Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 16 ounces canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, which helps in easy removal of the cake once baked.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Beat these ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix until just incorporated to form the cake batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important to avoid melting the frosting when applied.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat again until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and cream cheese mixture, first on a low speed to avoid sugar flying out, then increase speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost the Cake: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled pumpkin cake using a spatula or knife, smoothing the surface.
- Serve: Cut the frosted cake into 12 servings and enjoy this seasonal delight with friends and family.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin with homemade pumpkin puree, just ensure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust the spices to your liking; adding nutmeg or allspice can enhance the warm flavor profile.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American