Soft pumpkin cake is the epitome of autumn comfort. With its moist, tender texture and rich, spiced flavor, this cake is a true celebration of the season’s best ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy afternoon snack, a family gathering, or a holiday dessert, this pumpkin cake is sure to impress. It’s not only soft and fluffy, but the combination of warm spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin creates a comforting treat that everyone will love. Let’s explore how to make this delicious and easy-to-bake cake!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (about 1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Cake and Serve
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans for added flavor and texture.
- Slice and serve the cake. It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy treat.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the right pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Spice variations: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger according to your taste preferences. You can also add cloves or allspice for a more robust flavor.
- Make it healthier: Substitute some of the butter with applesauce or yogurt to reduce fat content without compromising on moisture.
- Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better after a day or two!
Soft pumpkin cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The combination of spices, pumpkin, and a smooth, creamy frosting makes this cake irresistible to both pumpkin lovers and casual dessert fans alike. It’s a fantastic treat for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations.
Give this easy pumpkin cake recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite!