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Pumpkin Layer Cake

A comforting spiced pumpkin layer cake topped with rich salted caramel cream cheese frosting, perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the frosting
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (still hot)
  • 1 pound cream cheese, cut into 2 inch cubes (2 8 oz blocks) Use full-fat cream cheese.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (optional) Adjust sweetness to taste.
For the cake
  • 2 cups all purpose flour Measure properly for best results.
  • 2.25 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1.25 cups light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • extra salted caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Frosting
  1. Transfer hot caramel to a large bowl and using an electric mixer, beat at low speed until the caramel cools slightly and comes together, about 5 minutes.
  2. With the mixer on, beat in the cream cheese, one cube at a time, beating well between additions, until silky.
  3. Taste the frosting; if desired, add additional powdered sugar for sweetness.
  4. Transfer the frosting to a bowl and refrigerate until very firm, about 90 minutes in the freezer or several hours in the fridge.
Make the Cake
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar and eggs at medium high speed until frothy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the oil and then the pumpkin puree.
  4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in 3 batches, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake at 350F for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool for about 20 minutes in pans, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Layer the cake with frosting and drizzle with salted caramel sauce, repeating with all layers.

Notes

Slice this cake with a thin, warmed knife to keep edges neat. Serve on simple white plates for a beautiful presentation.