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Pumpkin Spice Cake

This pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting is the ultimate cozy fall dessert. Baked in a single pan, it delivers a soft, moist crumb packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. The smooth cream cheese frosting spreads easily and adds the perfect tangy contrast without overpowering the cake. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and zero fuss make this an easy pumpkin spice cake you’ll want to bake again and again. It slices cleanly, travels well, and somehow tastes even better the next day—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime fall cravings hit.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Pumpkin Spice Cake
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp fine salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • A small pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup neutral oil vegetable or similar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 15-oz can pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

1. Get the Oven Ready

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan well or line it with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting later.

    2. Whisk the Dry Mix

    In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices. Whisk until evenly blended and lump-free.

      3. Build the Batter

      In a large bowl, whisk together both sugars, oil, and eggs until smooth and slightly lighter in color. Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla, stirring until fully incorporated.

        4. Bring It Together

        Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in stages. Stir gently just until combined—stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing = tough cake.

          5. Bake

          Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.

            6. Cool Completely

            Let the cake rest in the pan for about 15 minutes, then cool fully on a rack before frosting. Warm cake and cream cheese frosting do not mix well.

              7. Make the Frosting

              Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

                8. Frost & Finish

                Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Add a light dusting of cinnamon if you want a polished look.

                  Notes

                  Serving, Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

                  For neat slices, chill the cake briefly before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts—trust me, it makes a difference.
                  Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. This cake actually tastes better the next day as the spices settle in. Unfrosted slices freeze beautifully for future cravings.

                  FAQs

                  Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
                   Yes—just make sure it’s thick and well-drained. Watery purée can affect texture.
                  Can I swap the oil for butter?
                   You can, but oil keeps the cake softer for longer. Butter adds flavor but slightly firms the crumb.
                  Does this cake need refrigeration?
                   Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is best after day two.
                  Can I make this ahead?
                   Absolutely. Bake the cake a day early, frost before serving, or frost and refrigerate overnight.

                  Final Thoughts

                  This pumpkin spice cake is all about ease and payoff. One pan, bold flavor, soft texture, zero stress. It travels well, slices cleanly, and somehow disappears faster than expected every single time. Whether it’s for a holiday table, a casual get-together, or a quiet fork-and-plate moment in the kitchen—this one delivers. 🍂🎃