Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe
The Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe is a soft, moist and flavorful dessert that is perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can 15 ounces pure pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pecans
- Chopped walnuts
- Ground cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
Prepare The Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
Mix The Wet Ingredients
- Beat the sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree and vanilla until smooth.
Combine The Batter
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fill The Cake Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake The Cakes
- Bake for about thirty to thirty-five minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Completely
- Allow the cakes to cool for ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Make The Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Frost The First Layer
- Spread an even layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
Stack The Cake
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Decorate
- Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts or cinnamon over the top if desired.
Slice And Serve
- Cut into slices and enjoy this soft, creamy pumpkin cake.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Toast the nuts for extra flavor.
- Add maple extract to the frosting.
- Decorate with candied pecans.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner pieces.