Pumpkin Cake 🎃🍰🍂 Moist, Spiced, and Perfect for Any Fall Occasion

This pumpkin cake is soft, tender, and filled with warm spices, making it perfect for gatherings, holiday tables, or just an afternoon treat.

Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll make on repeat.

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
• 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

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, 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 and vanilla; 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 to the batter for crunch
• Swap cream cheese frosting for maple glaze for a different finish
• Layer with whipped cream and crushed gingersnaps for a lighter topping
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a simple but pretty decoration

Pro Tips

• Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting
• For extra moisture, wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap and let rest overnight before frosting
• Use high-quality cinnamon for the richest flavor
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cake is a classic fall dessert — moist, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting that takes it over the top. It’s easy to make, slices beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

Mix it. Bake it. Frost it. Fall in love with pumpkin season. 🎃🍰🍂

🎃 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.

• 🥄 Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Homemade spice blend for all your pumpkin treats.
• 🌰 Pumpkin Seeds Recipe – Crunchy, roasted snack with endless seasoning options.
• 🥥 Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk – Creamy, lightly sweetened fall soup.
• 🥞 Pumpkin Pancakes – Fluffy and warmly spiced breakfast favorite.
• 🍝 Pumpkin Pasta Sauce – Savory-sweet sauce perfect for fall pasta dishes.
• 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Soft, moist muffins for a cozy snack.
• 🌶️ Pumpkin Chili – Hearty, savory chili with a pumpkin twist.
• 🥙 Pumpkin Hummus – Creamy dip with seasonal flavor.
• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Classic, moist pumpkin loaf.

🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies

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

• 🥧 Traditional Pumpkin Pie – The holiday classic.
• 🥛 Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie – All the flavor, no dairy.
• 🍁 Maple Pumpkin Pie – Sweetened with pure maple syrup.
• 🥟 Mini Pumpkin Pies – Perfect for parties and portion control.
• 🌾 Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie – Delicious and celiac-friendly.
• 🍫 Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie – Rich chocolate meets creamy pumpkin.
• ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Pie – Easy, oven-free dessert.

🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies

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

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Creamy cheesecake meets pumpkin pie.
• 🔥 Brûléed Pumpkin Pie – Caramelized sugar topping for extra flair.
• 🍫 Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Pie – Decadent and rich.
• 🥥 Coconut Pumpkin Pie – Tropical, creamy twist.
• 🍮 No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light, fluffy, and no oven needed.
• 🌰 Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie – Sweet and crunchy topping.
• 🍦 Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie – Cold, creamy holiday treat.
• 🥜 Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie – Nutty, sweet fusion.

🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards

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

• 🍮 Pumpkin Pudding – Simple and silky.
• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Cozy, custardy comfort food.
• 🥤 Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Drinkable pie in a glass.
• 🍨 Pumpkin Mousse – Light and airy.
• 🍮 Pumpkin Custard – Creamy baked goodness.
• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Dip – Perfect for fruit or cookies.
• 🌱 Pumpkin Chia Pudding – Healthy and satisfying.
• 🔥 Pumpkin Crème Brûlée – Fancy caramelized dessert.

🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones

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

• 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Moist and spiced.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – Sweet chocolate in every bite.
• 🧁 Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic fall cupcakes.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Warmly spiced and fluffy.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread – Creamy ribbon through moist bread.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Crunchy topping perfection.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze – Bakery-style treat.
• 🍩 Glazed Pumpkin Donuts – Soft baked donuts with glaze.

🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes

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

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Hybrid of cheesecake and classic pie.
• ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – Creamy and oven-free.
• 🍮 Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake – Beautiful marbled presentation.
• 🧁 Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites – Bite-sized indulgence.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Creamy cheesecake in bar form.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookie and cheesecake fusion.
• 🌰 Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake – Nutty crunch with creamy filling.
• 🍫 Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake – Deep chocolate meets pumpkin spice.

🍪 Pumpkin Cookies

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

• 🍪 Classic Soft Pumpkin Cookies – Fluffy and spiced.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic combo of sweet and spice.
• 🌰 Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies – Deeply flavored and chewy.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies – Creamy filling between soft cookies.
• 🌾 Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Hearty and wholesome.
• 🍯 Frosted Pumpkin Cookies – Sweet icing on top.
• 🌀 Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Cinnamon-sugar perfection.
• 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookies with cheesecake swirls.
• 🍬 Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – Soft and sweet cut-out style.

📏 Pumpkin Bars

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

• 📏 Pumpkin Bars – Classic pumpkin dessert bars.
• 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Bars – All the pie flavor, easier to serve.
• 🍥 Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars – Tangy cream cheese layer.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Cheesecake and pumpkin bar fusion.

🧁 Pumpkin Muffin

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

• 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Classic, moist muffins.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Sweet, crunchy topping.
• 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – Chocolate in every bite.
• 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – Creamy surprise inside.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Boldly spiced and fluffy.

🍰 Pumpkin Cakes

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

• 🍰 Pumpkin Cake – Simple and spiced.
• 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Cake – Extra spice for extra flavor.
• 🌀 Pumpkin Roll Cake – Rolled with cream cheese filling.
• 🎂 Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Impressive centerpiece dessert.
• 🍩 Pumpkin Bundt Cake – Pretty and perfect for glazing.
• ☕ Pumpkin Coffee Cake – Crumb topping for brunch vibes.
• 🍯 Pumpkin Crunch Cake – Sweet, buttery topping with crunch.