Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fall dessert, combining warm pumpkin flavors with a rich, decadent caramel frosting. The moist, spiced pumpkin cake is simple to make and pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the caramel cream cheese frosting. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy autumn treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 oz full-fat brick-style cream cheese
• 1/2 cup salted caramel (store-bought or homemade, see recipe below)
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream (as needed)

Optional Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions:

Pumpkin Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, beat together the oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing in half at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is combined.
5. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Prepare the Frosting Base:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the cream cheese and beat until fully combined.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Caramel:
   Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, followed by the salted caramel sauce. Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
3. Adjust Frosting Consistency:
   If the frosting becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of whipping cream to loosen it to a spreadable consistency. Set the frosting aside until the cake is ready.

Optional Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. Melt the Sugar:
   In a large saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, whisking constantly. The sugar will first form clumps, then turn into a smooth amber-colored sauce.
2. Add Butter and Cream:
   Whisk in the butter until fully melted, then remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using in the frosting.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the pumpkin cake has cooled completely, generously spread the caramel cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. For an extra touch, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the frosting if desired.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy the irresistible combination of spiced pumpkin cake and creamy caramel frosting!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Tips:

• For a more intense caramel flavor, you can make your own salted caramel sauce using the recipe provided.
• Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Garnish the top of the cake with toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra fall vibes.

This Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any fall gathering, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. The moist, spiced cake combined with the rich, velvety frosting creates a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy every bite!