Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor, it’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. The unique caramel cream cheese frosting elevates this cake, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy night in, this cake fits right in.
- Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake without any hassle.
- Decadent Frosting: The caramel cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it plain or topped with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping the batter easy and ensures a light texture in your cake.
- Baking pan: A quality pan helps your cake bake evenly, preventing burning or undercooking.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (full fat brick style)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel (see below or buy your own)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (cut into 5 pieces)
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
All-purpose flour
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
Vegetable oil
Brown sugar
White sugar
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat:
Softened butter
Cream cheese
Until creamy. Gradually add salted caramel and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency with whipping cream as needed.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once cooled, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance the experience for everyone. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dessert.
Make it a Dessert Platter
- Slice and Share: Cut the cake into squares and arrange them on a platter. Add some fresh fruit for color.
- Cupcake Twist: Serve the cake in cupcake form, topped with caramel cream cheese frosting for individual servings.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Coffee Companion: A slice of pumpkin cake goes perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, enhancing its flavors.
- Tea Time Treat: Enjoy the cake alongside your favorite herbal or spiced tea for a comforting afternoon break.
Garnish for Presentation
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for added flair.
- Nuts and Sprinkles: Add chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for extra texture and visual appeal.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pumpkin puree is fresh for richer flavor and moisture in your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off; it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This warm beverage complements the spices in the cake beautifully.
- Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet treats add another layer of fall flavors, making them perfect alongside pumpkin cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty sweetness pairs well, adding variety to dessert offerings.
- Caramelized Pears: Their natural sweetness and soft texture make an excellent contrast to the moist pumpkin cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that balances the rich frosting.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These cookies echo similar spice notes, creating a cohesive dessert spread.
- Chocolate Bark: The bitterness from dark chocolate adds depth when served with sweet pumpkin desserts.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
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Using stale ingredients: Always check your baking powder and spices for freshness. Old ingredients can affect the cake’s rise and flavor.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for light and fluffy results.
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Skipping the room temperature step: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter.
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Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cake dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
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Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you along the way.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes! Homemade caramel adds a personal touch. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when mixed into the frosting.
What if I can’t find pumpkin puree?
You can use homemade pumpkin puree or substitute it with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash in equal amounts.
How do I make my frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake one day in advance and frost it just before serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is not only moist and flavorful but also beautifully versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or even chocolate chips for extra delight. Whether it’s fall or any season, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delectable Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist cake is bursting with warm pumpkin spice notes and topped with a rich, creamy caramel frosting that elevates it to the next level. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat at home, this recipe is simple enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Each bite captures the essence of autumn, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 oz cream cheese (full fat brick style)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar; add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed; pour into the baking pan.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; add salted caramel and powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the cooled cake evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
