The Best Homemade Pumpkin Cake Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This pumpkin cake is perfect for fall, bringing cozy vibes and delicious flavors to your table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll love how effortless it is to make.
- Flavorful & moist: The pumpkin keeps the cake soft and adds a rich, spiced taste.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with frosting, or as a base for creative decorations.
- Comforting aroma: Your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes, making it feel like a special treat.
Recipe
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this homemade pumpkin cake recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, this cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
For added richness, top with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 8
Nutrition
Here’s the nutrition information for this homemade pumpkin cake recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
When I make pumpkin cake, I love pairing it with cream cheese frosting—it adds a tangy sweetness that balances the cake perfectly. Sometimes, I swap it out for a simple whipped cream topping for a lighter, airier finish. Both options make the cake feel extra special, and I always enjoy experimenting with which one to use!
Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for the perfect pairing for your homemade pumpkin cake, cream cheese frosting is a classic choice that never disappoints. Its tangy sweetness balances the warm pumpkin spice and rich autumn flavors, making every bite irresistible. I love how smooth it spreads, clinging to the cake’s moist crumb like a cozy blanket. A hint of vanilla or cinnamon in the frosting can deepen the seasonal vibe, but keep it simple—sometimes less is more. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll understand why it’s a fall favorite. It’s the kind of match made in dessert heaven.
Whipped Cream Topping
Whipped cream topping is a light and airy alternative to frosting that brings a delightful contrast to the dense, spiced layers of pumpkin cake. I love how it adds a creamy, cool layer without overpowering the cake’s rich flavors. If you’re looking for whipped cream alternatives, try coconut cream or mascarpone for a twist. For whipped cream flavors, I often add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s fun to experiment! I’ve found that pairing it with toppings like caramel sauce or toasted pecans makes each bite even more special. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
