There’s something undeniably magical about autumn. The air turns crisp, leaves paint the world in fiery hues, and kitchens everywhere fill with the warm aroma of spices and baked goods. Among these comforting treats, nothing captures the essence of fall quite like a Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. This dessert is the perfect marriage of spiced pumpkin goodness and creamy, caramel-infused decadence, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your autumn celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin pie spice and real pumpkin puree, this cake screams autumn in every bite.
• Luxurious Frosting: The caramel cream cheese frosting adds a velvety richness that pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While it looks and tastes like a professional creation, the steps are straightforward enough for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

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 oil (or canola)
• 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 cream cheese, full-fat, brick-style
• 1/2 cup salted caramel (homemade or store-bought)
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream, as needed

Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 5 pieces
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Beat until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, about half at a time. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

2. Preparing the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the cream cheese and continue beating until fully combined.
3. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, followed by the salted caramel.
4. Gradually add more powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
5. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of whipping cream to loosen it slightly.

3. Making the Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional but Worth It)

1. Add the sugar to a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as the sugar melts and turns amber.
2. Once smooth, carefully add the butter pieces, whisking until melted.
3. Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in the whipping cream.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and coarse salt. Let the sauce cool before using.

4. Assembling the Cake

1. Spread the caramel cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin cake.
2. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy the rich flavors of fall!

Expert Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Homemade Caramel Sauce: While store-bought caramel works, making your own sauce adds a personal and luxurious touch.
• Even Baking: Rotate your cake halfway through baking for even cooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	4g
Fat	23g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g

Variations and Add-Ons

1. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
2. Spiced Up: Increase the pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick of fall flavor.
3. Mini Cakes: Turn the batter into cupcakes or mini loaves for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this cake with a warm spiced latte or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate autumn treat.
• Serve it as a centerpiece dessert for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you love about fall wrapped into one luscious dessert. The moist spiced cake, creamy caramel frosting, and optional salted caramel drizzle make it a surefire hit at any occasion. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and prepare to bake a cake that tastes as stunning as it looks.

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