There are some dessert recipes that just feel like a warm hug, comforting your soul. This easy pumpkin spice cake is absolutely one of them. It’s wonderfully moist, with that perfect autumn spice blend that truly sings. You’ll find it’s incredibly simple to bake.
I often whip this up on a crisp Saturday morning. The sweet, spicy aroma fills my whole kitchen. My family, especially the grandkids, always ask for seconds. It really is a crowd-pleaser!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly? This pumpkin spice cake recipe is my secret weapon! It’s
so incredibly easy and quick to make. Busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks? No problem! This
cake always comes to the rescue. The flavor is just divine, bringing all those cozy autumn vibes. Plus, it always
gets rave reviews from my friends and family. It’s truly just pure comfort in every single bite!
Pumpkin Spice Cake Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for this pumpkin spice cake feels like assembling a cozy autumn symphony! Each component plays a vital role. Together, they create a truly magical dessert.
Core Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Spice Cake Mix: This is our little secret for speed and amazing flavor. It gives us that perfect spiced base easily.
- Canned Pumpkin (not pie filling): Pure pumpkin puree brings incredible moisture and body. It also adds that classic fall flavor we all adore.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are like the glue of our cake. They bind everything. Eggs also add richness to the batter.
Essential Frosting Components
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for our tangy, delicious frosting. It gives it that signature creamy texture.
- Salted Butter: Room temperature butter whips beautifully. It adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar makes our frosting sweet and velvety smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla brightens the flavor. It ties all the sweet and tangy notes together.
- Milk: A splash of milk helps us get that perfect frosting consistency. It makes it wonderfully spreadable.
Substitutions and Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake
I always love sharing ways to make recipes your own! If you don’t have a spice cake mix, you can use a yellow or vanilla cake mix. Just add some extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. For instance, I use a teaspoon of each. If you’re out of milk, cream or even a little orange juice can work in a pinch for the frosting. Remember, precise quantities are in the handy recipe card below!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake
Making this pumpkin spice cake is so much fun. It’s a truly simple process, trust me! Follow these steps for a perfect autumn treat.
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Next, grab a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Then, lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This makes sure your lovely cake won’t stick!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Now, get a large bowl. Add the spice cake mix to it. Next, pour in the 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree. Don’t use pie filling here! Crack in your three large eggs too. Mix these ingredients together until they are just combined. The batter for this pumpkin spice cake will be nice and thick. That’s perfectly normal!
Step 3: Bake Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake
Once mixed, spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Allow your beautiful pumpkin spice cake to cool completely. This is super important before frosting!
Step 4: Craft the Creamy Frosting
While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them until totally smooth. An electric mixer works wonders here! Next, gradually add in the powdered sugar. Mix until it’s smooth and lump-free. Stir in the vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the milk. Beat until the frosting is super creamy. It should be perfectly spreadable!
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once your pumpkin spice cake is completely cool, spread on that decadent cream cheese frosting. An offset spatula makes this easy. Finally, cut your amazing cake into squares. Serve it up and enjoy every single bite!
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cake
Once your delightful pumpkin spice cake is baked and frosted, proper storage is key. To keep it fresh and moist, cover the cake tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Because of the cream cheese frosting, I always suggest refrigerating any leftovers. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. You can leave it on the counter for a day. But really, the fridge is best for that creamy frosting. Just bring it to room temperature before serving again! It tastes even better then.
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for frosting.
- Don’t over mix the cake batter; just mix until combined.
- Ensure your pumpkin spice cake is completely cool before frosting.
- Use an electric mixer for the smoothest frosting.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick.
- Trust that thick batter, it’s just right!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 9″ x 13″ Baking Dish: A ceramic or metal pan works best.
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two bowls, one for cake, one for frosting.
- Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer is ideal for frosting.
- Whisk or Spatula: Great for mixing cake batter by hand.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon on top looks lovely.
- Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or cider.
- Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Garnish with candied pecans for crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pumpkin spice cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pumpkin spice cake is wonderful to make a day or two in advance. Just bake and frost it. Then, store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld!
What if I don’t have a spice cake mix for this pumpkin spice cake?
No worries at all! You can easily substitute a yellow or vanilla cake mix. Just be sure to add 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will give you that wonderful autumnal pumpkin spice cake flavor!
How do I ensure my cream cheese frosting is perfectly smooth?
The key to a super smooth frosting is using softened ingredients. Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. An electric mixer, whether handheld or stand, will also make a big difference. It helps to beat out all those pesky lumps.
Is this pumpkin spice cake freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! You can freeze the unfrosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, add a layer of foil for up to 3 months. For a frosted pumpkin spice cake, freeze slices individually on a tray first. Then, transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Conclusion
So there you have it, friends! This easy pumpkin spice cake truly is a kitchen miracle. It brings so much warmth and happiness. Every tender bite tastes like autumn sunshine. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, it’s always a huge hit. It’s a recipe that fills your home with incredible aromas too. It leaves everyone feeling cozy and content. So go ahead, whip up this delightful cake. Let it bring a little extra joy to your table this season. Happy baking, everyone!
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Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make pumpkin spice cake, perfect for autumn gatherings. This recipe uses a spice cake mix for convenience and features a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 15 ounce can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 4 ounce (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix together cake mix, pumpkin puree and eggs until thoroughly combined.
- Spread batter into baking dish. (Batter will be thick)
- Bake for about 30 minutes until cake springs back to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely then make frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter until smooth (this is easiest with an electric mixer).
- Add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Then stir in vanilla extract.
- And lastly, mix in the milk.
- Mix until smooth then spread on cooled cake.
- Cut and serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- An electric mixer is recommended for making the frosting.
- The cake batter will be thick.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
