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 never want another cake ever again. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from fall gatherings to birthday celebrations. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with creamy frosting and a luscious salted caramel drizzle makes it truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and creamy frosting create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy fall evening, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even beginner bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Stunning Presentation: The salted caramel drizzle adds a beautiful touch that will wow your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert or pair it with coffee for a delightful treat any time of day.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking journey, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment on hand will make preparing the Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• 8-inch round cake pans
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Perfect for easily creaming butter and cream cheese, ensuring a light and fluffy frosting.
• 8-inch round cake pans: These provide the ideal size for baking each layer of the cake evenly.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, you will need the following ingredients:

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl:
   Combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. In another bowl:
   Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Next:
   Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Evenly pour the batter into prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan:
   Heat the sugar on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until fully melted.
2. Once golden brown, remove from heat and stir in butter; expect bubbling.
   Add heavy cream, stirring constantly until combined. Return to heat briefly if needed, then stir in salt.
3. Let cool at room temperature while making frosting.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In your stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add in vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; whip together until fully combined (about another 2 minutes).

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one layer of cake on a plate; add frosting on top.
2. Repeat layering with remaining cakes, adding frosting between each layer.
3. Frost the outside of the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 7: Drizzle with Salted Caramel

1. Fill a piping bag or squeeze bottle with slightly cooled caramel (microwave briefly if too solid).
2. Starting from center, spiral caramel outward toward edges; use zig-zag motion at edge for effect.

Step 8: Optional Decoration

1. If desired, decorate your cake top with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries for added flair!

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

Serving your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate any gathering. Here are some creative suggestions to make your cake experience even better.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the pumpkin cake, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Serve slices of cake alongside fresh fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert that balances sweetness and creaminess.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the softness of the cake.

Serve at Room Temperature

• Allow the cake to sit at room temperature before serving to enhance its flavors and texture, making every bite more enjoyable.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange slices of pumpkin cake on a platter with assorted baked goods like cookies or brownies for a delightful dessert spread.

Pin this!

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; cakes can bake unevenly if the oven is too hot or cold.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
• Drizzle Caramel Sparingly: Start with a small amount of salted caramel drizzle on each slice; you can always add more if desired.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge, ensuring it stays moist for days.

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

Complement your Pumpkin Cake with delightful side dishes that balance its richness. These options will enhance your dessert experience.

1. Spiced Applesauce: A warm spiced applesauce provides a sweet-tart contrast that pairs nicely with pumpkin flavors.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These fluffy donuts echo the cinnamon notes in the cake, making them great companions.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A side of lightly roasted seasonal vegetables adds a savory touch that balances sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide creamy textures against the sweet cake.
5. Honey Butter Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits drizzled with honey butter create a comforting side dish that complements dessert.
6. Chai Tea Latte: The spices in chai tea blend harmoniously with pumpkin flavors, making it an excellent beverage pairing.
7. Carrot Salad: A fresh carrot salad adds crunch and brightness while maintaining cohesion with autumn flavors.
8. Pecan Pie Bites: Miniature pecan pies echo nutty flavors and create a festive assortment on the dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to an uneven batter. Always let these ingredients sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring cups and spoons. A kitchen scale can also help ensure accuracy.
• Ignoring baking times: Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. A toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Forgetting to cool before frosting: Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt. Always let your cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat a slice for about 10-15 seconds; check every few seconds to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, using canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly for making this delicious cake.

How do I make my Pumpkin Cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or incorporating sour cream can enhance moisture in your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

What spices work well with pumpkin?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice create a warm flavor profile that complements pumpkin beautifully.

How long does it take to bake the cake?

Your cake should bake for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F; always check with a toothpick!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even different toppings. It’s perfect for any occasion — from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. Give this recipe a try; it will surely become a favorite!