Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall treat that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! Our Halloween Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of autumn flavors wrapped in a moist, fluffy cake. Imagine the rich taste of pumpkin, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether you're hosting a spooky gathering or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them begging for the recipe. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this deliciously festive baking adventure!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together dry ingredients until well blended and no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the wet ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.
- Transfer the cake batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour before frosting.
- For cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once cake is completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula.
- Optional: Decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy corn, or create a festive design using additional frosting.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set.
Tips
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you want to elevate the flavor, consider using homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just roast and blend fresh pumpkin for a richer taste!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle to keep it light and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes before spreading. This will make it easier to work with and help it hold its shape.
- Decorate Creatively: Get festive with your decorations! Use Halloween-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or even candy corn to give your cake a spooky touch that will wow your guests.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after frosting to keep it fresh and delicious for your Halloween festivities!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
