Spiced Pumpkin Cake
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There’s something magical about the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen as the leaves start to turn. This spiced pumpkin cake is a staple in my home every fall. I love making it when I’m craving that cozy, nostalgic flavor that instantly transports me to chilly evenings spent with family. The prep is quick and easy, taking just about ten minutes, which is a lifesaver for those busy weekdays.
Once it’s in the oven, you can savor the moment and dream about the sweet maple cream cheese frosting that’s about to top it all off. The combination of warm spices and rich pumpkin makes each bite feel like a hug in cake form. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a dessert that captures the essence of fall while being a breeze to whip up.
Why You’ll Love Spiced Pumpkin Cake
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings: This cake is like autumn on a plate. It’s a great centerpiece for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. It makes whipping up this cake a no-brainer, even on a whim.
- Decadent Frosting: That maple cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level. It’s sweet and creamy, complementing the spiced pumpkin perfectly.
- Quick Prep Time: With just ten minutes of prep, you’ll be on your way to a delicious dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Nostalgic Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices will remind you of childhood baking days. It brings back those comforting memories with every bite.
Ingredients Needed To Make Spiced Pumpkin Cake
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- 1.1 GF flour or all purpose flour
- Eggs
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Hazelnut flavored sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Pumpkin puree
- Vanilla
- Kosher salt
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Milk (such as oat milk)
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Maple cream (or maple syrup)
Substitutions + Alternatives
Can I use All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, All-Purpose Flour can be used. Use the same amount that is listed in the ingredients, but swap with all purpose.
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Can I use regular dairy?
Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy products of your choice for the recipe.
Note: While almond milk is an option, it is less preferred due to its liquid consistency. Consider opting for a milk alternative with a thicker texture.
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Spiced Pumpkin Cake
- Preheat the oven: Start by getting your oven nice and warm. Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the pumpkin puree: Add the pumpkin puree to a small stockpot and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to reduce the excess liquid. Remove from the heat and let it cook completely.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine all the wet ingredients, including the pumpkin puree, and stir them together until well mixed.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the wet ones until everything is combined. Be careful not to overdo it.
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a separate bowl, mix all the frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How can I tell when the pumpkin cake is done baking?
To check if your pumpkin cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a little more time in the oven.
What can I use instead of maple cream?
if you don’t have maple cream, you can use pure maple syrup to add that layer of maple flavor to the frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pumpkin cake is great for making in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftover pumpkin cake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can also freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container.
Can I freeze the pumpkin cake?
Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin cake! Just make sure it’s completely cooled and wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use a dairy-free whipped topping or a simple buttercream made with dairy-free margarine and powdered sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ a bit from the cream cheese frosting.
Spiced Pumpkin Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
Spiced Pumpkin Cake
- 2 ¼ cups 1.1 GF flour or all purpose four
- 4 eggs large
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup Javamelts Hazelnut Flavored Sugar or granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup milk such as oat milk
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz Dairy Free cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple cream can substitute with maple syrup
Instructions
Spiced Pumpkin Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Add the pumpkin puree to a small stockpot and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to reduce the excess liquid. Remove from the heat and let it cook completely.
- Add all of the wet ingredients to a bowl including the pumpkin puree and stir to combine.
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost cake with the maple cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and enjoy!
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix until silky smooth.
Notes
Nutrition
This spiced pumpkin cake has quickly become one of my go-to desserts for fall gatherings. The combination of warm spices and that creamy maple frosting is just divine! Trust me, once you slice into this beauty, everyone will be coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a hit at your next get-together!
