Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, sugar, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla). Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between the cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Optional Garnish: If desired, press chopped candied walnuts into the sides of the cake for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute spice levels: If you prefer a spicier cake, feel free to add extra ginger or cloves to the batter. For a milder flavor, you can tone down the spices.
- Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the frosting fresh, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Frosting variation: Not a fan of cinnamon frosting? Try a simple cream cheese frosting instead for a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
- Garnish options: If candied walnuts aren’t your thing, you can use pecans or leave the cake plain. Either way, it will still be delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Pumpkin spice cake, Fall desserts, Pumpkin pie-inspired cake, Cinnamon frosting cake