Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🎃🍰🧀 Moist, Spiced, and Perfect for Celebrations

This pumpkin layer cake is tender, richly spiced, and stacked high with tangy cream cheese frosting between each layer. It’s an impressive dessert for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you want a bakery-worthy cake at home.

Ingredients (Serves 12–14)

For the cake

• 2¾ 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
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

For the frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

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, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and bake

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 6: Assemble the cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside of the cake and smooth or swirl decoratively.

Step 7: Serve

Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts, then serve at room temperature for the best texture.

Flavor Variations

• Add a caramel drizzle between layers for extra indulgence
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch
• Use maple extract in the frosting for a maple-pumpkin twist
• Fill layers with cinnamon whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter option

Pro Tips

• Ensure cake layers are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting
• Use a serrated knife to level layers if needed for stability
• For extra moisture, wrap cooled layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before assembling
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true showpiece — moist, spiced cake layers paired with rich, tangy frosting for the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a dessert that tastes as stunning as it looks.

Bake it. Stack it. Slice into pumpkin perfection. 🎃🍰🧀

🎃 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.