Hey, y'all! My Pumpkin Caramel Cake is a great choice if you’re looking for an easy and delicious fall dessert. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a holiday dinner, family get-together, or just a simple treat at home. This cake brings together all the best tastes of the season.
Pumpkin Caramel Cake
Subscribe To Receive New Posts Straight In Your Inbox
Pumpkin Caramel Cake Ingredients
The combination of pumpkin, warm spices like cinnamon, and a rich cream cheese frosting makes this cake stand out. The pumpkin keeps the cake moist, while the spices add that classic fall flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the caramel drizzle on top makes it extra special.
- 5 eggs
- 1 ¼ c. sugar
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 3 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 2 c. pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp. baking powder
- 3 c. flour
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 c. powdered sugar
- ⅓ c. heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ c. caramel topping
How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Cake
This recipe is versatile and fits any occasion. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but also works well for Thanksgiving or other holiday gatherings. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge—the flavors just get better over time, so it’s a convenient option when you’re busy.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the parchment paper extends over the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray and set the dish aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, then mix again until fully incorporated. Finally, add the pumpkin puree and mix once more until everything is well combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the baking powder, flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with the hand mixer after each addition, until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done baking, let it cool on the counter for about 1 hour, or until it is completely cooled down.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and cream cheese. Use the hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and well blended. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat again until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Drizzle the caramel topping over the frosting, and use a spoon or knife to spread it around if desired. For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel on top and, if you like, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top.
- To serve, carefully lift the cake out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Slice the cake into 12 pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing the frosting. This ensures a smoother, creamier texture and prevents lumps.
- Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
- After frosting the cake, you can place it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to help the frosting set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- This cake tastes great when made a day ahead. It gives the flavors time to meld together, and it’s a great way to save time if you’re preparing for an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for a bit before serving.
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. For this recipe, use ¾ tsp. cinnamon, ¼ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. ginger, and a pinch of cloves as a substitute.
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting. However, the homemade version has a richer flavor and fresher taste.
Other Cake Recipes You'll Love
Pumpkin Caramel Cake
Feel free to customize the cake to your liking. You can adjust the spices, switch out the caramel for chocolate, or add some chopped nuts for a little extra crunch. However you decide to make it, this pumpkin cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Pumpkin Caramel Cake
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 ¼ c. sugar
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 3 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 2 c. pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp. baking powder
- 3 c. flour
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 c. unsalted butter room temperature
- 8 oz. cream cheese room temperature
- 4 c. powdered sugar
- ⅓ c. heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ c. caramel topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the parchment paper extends over the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray and set the dish aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, then mix again until fully incorporated. Finally, add the pumpkin puree and mix once more until everything is well combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the baking powder, flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with the hand mixer after each addition, until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done baking, let it cool on the counter for about 1 hour, or until it is completely cooled down.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter and cream cheese. Use the hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and well blended. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat again until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Drizzle the caramel topping over the frosting, and use a spoon or knife to spread it around if desired. For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel on top and, if you like, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top.
- To serve, carefully lift the cake out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Slice the cake into 12 pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing the frosting. This ensures a smoother, creamier texture and prevents lumps.
- Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
- After frosting the cake, you can place it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to help the frosting set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- This cake tastes great when made a day ahead. It gives the flavors time to meld together, and it’s a great way to save time if you’re preparing for an event.
Nutrition
Y'all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
Leave a Reply