Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply when you’re craving something sweet, this cake is moist, rich in flavor, and topped with velvety caramel cream cheese frosting. Its unique blend of spices and the luscious frosting make it a standout treat that everyone will love.

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 Frosting
• For the Caramel Sauce
• How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Mixtures
• Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
• Step 6: Bake the Cake
• Step 7: Cool Completely
• Step 8: Prepare Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Your Cake
• How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Classic Slice
• With Ice Cream
• Topped with Nuts
• Drizzled with Extra Caramel
• Accompanied by Coffee
• Garnished with Whipped Cream
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• How do I make the frosting less sweet?
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
• What other toppings would complement this pumpkin cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and caramel creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Moist Texture: This cake remains incredibly moist thanks to the blend of oils and pumpkin puree.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for Thanksgiving dinners, birthday parties, or cozy gatherings with friends.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully whip this up.
• Stunning Presentation: The caramel cream cheese frosting not only tastes great but looks beautiful on the cake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures a well-blended batter without lumps, making the cake light and airy.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

For the 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 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 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). Greasing your baking pan will prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
Whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
Beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan

Transfer the batter into your greased baking pan:
Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place in preheated oven:
Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
Beat together softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Add in salted caramel and powdered sugar gradually. Adjust consistency with whipping cream as needed.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled:
Spread an even layer of frosting on top of your pumpkin cake using a spatula. Drizzle extra caramel sauce if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

This delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on its own, allowing the rich flavors to shine through.

With Ice Cream

• Pair your pumpkin cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• For an indulgent touch, drizzle extra salted caramel over each slice just before serving.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Serve slices alongside freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance the warm spices in the cake.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each piece for a light and airy finish.

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 Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting this pumpkin cake is easy with just a few tips. Here are some essential pointers to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined to avoid a tough cake; lumps are okay!
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance its flavor profile. Here are some excellent side dish options that complement this delightful dessert.

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm glass of spiced apple cider pairs beautifully, enhancing the fall flavors in the cake.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as Brie and sharp cheddar, provides a savory contrast to the sweet cake.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts offer a hearty balance alongside the dessert.

4. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness of the cake nicely.

5. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup creates a comforting meal when served before dessert.

6. Fresh Salad
   A light green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and balances the richness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients precisely. Using too much or too little can affect the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake tough. Mix only until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting the cake before it cools completely can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool in the pan for a bit, then on a wire rack.
• Using low-quality frosting: The frosting is key to this recipe. Use full-fat cream cheese and high-quality caramel for the best 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 leftover pumpkin cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you might be wondering about this delicious Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained and cooked properly.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To balance sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt to your frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better after a day in the refrigerator as flavors meld together.

What other toppings would complement this pumpkin cake?

Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even whipped cream would make excellent additions!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or experimenting with spices. Enjoy baking this comforting treat!