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 delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a special celebration. The combination of fluffy pumpkin cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting and a luscious salted caramel drizzle is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly enhance the pumpkin, creating a comforting taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert without hassle.
• Make Ahead Option: You can bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving for added convenience.
• Versatile Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like fresh fruits or nuts to personalize your cake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8-inch)
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar much easier, ensuring a light and fluffy frosting.
• Cake pans: Properly sized pans help the cake bake evenly, leading to a perfect texture.
• Piping bag: Allows for precise drizzling of caramel, adding an eye-catching finish to your cake.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, gather the following ingredients:

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 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

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle

• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl:
Combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

In another bowl:
Mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Combine both mixtures:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly pour batter into prepared pans:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan:
Heat granulated sugar on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until melted and golden brown.

Remove from heat:
Stir in butter carefully as it will bubble up. Once combined, add heavy cream slowly while stirring continuously. Return to heat for about 30 seconds before removing again. Stir in salt and let cool at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In your stand mixer:
Beat together room temperature butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Add remaining ingredients:
Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar until fully incorporated (about another 2 minutes).

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

To assemble:
1. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
3. Repeat with second layer followed by frosting on top.
4. Place final layer on top; frost sides and top of entire cake.

Step 7: Add Salted Caramel Drizzle

Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag filled with cooled salted caramel:
Start from the center of the cake; create spirals outward towards edges.

Finish decorating:
Optionally add fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries on top for an extra touch!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle!

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

Serving this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate any gathering or celebration. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dessert.

Festive Plate Presentation

• Use a decorative cake stand to showcase your cake; this adds elegance to your dessert table.
• Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few pumpkin seeds for added color and texture.

Pair with Seasonal Fruits

• Fresh figs or pomegranate seeds provide a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
• Blackberries add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte to enhance the autumn flavors.
• A classic black coffee also pairs beautifully, cutting through the sweetness.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with extra salted caramel makes for an indulgent side treat.
• Consider serving with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Save it!

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

To ensure your Pumpkin Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature helps them incorporate better, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; this prevents excess flour from making your cake dense.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined when incorporating dry ingredients into wet. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check for doneness – Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
• Cool completely before frosting – Allow your cakes to cool fully on wire racks before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Store properly – Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate if longer storage is needed.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

1. Spiced Nuts – A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg provides a crunchy contrast to the cake’s softness.
2. Autumn Salad – A fresh salad featuring mixed greens, apples, walnuts, and feta offers a light balance against the rich cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots roasted with herbs bring warmth and savory notes to the table.
4. Cheese Board – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese along with crackers for an elegant touch that pairs well with dessert wines.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup can serve as a comforting starter that complements your dessert’s flavors.
6. Chocolate Mousse – This rich yet airy dessert is perfect for those who love chocolate alongside their pumpkin treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle turn out perfectly.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can result in a lumpy frosting. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.

• Overmixing the batter: This can make your cake dense and tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a light texture.

• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting a warm cake can melt your cream cheese frosting. Allow the cakes to cool completely before applying the frosting.

• Using too much flour: Measuring flour incorrectly can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale for accuracy.

• Not tasting the caramel: If you don’t taste your salted caramel, you might miss adjusting it to your liking. Always test for sweetness and salt balance before using it on the cake.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep slices separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and saves you time!

How do I make my cream cheese frosting smooth?

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and mix thoroughly until light and fluffy to achieve that smooth texture.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as alternatives, but be aware they may slightly alter texture and flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Pumpkin Cake?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it includes xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or using different spices based on your preference. Its comforting flavors are perfect for any occasion—try making it today!