Pumpkin Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There’s something truly special about a slice of moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting. This Pumpkin Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any occasion where you want to impress with a sweet treat. With its soft texture, rich flavor, and delectable frosting, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake With Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 oz cream cheese, full-fat brick style
• 1/2 cup salted caramel (see below or use store-bought)
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream, as needed

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 5 pieces
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside – these dry ingredients will provide the structure and flavor of your cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Add in the pumpkin puree and mix until fully incorporated. The pumpkin puree will add moisture and a lovely earthy flavor.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing about half at a time. Be sure to turn off the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when it feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

How to Make the Perfect Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. This creates a fluffy base for your frosting.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: Incorporate the cream cheese and beat until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Sweeten the Frosting: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, pour in the salted caramel sauce and mix until well combined. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired flavor.
4. Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of whipping cream and beat until smooth. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Crafting Your Own Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the white sugar and begin whisking constantly. The sugar will form lumps before melting into a smooth amber liquid. This process can take several minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and smooth, carefully whisk in the butter pieces until completely melted and combined.
3. Incorporate the Cream: Remove the saucepan from heat, then slowly pour in the whipping cream while whisking continuously. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up vigorously.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the vanilla extract and coarse salt until evenly mixed. Allow the caramel to cool before using it in the frosting.

Baking Tips for a Moist and Fluffy Pumpkin Cake

• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour accurately.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a tough cake.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so check the cake at 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Pumpkin Cake

• Not Using Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
• Skipping Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your pan well to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake; overbaking can result in a dry texture.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

• Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Garnish with a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a decorative and tasty finish.

Storing Your Pumpkin Cake: Tips for Keeping it Fresh

• At Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Spice It Up: Add extra spices like nutmeg or cloves to enhance the flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pumpkin Cake

• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
• Pair with a side of fresh fruit, like apple or pear slices, to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Frosting

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately and frost just before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too runny?
A: Ensure your cream cheese is full-fat and brick style, not spreadable or whipped. Add powdered sugar gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce will work well.

conclusion

This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate dessert for any season. With its perfect balance of sweet and spice, this cake is moist, fluffy, and topped with an indulgent caramel cream cheese frosting that everyone will love. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!

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