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Pumpkin Layer Cake

Pumpkin Layer Cake


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)

Description

Discover the rich and cozy flavors of Pumpkin Layer Cake, a moist and tender spiced pumpkin cake layered with creamy cream cheese frosting. This quintessential fall dessert brings warmth and festive autumn spices to your table, perfect for family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (half stick)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents throughout the batter.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake layers light and tender.
  5. Bake the Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, then add the third. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
  • Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid dense cake layers.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your cake light and tender.
  • Cool Completely Before Frosting: Applying frosting to warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Line the bottoms of your cake pans to make removing layers easier and prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: pumpkin cake, layered cake, fall dessert, spiced pumpkin, cream cheese frosting, autumn cake, moist pumpkin cake