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 be hooked! Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines moist pumpkin flavor with a rich cream cheese frosting and a decadent salted caramel drizzle. It’s an irresistible dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pumpkin Cake
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
• Step 5: Bake the Cakes
• Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
• Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 8: Assemble the Cake
• Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel
• Step 10: Decorate (Optional)
• How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Pair with Coffee
• Add Fresh Fruits
• Ice Cream Delight
• Create a Dessert Plate
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
• How do I make my cake more moist?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?
• How long does this cake last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy frosting creates a delightful taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Versatile Occasion: This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, birthdays, or just a cozy evening at home.
• Stunning Presentation: The layers of frosting and caramel drizzle make this cake visually appealing.
• Leftover Friendly: If you manage to have leftovers, this cake stays moist and tasty for days!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle, having the right tools is essential. Below are the tools you’ll need to achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Spatula: A flexible spatula is crucial for mixing ingredients thoroughly without leaving any lumps.
• Cake pans: Using quality cake pans ensures even baking and easy removal of the cakes.

Ingredients

One bite of this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle and you’ll never want another cake ever again. Topped with the best cream cheese frosting and a salted caramel drizzle.

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 Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 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

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 to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
– Stir until everything is well combined but do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat:
1. Heat sugar while stirring occasionally until melted.
2. Once golden brown, remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
3. Add heavy cream carefully; stir until combined. Return to heat for about 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
4. Remove from heat again; stir in salt. Let it cool at room temperature.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat butter and cream cheese together until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add in vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar; mix until smooth (about 2 more minutes).

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer on a plate:
– Top with a generous dollop of frosting.
– Repeat layering with remaining cakes while adding frosting between layers.

Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel

Pour cooled salted caramel into a piping bag or squeeze bottle:
– Start from the center of the cake in a spiral motion towards the edges making zig-zag movements as you go off the side.

Step 10: Decorate (Optional)

For added flair:
– Top your creation with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, or blackberries if desired!

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

Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can elevate this delicious dessert to a whole new level. Here are some creative suggestions to enjoy this cake.

Pair with Coffee

• Espresso: A strong shot of espresso balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Cappuccino: The creamy froth complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Fresh blackberries or raspberries add a tart contrast.
• Figs: Sliced figs provide a sweet, earthy note that pairs well with pumpkin.

Ice Cream Delight

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture to every bite.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: For extra caramel flavor, choose ice cream with caramel swirls.

Create a Dessert Plate

• Mini Desserts: Serve slices of pumpkin cake alongside mini cheesecakes for variety.
• Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles offer a decadent pairing with the cake.

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor compared to canned options.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean for perfect baking.
• Let it cool completely: Frost the cake only after it has cooled to avoid melting frosting.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful touch on top of each slice.
2. Caramel Sauce: Extra caramel drizzled on the plate brings out the flavors of the cake.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and a savory contrast to sweetness.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cake.
5. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese complement the flavors wonderfully.
6. Chai Tea: Spiced chai tea warms up your dessert experience perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin your efforts.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs and cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make your cake dense and tough. Mix until just combined to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can affect the outcome. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients.
• Ignoring baking times – Every oven is different, so check your cake a few minutes before the recommended time. A toothpick should come out clean from the center when it’s done.
• Skipping frosting chilling time – Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and helps create smooth layers.
• Forgetting to taste the caramel – The salted caramel is crucial for flavor. Taste it before using and adjust the salt according to your preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze without frosting if possible.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices in short bursts of 15 seconds at medium power until warm.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth.

How do I make my cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or increasing the oil slightly can enhance moisture in your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese if you’re looking for alternatives.

How long does this cake last?

The Pumpkin Cake typically lasts about 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Salted Caramel Drizzle is not only irresistible but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or spices based on your preference. It’s perfect for any occasion or simply as a cozy treat at home. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!