moist, spiced pumpkin cake topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a comforting fall favorite. The warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese make it the perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is delightful for several reasons:

It is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced.
The cream cheese frosting is enhanced with a hint of cinnamon for a warm twist.
Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
Ideal for fall holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Can be baked as a sheet cake or layered for a special presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Pumpkin puree
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Eggs
Vanilla extract

For the frosting:

Cream cheese
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes

Variations

Layered cake: Divide batter between two round pans for a beautiful layered cake.
Spiced frosting: Add nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for a spicier frosting.
Nuts or raisins: Fold chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the batter.
Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

storage/reheating

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To serve chilled cake at room temperature, let it sit out for 20–30 minutes.
The unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving.

What type of cream cheese is best for frosting?

Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Can I reduce the sugar in the cake?

Yes, but reducing too much may affect moisture and texture.

Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, adjust baking time to about 45–50 minutes and test for doneness.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will alter the recipe.

Can I freeze the frosted cake?

Yes, but freezing may slightly affect the texture of the frosting. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure leavening agents are fresh.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting is a perfect dessert for the fall season. With its moist crumb and warmly spiced flavors, it pairs beautifully with the rich, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese frosting. Whether served at a holiday feast or enjoyed as a cozy treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.