Pumpkin Pie Cake: Your Ultimate Guide to a Fall Favorite

When the leaves start turning, and there’s a crisp chill in the air, nothing says autumn quite like a pumpkin dessert. If you’re craving something a little more indulgent than the classic pumpkin pie, why not try this delicious Pumpkin Pie Cake? With its moist cake layers infused with pumpkin puree and spices, topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, this dessert is sure to become your new seasonal favorite. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Pumpkin Pie Cake from scratch, along with some expert tips to ensure it ranks high in your recipe collection.

Why Pumpkin Pie Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

You might be wondering, why make a Pumpkin Pie Cake when you could stick to a traditional pie? The answer is simple: texture and flavor! This cake takes the best of both worlds—pumpkin’s rich flavor and cake’s light, fluffy texture—and combines them into one perfect bite. Plus, it’s topped with a delightful cinnamon frosting that brings everything together in a way no regular pie can.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Unique Combination: A delicious blend of pumpkin pie spices with the texture of cake.
• Perfect for Fall: The ultimate dessert to welcome the cozy season.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or just because!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Cake

Let’s start by breaking down the key ingredients that will give this cake its warm, comforting flavors.

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (your base for a soft, fluffy cake)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (the star of the show)
• 3 large eggs (for structure and richness)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (adds moisture)
• 1/4 cup milk (to soften the cake’s texture)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (these spices bring the fall flavors together)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and enhances the pumpkin)

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Candied walnuts, finely chopped (for extra texture and flavor)

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Cake Step by Step

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, sugar, and the warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.

3. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cakes. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Cinnamon Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high for about 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of cinnamon frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For a final touch, sprinkle chopped candied walnuts along the edges of the cake for a sweet, crunchy garnish.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve this Pumpkin Pie Cake at your next family gathering or fall party, and prepare for rave reviews!

Expert Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Pie Cake

Here are some tips to make your Pumpkin Pie Cake truly stand out:

1. Use Fresh Spices

Spices lose their potency over time, so if your cinnamon or nutmeg has been sitting in the pantry for more than a year, it’s time to replace them. Fresh spices make a huge difference in flavor!

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense, tough cake. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing to keep your cake light and fluffy.

3. Chill the Cake Before Frosting

For easier frosting, pop your cake layers in the fridge for 30 minutes before you begin frosting. This prevents the cake from crumbling and ensures a smoother finish.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While Pumpkin Pie Cake may not be considered a “health food,” it does offer some surprising benefits, especially with pumpkin as a key ingredient.

Pumpkin Benefits

• High in Fiber: Keeps you full and aids in digestion.
• Rich in Vitamin A: Great for eye health.
• Loaded with Antioxidants: Helps fight inflammation.

Nutrition Details (per serving):

• Serving size: 1 slice (out of 12)
• Calories: 470
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 45g
• Vitamin A: 90% of daily value
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 8%

FAQs About Pumpkin Pie Cake

Pumpkin desserts are synonymous with fall, and this Pumpkin Pie Cake is the ultimate twist on tradition. Give it a try, and you’ll have a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious. It’s perfect for any fall celebration, from Thanksgiving dinners to casual gatherings. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the best flavors of the season

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Pie Crumble
• Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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