Introduction
When Ella Chef first baked a pumpkin cake, it was a chilly autumn afternoon filled with the comforting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. Inspired by her grandmother’s holiday recipes, she decided to create her own version—moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The result was a dessert that embodied the essence of fall. For Ella, this cake wasn’t just about flavor; it was about memories—of family gatherings, laughter, and the golden glow of pumpkin-filled kitchens. Each slice tells a story of warmth, comfort, and the timeless beauty of homemade baking.
Moist Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and oil until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake and dust with cinnamon for decoration.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Pumpkin Cake
To make this cozy pumpkin cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. Whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warm spices give the cake its signature autumn flavor.
In a separate bowl, combine both sugars, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, velvety base for your batter. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so mix gently.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden, moist, and fragrant with spices. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and spreadable. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, then lightly dust the top with cinnamon or nutmeg for an elegant finish.
This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or simply paired with a warm cup of coffee. Each slice captures the comforting taste of pumpkin and spice in every bite.
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Cake captures the very heart of autumn—warm, comforting, and full of spice. As Ella Chef often says, “Pumpkin cake tastes like home on a cool day.” Its moist texture, rich flavor, and creamy frosting make it a perfect centerpiece for any fall table. Whether shared at a family gathering or enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee, each slice brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth. Simple to make yet wonderfully indulgent, this cake is more than dessert—it’s a seasonal tradition baked with love and the essence of cozy autumn moments.