Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! This incredibly easy Pumpkin Cake recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert with minimal fuss – it can even be made entirely in one bowl! Prepare to fall head over heels for this wonderfully tender, exceptionally moist, and warmly spice-infused pumpkin cake, beautifully layered with the silkiest, creamiest cinnamon cream cheese buttercream frosting. It’s the perfect treat to usher in the cozy flavors of autumn.

There’s no better way to celebrate the vibrant beginning of Fall than with a homemade, perfectly spiced pumpkin cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a whole celebration of autumn in every bite! With its exquisitely spiced, silky, and tangy cream cheese frosting embracing a soft, moist, and tender cake, it truly earns its title as the best pumpkin cake you’ll ever bake.

Each generous slice of this decadent dessert captures all the cozy, inviting flavors of fall. Don’t let the autumnal charm stop here! Be sure to explore my other seasonal favorites, including Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Buttercream, the unique Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake, and my beloved Granny Kat’s classic Pumpkin Roll for more festive treats.

Professional Tips for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving a truly exceptional pumpkin cake is simpler than you think when you follow a few expert tips. These professional insights will help you bake a consistently delicious and perfectly textured pumpkin spice cake every time, elevating your home baking to a new level.

• Always Opt for Canned Pure Pumpkin Puree: This is a crucial tip for consistent results. When you’re at the grocery store, carefully check the label to ensure you’re picking up pure pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie mix or pumpkin pie filling. These mixes contain added sugars and spices that will throw off the balance of this recipe. Furthermore, I strongly advise against using homemade pumpkin puree for this particular cake. While homemade is often wonderful, its moisture content can vary significantly, which can lead to a gummy or dry cake. Canned pumpkin puree, on the other hand, has its moisture precisely controlled within a narrow percentage, guaranteeing the ideal consistency for your batter. This consistency is key to our cake’s signature moist and tender crumb.
• Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: This golden rule of baking, which I emphasize in my moist vanilla cake recipe, is equally vital here. Allowing your eggs, butter, and cream cheese to come to room temperature before you begin mixing makes a world of difference. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, creating a smooth, homogenous batter and frosting. This leads to a finer, more even cake crumb and a wonderfully creamy, lump-free buttercream. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you start baking.
• Craft Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix: For the most vibrant and authentic fall flavors, consider making your own pumpkin spice mix. As a long-time “card-carrying member” of the pumpkin spice club, I’ve developed and published my professional-chef tested homemade pumpkin spice mix recipe just for you! This blend features freshly ground nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, offering a depth of flavor far superior to store-bought versions. Preparing it yourself ensures peak potency and flavor that will shine through in your pumpkin cake and all your autumnal baking endeavors. It’s a simple step that yields exceptional results and lets you take full advantage of the season’s best spices.

Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Pumpkin Cake

Understanding the role of each ingredient is fundamental to baking. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into our perfectly moist and flavorful pumpkin cake, along with its rich cream cheese frosting, and why each component is essential for achieving the best results.

• Eggs: For this pumpkin cake, whole eggs are vital. They act as a powerful emulsifier, binding the significant amount of oil into the batter. This emulsification process is what prevents the cake from becoming greasy, instead yielding an incredibly moist and tender crumb structure. Eggs also contribute to the cake’s richness, structure, and a beautiful golden color.
• Granulated Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness! Granulated sugar plays multiple roles in baking. Beyond its obvious contribution to flavor, it aids in leavening by trapping air, contributes to the cake’s exceptional moisture retention, helps create a delicate texture, and adds to the overall stability of the cake structure.
• Light Brown Sugar: Complementing the granulated sugar, light brown sugar adds a deeper, more complex sweetness with subtle caramel notes that perfectly enhance the pumpkin and spice flavors. Its molasses content also contributes to the cake’s incredible moisture and softness, making it an indispensable ingredient for that signature tender crumb.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! For consistent and reliable results, I exclusively use Libby’s pumpkin puree when developing all my recipes. Its consistent moisture content and smooth texture are critical for the cake’s structure and moistness. While other brands may work, consistency is key, so stick to a brand you trust. Remember, only use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt is essential for balancing and enhancing all the sweet and spicy flavors in the cake. It brightens the profile, preventing the cake from tasting flat and ensuring a well-rounded, delicious experience.
• Baking Powder: We use double-acting baking powder in this recipe. This means it provides two stages of lift: once when it mixes with the wet ingredients and again when it’s exposed to the heat of the oven. This controlled, dual reaction ensures a reliable and stable rise, giving our pumpkin cake its airy yet tender texture, working in harmony with baking soda.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent requires an acid to activate. In this recipe, the brown sugar and pumpkin puree provide the necessary acidity. Baking soda helps tenderize the cake and promotes browning, contributing to a beautifully golden crust. Always check the freshness of your baking soda – it loses potency over time. You can test it by mixing a spoonful with a little vinegar; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s still good. If not, it’s time for a new box! (Old baking soda makes a great odor absorber for your fridge or a gentle cleaner for countertops).
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is the heart of our cake’s autumnal flavor. Spices are most potent and true to their original flavor within one year of purchase, so ensure yours are fresh. This recipe specifically calls for pumpkin pie spice mix – a perfect combination of warmth and aroma for much more than just pumpkin pie! I highly recommend using my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe, which features a harmonious blend of ground nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice for maximum flavor.
• Canola Oil: The secret to this cake’s exceptionally moist crumb is canola oil. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, contributing to a consistently moist texture that stays fresh longer. When emulsified with the sugar and eggs, it creates a wonderfully smooth batter that bakes up incredibly tender and never greasy. It’s crucial to use a neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, as a stronger oil like olive oil or a blend would impart an undesirable flavor to the finished cake.
• Cinnamon: Beyond the pumpkin pie spice blend, an extra kick of cinnamon further enhances the warm, comforting notes. I personally favor Saigon cinnamon for its intense and sweet flavor, but any good quality ground cinnamon will provide a delightful aroma and taste to your cake.
• All-purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake’s structure. All-purpose flour contains just the right amount of gluten to create a sturdy yet tender cake. It effectively binds all the rich ingredients like sugar, oil, and pumpkin puree without developing a chewy or tough texture, ensuring a delicate and soft crumb.

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: For the ultimate creamy, tangy, and stable frosting, I always reach for original Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Its full-fat content is essential for achieving the perfect consistency in all my baked goods, especially frostings and buttercreams, providing that classic rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter for baking allows precise control over the overall salt content in your recipe. In a rich buttercream, butter is crucial for both flavor and stability. It firms up beautifully when chilled, helping the frosting maintain its structure and keep the cake layers perfectly in place. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Also known as powdered sugar, confectioner’s sugar is finely ground into a powder, which dissolves seamlessly into the cream cheese and butter. This results in a wonderfully smooth, lump-free buttercream frosting that’s easy to spread and delightful to eat.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is the perfect finishing note for the buttercream. It enhances the sweetness, complements the cinnamon, and adds a beautiful, aromatic depth of flavor that truly elevates the frosting.

For a complete breakdown of specific quantities and detailed instructions for each ingredient, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided further down this page.

Exciting Variations to Elevate Your Pumpkin Cake

While this classic pumpkin cake recipe is perfect as is, it also offers fantastic flexibility for creative bakers! Here are some exciting variations to customize your cake and impress your guests, whether you’re looking for a different presentation or a unique flavor twist.

• Transform it into a Three-Layer Masterpiece: While our standard recipe yields two perfect layers, you can absolutely divide the batter equally among three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans for an even taller, more impressive presentation. If you choose this route, you might need to adjust baking times slightly (they may be shorter) and ensure your oven is preheated evenly. My one-bowl carrot cake recipe offers some excellent tips and visual guidance for managing multiple layers. Alternatively, if you have a beautiful decorative bundt pan gathering dust, my dedicated pumpkin bundt cake recipe is tailor-made for it. For a simpler, crowd-pleasing option, consider making a delicious pumpkin sheet cake, taking inspiration from my funfetti sheet cake, and perhaps drizzling it with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce for an irresistible finish.
• Incorporate Nuts or Dried Fruit for Added Texture: For an easy yet impactful twist, fold in about 1 cup of chopped, toasted nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds) or chopped dried fruit (such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates) into the batter just before baking. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor significantly. This addition introduces wonderful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Unleash Your Creativity with Festive Decorating Ideas: Decorating the best pumpkin cake you’ve ever baked can feel like a serious undertaking, but it’s truly an opportunity for creative expression! For a fun Halloween-themed treat, consider adding whimsical fondant pumpkin cake toppers or even ghost figures. If you’re looking to switch up the frosting flavor, you could easily adapt the rich chocolate cream cheese buttercream recipe from my chocolate mayonnaise cake for a decadent twist. Sprinkling a dash of cinnamon or extra pumpkin spice on top of the finished cake, or even adding candied pecans around the base, are simple yet elegant ways to elevate its visual appeal.
• Infuse with Flavored Simple Syrup for Extra Moisture and Flavor: To take your pumpkin cake’s moisture and flavor to the next level, consider soaking the cooled cake layers in a homemade flavored simple syrup. To make it, simply bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar to a boil until the sugar dissolves. As it cools, you can infuse it with whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods, or even citrus rinds (orange or lemon work wonderfully). For an adult-friendly version, add a splash of your favorite autumnal liqueur, such as rum, bourbon, or an orange-flavored liqueur, after the syrup has cooled. Brush or drizzle this syrup evenly over the cooled cake layers before frosting for an added layer of flavor and unparalleled moistness.

Smart Substitutions for Your Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Sometimes you need to adapt a recipe based on what you have on hand or specific dietary preferences. Here are some smart substitutions you can make for this pumpkin cake recipe, along with important considerations to ensure your results remain delicious.

• Choosing Your Oil: While canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and exceptional moistness, you have flexibility here. Feel free to use any neutral-flavored oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, as their taste will be noticeable in the finished cake. You could use coconut oil, but be aware that it will impart a subtle coconut flavor to the cake, which might be a delightful addition if you enjoy that profile, but it will alter the original taste. Using melted butter instead of oil is also an option, but be warned: butter contains water and milk solids and solidifies when cooled, which can make the texture of your cake a little denser and potentially drier over time compared to an oil-based cake.
• Spice Up Your Frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a highlight of this cake, and you can easily customize its spice profile. While I’ve added a touch of ground cinnamon for extra warmth, you can certainly leave it plain for a classic cream cheese flavor. For an even more intense autumnal experience, consider adding a full teaspoon of your homemade pumpkin spice mix to the frosting. Alternatively, a dash of maple extract can introduce a lovely, sweet, and comforting maple note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
• The Importance of Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the absolute best texture and stability in your cream cheese buttercream, always use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat or whipped varieties contain more water and less fat, which can result in a thinner, runnier, and less stable frosting that is difficult to work with and doesn’t hold its shape as well. The fat content in full-fat cream cheese is crucial for creating that thick, smooth, and perfectly pipeable buttercream that makes this cake so special.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Pumpkin Cake

Follow these detailed instructions to bake a flawless and incredibly delicious pumpkin cake every single time. Precision and patience are your best friends in the kitchen, ensuring perfect results from batter to frosting. For exact measurements and a full list of ingredients, please consult the comprehensive recipe card located further down this page.

Preparing the Cake Batter:

The foundation of a great cake starts with careful preparation. Let’s get mixing!

• Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), whether you’re using a convection or regular oven setting. For ideal baking, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper circles. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes removal much easier. Then, lightly spray the parchment and sides of your pans with a neutral cooking oil, or butter and flour them, based on your preference.

Pro Tip for Perfect Parchment Circles: To easily create perfectly sized parchment circles, place your cake pan on a sheet of parchment paper. Use a Sharpie or pen to trace around the outside edge of the pan. Then, cut just inside that traced line. This ensures your parchment fits snugly without any overhang, guaranteeing a smooth cake bottom.

• Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, pumpkin spice mix, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for a uniform rise and consistent flavor in your cake. Set this mixture aside for now.
• Step 3: Emulsify Wet Ingredients for Moisture. In a large mixing bowl (the one-bowl wonder!), start by whisking the room-temperature eggs until they are smooth and slightly frothy. This initial whisking helps to break down the egg proteins. Gradually drizzle in the canola oil (or your chosen neutral oil) while continuing to whisk vigorously. This process is called emulsification, and it’s key to incorporating the oil into the eggs smoothly, preventing a greasy cake and ensuring an incredibly moist final product. Continue whisking until the mixture appears thick and uniform, without any visible streaks of oil.

Emulsification Secret: The secret to a perfectly emulsified batter is to whisk your eggs until smooth BEFORE slowly incorporating the oil. This creates a stable base that can hold the oil without separation, leading to a beautifully integrated and moist batter.

• Step 4: Incorporate Sugars and Pumpkin Puree. Add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to your emulsified wet mixture, whisking until well combined and the sugars begin to dissolve. Follow this with the pumpkin puree, whisking until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined and only a few small lumps remain.

Avoid Over-mixing: Be extremely careful not to over-mix your batter once the dry ingredients are added. Over-mixing develops gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, chewy cake with undesirable air tunnels. Mix only until a uniform batter is achieved.

Baking Your Pumpkin Cake Layers:

Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to transform it into golden, delicious cake layers.

• Step 5: Divide and Even Out the Batter. Carefully divide the cake batter evenly between your two prepared 9-inch pans. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the tops of the batter, ensuring they are as even and level as possible. This helps the cakes bake uniformly and makes stacking easier later on.
• Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place your cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 16-20 minutes. Baking times can vary, so start checking at 16 minutes. The cakes are done when they are golden brown, and the center springs back lightly when pressed with your finger. You’ll also notice the edges of the cake will have slightly pulled away from the sides of the pans, indicating they’re cooked through.

Baking Dish Variations: Remember that different types of pans and baking dishes conduct heat differently. A glass dish, for instance, typically takes longer to bake than a metal one. Always keep a firm eye on your cake as it bakes. For a precise check, insert a cake tester or a wooden toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but not wet batter.

• Step 7: Cool the Cakes Properly. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly and become more stable. After 10 minutes, gently invert the cakes onto the wire rack (still over a baking sheet to catch any crumbs) to cool completely. Be very careful during this step, as the cakes will be quite soft and delicate. While your cake layers are cooling thoroughly, this is the perfect time to prepare your luscious cream cheese buttercream.

Crafting the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Buttercream:

This creamy, tangy frosting is the perfect complement to our spiced pumpkin cake.

• Step 8: Mix the Buttercream to Silky Smoothness. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room-temperature full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, and confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Finally, add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined and fragrant.

Troubleshooting Warm Buttercream: If your kitchen is warm and your buttercream starts to feel too soft or runny, don’t panic! Simply pop the entire mixing bowl (with the paddle attachment) into the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Once chilled, re-whip it briefly until it reaches a firm, spreadable consistency again.

Assembling Your Stunning Pumpkin Cake:

The moment of truth! Bringing all the elements together for a beautiful finish.

• Step 9: Frost and Enjoy! Once your cake layers are completely cool to the touch, it’s time to assemble and frost. For a clean presentation, I recommend placing strips of parchment paper around the edge of your cake stand or serving plate before positioning the first cake layer. This catches any errant frosting, keeping your stand spotless. Place the first cooled cake layer on your stand, then generously spread about half of your creamy cinnamon buttercream over the top, extending to the edges. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, aligning it. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula or bench scraper. Remove the parchment strips gently, and your masterpiece is ready to be admired and enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking and Storing Pumpkin Cake

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about baking, storing, and serving your delicious pumpkin cake, ensuring you get the most out of this delightful autumn treat.

Before You Go: Explore More Chef-Developed Recipes!

Thank you for baking with me! I sincerely hope you thoroughly enjoyed preparing and tasting this professional chef-tested pumpkin cake recipe. It’s a true fall favorite that brings warmth and joy to any table.

Don’t let your culinary journey end here! I invite you to explore our extensive collection of other delicious, chef-developed cake recipes, each crafted with care and tested for perfection. And, as the leaves continue to fall, be sure to browse our hand-picked selection of favorite fall dessert recipes for more seasonal inspiration. Happy baking!