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Moist Pumpkin Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: Marlene Quinn
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A cozy and comforting pumpkin cake topped with indulgent maple cream cheese frosting, perfect for autumn gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Milk (as needed for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time and mix until fully incorporated.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  4. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  5. Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, mixing until creamy.
  6. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading frosting on top, and then layering the second cake. Frost the remaining frosting on the outside of the cake.
  7. Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use almond or coconut flour. For a lighter cake, substitute oil with unsweetened applesauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pumpkin cake, fall desserts, cream cheese frosting, autumn recipes, holiday baking