Pumpkin Spice Cake 🎃🍰✨ Moist, Aromatic, and Bursting With Warm Autumn Flavor

This pumpkin spice cake is soft, tender, and loaded with cozy spices, making it the ultimate fall dessert.

It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet festive enough for holiday tables, especially when topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients (Serves 12–16)

For the cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • Pinch of cloves (optional)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for spiced frosting)

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and bake

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes (9×13-inch) or 25–30 minutes (round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the frosting

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon (if using); beat until creamy and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and serve

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Flavor Variations

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch
  • Top with caramel drizzle for extra indulgence
  • Layer with cinnamon whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter option
  • Sprinkle frosted cake with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for decoration

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor impact
  • Ensure cake is fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting
  • Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and let rest overnight for extra moisture
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Cake is a fragrant, tender, and flavorful fall dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich spices and creamy frosting, it’s a guaranteed hit for any seasonal gathering.

Mix it. Bake it. Frost it. Let the spice of fall shine. 🎃🍰✨

🎃 All-Purpose Pumpkin Recipes 🎃

Fall in love with pumpkin all over again! From cozy pies and muffins to cheesecakes, cookies, and savory twists, this collection covers every craving. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of autumn, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Explore All Pumpkin Recipes → – Savory and sweet ways to enjoy pumpkin in every meal.

🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies

See All Classic Pumpkin Pies → – Timeless pies for Thanksgiving and beyond.

🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies

See All Creative Pumpkin Pies → – Unique flavor twists on the classic.

🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards

See All Pudding & Custard Recipes → – Creamy, smooth pumpkin desserts.

🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones

See All Bread, Cupcake & Scone Recipes → – Bakery-worthy fall treats.

🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes

See All Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes → – Creamy cheesecake with pumpkin spice magic.

🍪 Pumpkin Cookies

See All Pumpkin Cookie Recipes → – Soft, chewy, and perfect for fall.

📏 Pumpkin Bars

See All Pumpkin Bar Recipes → – Shareable pumpkin squares for any gathering.

🧁 Pumpkin Muffin

See All Pumpkin Muffin Recipes → – Soft, warm, and full of spice.

🍰 Pumpkin Cakes

See All Pumpkin Cake Recipes → – From simple loaves to layered showstoppers.

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