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 cake is perfect for fall gatherings, cozy holidays, or any celebration that calls for a sweet treat. Its moist texture, rich spices, and the luscious cream cheese frosting topped with a decadent salted caramel drizzle make it truly unforgettable.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a taste that’s both comforting and festive.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even baking novices can achieve bakery-quality results.
• Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy night in—this cake suits any occasion!
• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful layers and caramel drizzle make this dessert a showstopper.
• Rich and Decadent: With cream cheese frosting and salted caramel, every bite is a sweet indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking this delectable cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Three 8-inch cake pans
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: It makes whipping the butter and cream cheese easy, resulting in fluffy frosting.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle: Helps create beautiful designs with the salted caramel drizzle on your cake.

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 Caramel Sauce

• 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. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl:
– Combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl:
– Mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat:
– Heat granulated sugar while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until melted and golden brown.
– Remove from heat and stir in butter (careful of splattering).
– Add heavy cream while stirring until fully combined. Return to low heat for about 30 seconds while continuously stirring. Remove from heat again to mix in salt. Let cool at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Using your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
– Cream together room temperature butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
– Add vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar; whip until combined (about another 2 minutes).

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate:
– Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
– Add the second layer followed by more frosting; repeat with third layer.
Finish by frosting the entire outside of the cake with remaining frosting.

Step 7: Drizzle Salted Caramel

Pour slightly cooled salted caramel into a squeeze bottle or piping bag:
– Start from the center of the cake and squeeze out caramel in tight spirals toward the edges.
– Make zig-zag movements as you reach the edge so some caramel drips down beautifully.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

For an extra touch:
– Decorate with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries on top for added color and flair!

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

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

Pair with Fall Fruits

• Fresh Figs: Their natural sweetness complements the spiced flavors of the cake.
• Pomegranate Seeds: The tartness adds a refreshing burst of flavor alongside the sweet cake.
• Blackberries: These berries offer a vibrant color and a juicy contrast to the rich frosting.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that balances the warm spices of pumpkin.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Enhances the autumnal flavors in every bite.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: A perfect match for those who love all things pumpkin.
• Chai Tea: The spices in chai harmonize beautifully with the cake’s flavors.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mini Pastries: Include assorted mini pastries for guests to nibble on along with their slice of cake.
• Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles provide a decadent touch that pairs well with pumpkin.

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

To ensure your Pumpkin Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips:

• Boldly choose fresh ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree enhances flavor over canned varieties.
• Boldly check your oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy; baking times can vary.
• Boldly let cakes cool completely: This prevents melting the frosting when layering.
• Boldly use room temperature ingredients: Ensures better mixing and fluffier frosting.
• Boldly adjust caramel consistency: If too thick, gently warm it for easier drizzling over the cake.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance the dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A warm salad that brings earthy flavors to balance sweetness.
2. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Their umami richness complements the dessert’s sweetness beautifully.
3. Candied Pecans: Crunchy and sweet, they add texture that’s delightful alongside cake.
4. Spiced Apple Compote: Warm apples spiced with cinnamon make for a comforting accompaniment.
5. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness offsets the sweetness of the cake effectively.
6. Caramelized Sweet Potatoes: These bring a complementary sweetness that echoes in both dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can be simple, but many people make common mistakes. Here are some to avoid:

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting and uneven batter. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time – Frosting a warm cake can melt your cream cheese frosting. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before decorating.
• Using stale spices – Fresh spices elevate the flavor of your cake. Always check the freshness of your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger before using them.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the pumpkin cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before covering to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it can make the frosting melt too much.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat; cover and warm each slice for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works well! Just ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

How do I make the salted caramel drizzle?

To make salted caramel, melt sugar over medium-low heat until golden, then stir in butter and cream. Add salt after cooling.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Definitely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.

How long does this cake last at room temperature?

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle lasts about 2 hours at room temperature before needing refrigeration.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips. With its rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate—try making this cake today!

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Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

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• Author: Amanda
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with our Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle. This moist, spiced cake is layered with rich cream cheese frosting and topped with a luxurious salted caramel drizzle, making it perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy celebration. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors, combining the comforting taste of pumpkin with the sweetness of caramel and the tanginess of cream cheese. Easy to make and visually stunning, this cake will steal the show at your next dessert table. Follow our simple instructions to create this unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 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
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for caramel sauce)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for caramel sauce)
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (for frosting)
• 8 oz butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
• 7 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
4. Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
7. Assemble layers with frosting between each layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
8. Drizzle cooled salted caramel over the top before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice - approximately 100g
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg