If you have a soft spot for comforting autumn flavors and a sweet treat that feels homemade, the Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe is going to steal your heart. This cake, bursting with velvety pumpkin goodness and spiced just right, pairs perfectly with a luscious praline frosting that’s rich, nutty, and melts in your mouth. It’s a celebration of everything cozy and delicious, giving you that perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy pecan praline that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a slice of seasonal joy, this recipe is as delightful as it sounds and surprisingly straightforward to pull off.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two round golden brown cakes sit in silver pans on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cake has a smooth, slightly bumpy top with even coloring and looks soft and fluffy. The pans show small edges of the cakes, highlighting their thickness and height. The view is from above, showing both cakes side by side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating a scrumptious cake that’s full of character. Each component plays a crucial role — from the creamy pumpkin puree that keeps the cake moist and tender, to the warm spices that bring that iconic fall flavor. The praline frosting ingredients add sweetness and crunch, making every mouthful a little celebration.

15 oz pumpkin puree: The star of the show, bringing moisture, flavor, and beautiful color to the cake.
1/2 cup oil: Adds tenderness and helps keep the crumb soft and moist.
1/2 cup butter (very soft): Contributes richness and depth in both the cake and frosting.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while enhancing moisture retention.
3 eggs: Provide structure and stability while keeping the texture light.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with fragrant warmth and sweetness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become delightfully fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic elements to create tenderness and lift.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances overall flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that lovely cozy spice that’s signature in pumpkin desserts.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Adds complexity with a blend of warming spices.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure without overwhelming its softness.
1 cup brown sugar: In the frosting, it provides caramel notes and richness.
6 tablespoons butter: Melted into the frosting, it creates a silky, luscious texture.
1/4 cup milk: Lightens the frosting and helps mix the ingredients smoothly.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds fragrant sweetness to the frosting.
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
2/3 cups chopped pecans: For that signature praline crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your preferred cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, very soft butter, and granulated sugar until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract to build those warm flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients not only creates the cake’s structure but also layers in those inviting spices that make pumpkin cake so irresistible. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist without overmixing.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the smooth batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is where all the magic unfolds—the aromas of pumpkin and spices filling your kitchen, building anticipation for that first scrumptious bite.

Step 4: Make the Praline Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the praline frosting that makes this recipe truly special. In a saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter, and milk together over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Let this cool for a few minutes before beating in the powdered sugar until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans for that irresistible praline crunch.

Step 5: Frost Your Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the praline frosting all over the top and sides. The rich, buttery praline combined with crunchy pecans is the ultimate finishing touch that transforms this simple cake into a showstopper.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe

The image shows a two-layer cake on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each layer is a brown cake sprinkled with chopped nuts on top, giving a rough texture. Between the layers and on top, there is a smooth light brown cream being spread with a silver knife. The cream looks thick and creamy, covering the cake partly. In the background, there is a glass bowl with more cream inside. A woman's hand is holding the knife spreading the cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving can add a lovely visual and textural contrast. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream spiced with a hint of nutmeg to elevate the eating experience.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness and enrich the cozy vibe. For a more indulgent touch, vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced mascarpone alongside makes every slice feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve individual mini cakes or cupcakes topped with praline frosting and pecan halves for a cute, shareable treat. Layer slices between wax paper for a rustic cake box gift, or plate alongside candied pumpkin seeds and spiced caramel drizzle for a café-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pumpkin praline cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the frosting’s creamy texture and keeps the cake fresh and moist. Just be sure to bring slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavors.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Wrap cooled, unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then frost as usual. Alternatively, freeze the frosted cake in airtight packaging if cutting freezing and thawing smaller portions; just be aware the praline nuts may soften slightly.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cake, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped loosely with foil. This brings back the moistness and softens the frosting slightly, making your Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe taste just like it did fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and makes it very convenient. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that might alter the taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and moist.

Can I substitute the pecans for other nuts?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds would also work wonderfully and bring their own unique nuttiness to the praline frosting. Just toast them lightly to enhance flavor before chopping.

How long does this cake take to bake?

The baking time is generally between 50 to 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger cake or two layers. Just be sure to adjust bake time accordingly and use appropriately sized pans for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a cake from scratch, and with this Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe, you’re treating yourself to a flavor-packed, moist pumpkin cake generously topped with buttery praline frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on taste without fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring a cozy slice by yourself. So grab your mixing bowl, savor the aromas, and dive into this delightful autumn classic—you won’t regret it!

Easy Pumpkin Praline Cake From Scratch Recipe