Description
This Spiced Pumpkin Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for the fall season. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights, this cake is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp ground cloves
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined and free of lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the canola oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is well combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. To speed up cooling, place the cake in the refrigerator after about 45 minutes.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese, butter or margarine, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring full coverage and a smooth finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy frosting mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the canola oil with another neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil.
- Allowing the cake to cool completely is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, especially in warm climates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
