Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

One bite of this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle and you’ll be hooked for life! This cake is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With its rich blend of spices and the creamy topping, it stands out as a showstopper. The salted caramel drizzle adds an irresistible sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a delightful dessert, this cake will not disappoint.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Salted Caramel Drizzle
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Bake the Cake
• Step 6: Make Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 8: Assemble Your Cake
• Step 9: Drizzle Salted Caramel
• How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• For a Festive Celebration
• With Fresh Fruits
• Accompanied by Beverages
• With Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make my Pumpkin Cake more moist?
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?
• How do I store leftover salted caramel?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion that you won’t forget.
• Perfect for All Occasions: This cake is suitable for birthdays, holidays, or just because! It’s sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can achieve success with this recipe.
• Versatile Topping Options: You can customize the decoration with fresh fruits or nuts to match your event theme.
• Make Ahead Friendly: The cake can be baked in advance and frosted later, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8-inch)
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time when mixing ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter without much effort.
• Cake pans: Using the right size ensures even baking and easy layering of your cake.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps in folding ingredients and spreading frosting smoothly.

Ingredients

One bite of this Pumpkin Cake and you’ll never want another cake ever again. Topped with the best cream cheese frosting and a salted caramel drizzle.

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 oz butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
Combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk together.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
Stir until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Evenly pour the batter into prepared pans:
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make Salted Caramel Drizzle

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat:
Heat the sugar for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until fully melted.

Once melted:
Remove from heat, stir in butter until mixed well. Add heavy cream while continuously stirring.

Allow it to cool at room temperature while you prepare frosting.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
Cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Add:
Vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; mix until well combined (approximately 2 more minutes).

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer on a serving plate:
Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.

Repeat with second layer:
After placing the third layer on top, frost the entire outside of the cake with remaining frosting.

Step 9: Drizzle Salted Caramel

Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag:
Start from the center of your cake:
Squeeze out caramel in a tight spiral towards edges.

Finish off by adding decorative toppings if desired! Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Serving this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, here are some creative ways to present and enjoy your cake.

For a Festive Celebration

• Decorative Platter: Arrange slices on a beautiful serving platter with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins or fall leaves.
• Cake Stand: Elevate your presentation by placing the cake on a decorative cake stand for a stunning centerpiece.

With Fresh Fruits

• Seasonal Fruits: Pair slices of the cake with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, and blackberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Fruit Compote: Serve alongside a warm fruit compote made from apples or pears to add warmth and sweetness.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee perfectly complement the spiced pumpkin cake.
• Spiced Chai Tea: Offer spiced chai tea for an aromatic pairing that enhances the autumnal flavors.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that balances the spice of the cake.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with salted caramel ice cream to match the drizzle on top.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

To ensure your Pumpkin Cake turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree and room-temperature eggs for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness, ideally for up to 3 days.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different spices or extracts into your batter for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance its flavors even further. Here are some excellent options you might consider.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil provide a savory contrast to sweet cake.
2. Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potatoes bring out the pumpkin flavor with their natural sweetness and warm spices.
3. Apple Salad: A crisp apple salad offers freshness and crunch that balances the richness of the cake.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
5. Butternut Squash Soup: Warm butternut squash soup provides a cozy, comforting side that pairs wonderfully during fall gatherings.
6. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar brings savory elements that work great with dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can be easy, but there are common missteps to watch for.

• Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a fluffy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – In baking, precision is key. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure correct amounts.
• Skipping the cooling time – Frosting a warm cake will melt your cream cheese frosting. Always allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
• Using cold ingredients – Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese should be at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly for better texture.
• Ignoring the oven temperature – Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to make sure your temperature is accurate for optimal baking results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It can last up to 5 days while maintaining its flavor and freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F. Place cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

How can I make my Pumpkin Cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or using buttermilk instead of regular milk can enhance moisture levels in your cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, but you need to cook and puree the pumpkin properly. Canned pumpkin provides consistency that’s dependable.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

Mascarpone or Greek yogurt can be good alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors or lower fat options.

How do I store leftover salted caramel?

Store any leftover salted caramel in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat before using.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not just a treat; it’s an experience! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices according to your preference. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and enjoy every bite!