Pumpkin Spice Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor and has an incredibly tender crumb thanks to the combination of oil, applesauce, and pumpkin puree. The addition of white chocolate chips gives little bursts of sweetness throughout, while the fondant decorations make it as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any autumn gathering where you want a dessert that impresses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces white fondant
Gel food colors in shades of orange and green (such as Wilton Icing Colors in Copper and Juniper Green)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
8. Make the glaze: Heat the heavy cream until just steaming, then pour over the remaining white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over cooled cake.
9. For decoration, color the fondant with orange and green gel food coloring. Shape into small pumpkins and leaves. Arrange on top of the cake before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Decorating time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer taste.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
• Replace applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor profile.
• Use cream cheese frosting instead of white chocolate glaze for a tangy twist.
• Bake as cupcakes for individual servings instead of a large cake.

Storage/Reheating

Store Pumpkin Spice Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cake for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing and decorating. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, though it’s delicious served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Add glaze and decorations before serving for the freshest look.

Do I have to use fondant decorations?

No, they’re optional. You can keep it simple with just the glaze or add sprinkles or nuts.

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned puree?

Yes, just roast and mash pumpkin until smooth, then measure the same amount.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or a flax egg substitute.

What type of pan works best?

A bundt pan creates a beautiful shape, but a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly too.

How do I keep the cake moist?

The oil, applesauce, and pumpkin puree all help, but don’t overbake remove from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use other spices besides pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves works well if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice.

Do I need to use gel food coloring for the fondant?

Gel is best because it gives strong colors without making the fondant sticky, but liquid food coloring can work in small amounts.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute.

How should I serve this cake?

It’s delicious as is, but you can pair it with vanilla ice cream or extra whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, blending rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and sweet white chocolate into a moist and decadent treat. Whether decorated with fondant pumpkins or served simply with glaze, it’s a festive and delicious way to celebrate the season.

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