This Easy Pumpkin Cake recipe is the ultimate fall dessert, featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with creamy, homemade whipped cream cheese frosting. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and baking soda, this simple yet flavorful cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or any special occasion. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or new to fall baking, this recipe delivers delicious results with every bite. Decorated with pecans for extra texture, it’s a sweet treat your family and friends will rave about. Enjoy this pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting as a comforting dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

This Easy Pumpkin Cake is the perfect fall dessert, made with a moist, spiced pumpkin base and topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting. It’s simple to make, yet incredibly flavorful with cinnamon, baking soda, and pumpkin puree that adds natural sweetness and richness to the cake. Finished off with pecans for a delightful crunch (optional), this cake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a cozy afternoon treat. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a new dessert, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour (see note on measuring)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda, sifted to remove lumps
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup oil (extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil will work)
15 oz can pumpkin puree

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature, cut into quarters
8 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pecans for decoration, optional

Instructions:

How to Make Pumpkin Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a glass Pyrex dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 3 large eggs, 1 cup oil, and 1 can of pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and whisk until fully incorporated.
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting.

How to Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the frosting ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract.
Using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until combined, then beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until the frosting becomes light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top of the cake and garnish with chopped pecans if desired.

Tips:

Make sure the cake cools completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work just as well for the frosting.

Variations and Substitutions:

Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nut-free: Omit the pecans or replace with another topping like chocolate chips or caramel drizzle.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for the frosting.

FAQs:

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, the cake can be baked and stored for up to 3 days before frosting. Keep it covered at room temperature.
How long will this cake last? The cake can last up to 5 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake freezes well. Freeze the unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Easy Pumpkin Cake at fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinner, or as a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also perfect for sharing at potlucks or making for a cozy family dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Easy Pumpkin Cake is a foolproof dessert that combines the flavors of fall with a soft, fluffy texture. The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cake, while the pecans give it an extra crunch. Simple to make with everyday ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will make your autumn celebrations even sweeter.

Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time