.
  5. Mix in the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth—don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled; that’s normal.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and fully combined.
  10. To assemble, place one layer of cake on your cake stand and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Smooth the frosting or add decorative swirls.
  11. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, even layers. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing.’, ‘Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.’, ‘Level your cake layers with a serrated knife for a professional look.’, ‘Chill the frosting if it feels too soft or runny.’, ‘Decorate with chopped pecans, caramel sauce, or edible flowers for a stunning finish.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin cake, Cream cheese frosting, Fall dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, Pumpkin spice cake

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/perfect-pumpkin-layer-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting/