Here’s a recipe for Better Than Fall Pumpkin Cake — it’s moist, flavorful, and packed with warm fall spices and pumpkin goodness. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just treating yourself!
Better Than Fall Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
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2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 ½ tsp baking soda
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground ginger
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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½ tsp ground cloves
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
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1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 (15 oz/425g) can pure pumpkin puree
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
For the cream cheese frosting:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prep & preheat
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles.
2. Mix dry ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine wet ingredients
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
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Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mix until fully incorporated.
4. Alternate adding dry and buttermilk
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Add the dry ingredients in thirds to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (start and end with dry ingredients).
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Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
5. Bake
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Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese & butter
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add powdered sugar
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Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then high speed until fluffy.
3. Flavor & salt
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Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mix until incorporated.
Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
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Spread about ⅓ of the cream cheese frosting over the top.
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Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
Optional Extras
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Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
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Add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on the frosting for extra warmth.
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Serve with a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider.