Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Cake is the perfect dessert for fall, combining the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This cake is moist and tender, thanks to the pumpkin puree, and has a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that makes it comforting and flavorful. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting or dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is ideal for festive occasions, cozy gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a taste of autumn. Easy to make and bursting with fall flavors, this spiced pumpkin cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Spiced Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting (optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (if needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the cream cheese frosting (optional): In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
7. Frost and serve: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, or dust with powdered sugar for a simpler finish. Slice and enjoy!

This spiced pumpkin cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful on its own but is taken to the next level with the cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for autumn celebrations or when you want a sweet treat filled with the cozy flavors of the season!