This Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to holiday celebrations. With its moist texture and delightful whipped cream cheese frosting, this cake stands out as a crowd favorite. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe simple yet rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Easy Pumpkin Cake comes together in just four steps, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: This cake is suitable for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy family dinner—everyone will love it!
- Deliciously Moist: The use of oil ensures a tender crumb that stays fresh longer than other cakes.
- Decadent Frosting: The marshmallow-like cream cheese frosting elevates the dessert to an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. The right equipment will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for even cooking and easy serving of your Easy Pumpkin Cake.
Ingredients
This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (see note on measuring)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda (sifted to get rid of lumps)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 cup oil (extra light olive oil, vegetable or corn oil will work)
- 15 oz pumpkin puree (can)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temp, cut into quarters)
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temp)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
To Decorate
- Pecans to decorate (optional)
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the egg mixture and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cooling completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Spread your delicious frosting over the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle with pecans for decoration! Enjoy your delightful Easy Pumpkin Cake!
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and texture.
Garnished with Pecans
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
A Side of Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting combination.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Pair your cake with fresh slices of apple or pear to balance the flavors.
How to Perfect Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
To ensure your Easy Pumpkin Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting baking soda, baking powder, and flour helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
While Easy Pumpkin Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with side dishes can create a more complete dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
- Coffee: A rich cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Apple Crisp: Serve alongside apple crisp for a cozy fall-inspired dessert duo.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory note that contrasts well with the sweet cake.
- Pumpkin Soup: For a thematic approach, serve with a creamy pumpkin soup as an appetizer.
- Pecan Pie: Another classic dessert that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Easy Pumpkin Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that might hinder your success.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out the cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Cold eggs or cream cheese can affect mixing. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Check your cake with a toothpick to avoid these issues. Bake until it comes out clean for perfect moisture.
- Skipping frosting cooling: If you frost when the cake is warm, the frosting may melt. Let your cake cool completely for the best result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Pumpkin Cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each slice on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering them to retain moisture. Heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe so special?
This recipe creates a moist cake with a delicate crumb, complemented by fluffy cream cheese frosting that everyone loves.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this pumpkin cake.
How do I store leftovers of my Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option or different flavor profile.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my pumpkin cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its moist texture and delightful frosting make it perfect for various occasions. You can customize it with your favorite nuts or even add spices like nutmeg for an extra kick. Try this recipe today and share the joy it brings!
Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this moist cake is infused with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup oil
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and oil together; add pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake and decorate as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (102g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
