Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

One bite of this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle and you’ll be hooked for life. This delightful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive holiday feast. Its rich pumpkin flavor, combined with creamy frosting and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, makes it stand out in any dessert lineup.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake:
• For the Salted Caramel:
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel
• Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
• Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
• How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• For a Cozy Gathering
• For a Festive Occasion
• For Everyday Enjoyment
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• How do I know when my cake is done?
• What if I don’t have heavy cream?
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and pumpkin creates a warm, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
• Decadent Toppings: Cream cheese frosting and salted caramel add an extra layer of indulgence that elevates the cake.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a treat for yourself.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this cake is accessible even for novice bakers.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Decorate with fresh fruits to make your cake look as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pans (3)
• Mixing bowls
• Standing mixer with paddle attachment
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Standing Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and cream cheese easy, ensuring a light and fluffy frosting.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pans: Provides the perfect size for even baking and stacking layers.

Ingredients

To make this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, you will need:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 oz butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl:
Combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

In another bowl:
Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Then:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Evenly pour the batter into your prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat:
1. Heat the sugar while stirring occasionally until it melts and turns golden brown.
2. Remove from heat immediately; stir in butter carefully as it may bubble up.
3. Pour in heavy cream while stirring until combined. Return to stove for about 30 seconds on low heat while stirring.
4. Remove from heat again; mix in salt and let cool at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In your standing mixer:
1. Beat together butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; whip on low until combined then increase speed for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate:
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
Repeat with remaining layers.
Cover the entire cake in frosting.

Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle

Transfer slightly cooled salted caramel into a squeeze bottle or piping bag:
Squeeze from the center outward in spirals towards the edge.
Create zig-zag motions at the edge to let some drizzle fall down.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

For an added touch:
Garnish with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries for color and texture.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these suggestions will add that extra touch of delight.

For a Cozy Gathering

• Warm Beverages: Pair your cake with warm spiced cider or a rich pumpkin spice latte for a comforting experience.
• Ice Cream Scoop: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the cake.

For a Festive Occasion

• Fresh Fruits: Decorate with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, and blackberries to enhance both flavor and presentation.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

For Everyday Enjoyment

• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
• Tea Time: A cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices in the cake nicely.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Cake, consider these helpful tips. Perfecting this recipe means ensuring every bite is as delicious as possible.

• Use of Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preferences; they enhance the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness in your frosting.
• Cool Completely: Always let your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the icing.
• Thicker Caramel Sauce: If your caramel seems too thin, allow it to cook slightly longer on low heat until it thickens up.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm, sweet apple compote flavored with cinnamon pairs wonderfully with pumpkin cake.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds savory depth against the sweetness of the cake.
3. Fall Salad: A salad featuring mixed greens, cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts provides freshness that balances out the richness of the cake.
4. Cheese Board: Offer an assortment of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie paired with crackers for a savory contrast.
5. Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with a light pumpkin soup seasoned with ginger for a harmonious autumn vibe.
6. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate mousse makes an indulgent dessert pairing after enjoying pumpkin cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a delicious recipe like Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense and tough. Mix just until everything is combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before adding frosting.
• Using homemade caramel without practice: Homemade caramel can be tricky. If you’re unsure, use store-bought caramel sauce for simplicity and reliability.
• Forgetting about flavor adjustments: Tastes vary, so feel free to adjust spices according to your preference. Experiment with more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a personalized flavor.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Pumpkin Cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it is cooked and blended until smooth before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, although the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to frost them.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips or even adjusting the spices according to your taste. Don’t hesitate; try this recipe today!