Best Way to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in 30 Minutes
Fall is the perfect season for cozy baking, and what better way to welcome the autumn vibes than with a delightful pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting? This easy recipe will have you indulging in a moist, spiced cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, all in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a fall dessert, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Kitchen Tools:
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Electric mixer or spatula
– 9×13 inch baking pan
– Parchment paper (optional)
– Cooling rack
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy.
8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts for extra flair!
Nutritional Benefits or Advantages
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this pumpkin cake not only delicious but also healthier than many other desserts. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy texture with a bit of protein.
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
– For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– Add walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
– Explore flavored cream cheese frostings by incorporating maple syrup or caramel!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing the batter: This can result in a dense cake. Mix until just blended.
– Not letting the cake cool completely before frosting: This will melt your frosting and ruin the presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
This pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is the epitome of fall desserts. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite. Why not give this recipe a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin first.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cake keeps well, and you can frost it just before serving.
Q: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add a bit more cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Yes, chocolate chips could be a delicious addition if you want to switch things up!
