Pumpkin Cake Recipe – Soft, Moist, and Full of Flavor

Pumpkin cake is a warm, spiced dessert that is perfect for fall but can be enjoyed any time of the year.

It’s soft, moist, and has just the right amount of sweetness.

This recipe is simple, so even beginners can make it easily.

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a cake that feels like autumn in every bite, this pumpkin cake is the one.

With the rich taste of pumpkin, a hint of cinnamon, and a fluffy cream cheese frosting, it will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients you need to make this pumpkin cake.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (240g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
• ½ cup butter (115g), softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar (360g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven

The very first step is to get everything ready before mixing the batter.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

This will make sure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan after baking.

Getting this step right is important because it helps the cake bake evenly and come out smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s start with the dry ingredients.

Take a large bowl and add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Use a whisk to mix them together until they are well combined.

Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps the baking powder and spices spread evenly in the cake, giving it a balanced taste and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another big bowl, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients.

Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.

Whisk them together until smooth.

Then, crack in the eggs one by one and keep whisking. Finally, add vanilla extract and mix again.

This step is what makes the cake moist and flavorful.

Pumpkin puree and oil lock in the moisture, while sugar adds sweetness and a golden-brown color when baked.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now comes the most exciting part—bringing everything together.

Slowly pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture.

Use a spatula or spoon to fold it gently.

Make sure you do not overmix because that can make the cake dense.

Mix only until you don’t see any more dry flour.

At this stage, your batter will smell wonderful with pumpkin and spices.

It should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.

To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick in the center.

If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

This step is very important because if you frost the cake while it’s still hot, the frosting will melt and become messy.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, prepare the frosting.

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add vanilla extract and slowly mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you get a fluffy frosting.

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top.

You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon or crushed nuts for decoration if you like.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cake

Don’t Skip the Spices

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger is what gives pumpkin cake its classic flavor.

Without them, the cake may taste plain.

Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling

Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added.

For this recipe, you need plain pumpkin puree.

Let the Cake Cool Completely

Patience is key. Waiting before frosting ensures your cake looks neat and tastes even better.

Variations to Try

Pumpkin cake can be made in many fun ways:

Pumpkin Cake Cupcakes: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Pumpkin Cake with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.

Pumpkin Layer Cake: Bake in two round pans, then stack with frosting in between.

Pumpkin Cake without Frosting: If you prefer a simple treat, just dust powdered sugar on top instead of adding frosting.

Serving Ideas

This pumpkin cake tastes amazing on its own, but you can enjoy it in different ways:

With a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

It also makes a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin cake is one of the easiest and most delicious cakes you can bake at home.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a soft, spiced cake that everyone will love.

The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making it rich and irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to treat yourself, this pumpkin cake recipe is a winner every time.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to cake for all special occasions.