Ingredients
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a cake that’s as heartwarming as a family gathering on a chilly autumn evening:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for the frosting
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly nutty flavor, and if you don’t have all the spices, a pumpkin pie spice mix can work in a pinch.
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cake that’s sure to impress:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. A hand mixer works wonders here.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the caramel sauce and salt, adjusting to taste.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the caramel cream cheese frosting over the top. It’s like a sweet blanket of happiness!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International