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 various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The delightful combination of spiced pumpkin, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a rich salted caramel drizzle makes it a standout dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pumpkin Cake
• For the Salted Caramel Drizzle
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Make Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
• Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
• How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Festive Platter
• Pair with Coffee or Tea
• Add Fresh Fruits
• Ice Cream Scoop
• Drizzle More Caramel
• Garnish with Nuts
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• How do I customize my Pumpkin Cake?
• What is the best way to frost this cake?
• How long does this cake stay fresh?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly moist: The pumpkin puree keeps this cake incredibly moist, ensuring every slice is soft and tender.
• Flavorful spices: The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add depth to the flavor, making it a fall favorite.
• Decadent frosting: The cream cheese frosting paired with salted caramel creates a deliciously balanced sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.
• Easy to make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can create this stunning dessert with confidence.
• Versatile decoration: You can customize the look with seasonal fruits or nuts, adding a personal touch to your cake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 8-inch cake pans (3)
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes whipping the ingredients easy and ensures a fluffy texture in your frosting.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients helps achieve better mixing results.
• Spatula: A spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of your bowl and folding in ingredients gently without deflating them.

Ingredients

To make this wonderful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, you will need:

For the Pumpkin 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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

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

Step 3: Bake the Cake

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

Step 4: Make Salted Caramel Drizzle

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt sugar while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown.
2. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted completely; then add heavy cream carefully as it will bubble up.
3. Stir in salt and let cool at room temperature while preparing frosting.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; mix until combined (about another 2 minutes).

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

1. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate; spread a generous dollop of frosting on top.
2. Repeat layering with remaining cakes and frost each layer as you build.
3. Once assembled, frost the sides and top of the cake with remaining frosting.

Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle

1. Pour slightly cooled salted caramel into a squeeze bottle or piping bag.
2. Starting from the center of your frosted cake, drizzle caramel in spiral motion towards edges.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

Top your beautiful creation with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries for an extra special touch!

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

Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate the experience for your guests. Here are some delightful ways to present this irresistible dessert.

Festive Platter

• Use a decorative cake stand to showcase your pumpkin cake. This adds height and elegance to your table setting.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Offering a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside the cake enhances its flavors and provides a comforting treat for your guests.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Serve slices of the pumpkin cake with a side of fresh figs, pomegranates, or blackberries. The tartness of the fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.

Ice Cream Scoop

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top of each slice melts beautifully into the warm cake, creating a rich and creamy combination.

Drizzle More Caramel

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional salted caramel over each slice right before serving. This makes each bite even more decadent.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top to add crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cake is all about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an exceptional result every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cakes at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting off.

• Adjust Caramel Consistency: If the salted caramel is too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds before drizzling. This ensures a smooth flow.

• Layer Evenly: When stacking layers, ensure each layer is even for an aesthetically pleasing cake that stands tall.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some great options that complement this delicious treat perfectly.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte pairs wonderfully, adding aromatic flavors that match the spices in the cake.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A light salad featuring roasted butternut squash brings seasonal flavors that contrast nicely with the sweet cake.

3. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts add a touch of earthiness and balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: For those who love sweets, serve mini cinnamon sugar donuts as a fun side treat alongside your pumpkin cake.

5. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream offers another cozy dessert option that complements pumpkin flavors well.

6. Cheese Board: An assorted cheese board featuring sharp cheeses provides a savory contrast that enhances the overall flavor experience.

7. Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal with pumpkin soup garnished with cream—it’s a delightful way to celebrate autumn flavors before enjoying dessert.

8. Pecan Pie Bites: Small bites of pecan pie create an appealing dessert spread, perfect for those who can’t resist anything sweet!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy. An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking or burnt edges.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake freezes well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on a plate for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a few drops of water, cover, and steam lightly for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often ask about making this delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and pureed smoothly.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture.

What is the best way to frost this cake?

Use a spatula to spread an even layer of frosting between each cake layer before coating the sides and top.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When stored correctly, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days or up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not only decadent but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and indulge in its comforting flavors!