The Best Pumpkin Creamy Layer Cake Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Imagine a pumpkin creamy layer cake that whispers autumn’s warmth with every delectable slice.

Soft, velvety textures meld perfectly with rich seasonal spices that dance across your palate.

This dessert captures the essence of cozy comfort in each carefully crafted layer.

Delicate crumb meets luxurious cream, promising an indulgent experience that celebrates fall’s most beloved ingredient.

Sweet, subtle notes intertwine with classic baking techniques, creating a memorable treat that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently craft this stunning centerpiece dessert.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity and nostalgic flavors.

You can want to savor every moment of this delightful seasonal sensation.

Pumpkin Layer Cake with a Silky Finish

• This pumpkin creamy layer cake captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and rich, comforting texture that wraps you in cozy feelings.
• The recipe uses a simple cake mix base and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
• The cake features a unique two-layer construction with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake-like top that creates an indulgent contrast of textures and flavors, ensuring each bite is a luxurious experience.
• With just 50 minutes of baking time and straightforward preparation, this dessert is ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or spontaneous sweet cravings that demand minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Layer Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the foundation for the cake with a classic sweet flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake base.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and create structure.

• Pumpkin Puree: Brings classic autumn flavor and creamy texture to the cake.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the pumpkin layer.
• Eggs: Help set and bind the pumpkin cream mixture.
• Butter: Enhances richness and contributes to a moist texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the pumpkin layer.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background flavor.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Traditional pumpkin pie spices that give warmth and depth to the cake.

Instructions to Bake and Stack This Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Arena

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your 9-inch or 10-inch round cake pan and give it some love by lining it with parchment paper. Spray a light coat of cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create the Golden Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• One egg

Blend everything until it looks smooth and silky. Pour this golden mixture into your prepared pan, creating a perfect foundation for your cake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Cream cheese
• Eggs
• Remaining melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg

Mix these treasures until they transform into a creamy, dreamy concoction. Gently pour this luxurious layer over your cake base.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven. Let it dance and bubble for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle.

Step 5: Rest and Relax

Allow your dish to cool inside the pan for at least 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for Creamy Layers and Balanced Spice

• Control Moisture Levels: Let the pumpkin puree drain on paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a firmer cake texture and preventing sogginess.
• Achieve Perfect Spice Balance: Freshly ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground spices.
• Prevent Cracking: Bake the cake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create a humid environment, which helps prevent surface cracking.
• Test Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick method by inserting it near the cake's center; a few moist crumbs are okay, but raw batter indicates it needs more baking time.
• Enhance Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours to help the layers set and develop a more intense flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Cake Pieces

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For the best texture, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese layer.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying the creamy pumpkin cake.

Toppings and Pairings That Work Well

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte: Complement the warm, spicy pumpkin cake with a smooth, aromatic chai latte. The creamy chai's blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom perfectly mirrors the cake's rich spices, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Salted Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle a homemade salted caramel bourbon sauce over each slice. The deep, boozy notes of bourbon enhance the cake's warm spices, while the caramel's sweetness balances the pumpkin's earthy undertones.
• Serve with Spiced Whipped Mascarpone: Top the cake with a dollop of mascarpone whipped cream infused with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. This light, creamy topping adds a luxurious texture and complements the cake's dense, moist layers.
• Accompany with Toasted Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle toasted, chopped pecans around the cake for a delightful crunch. The nuts' buttery, slightly bitter flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the cake's sweet, spicy profile.

Pumpkin Cake Upgrades to Explore

• Autumn Spice Swirl: Replace yellow cake mix with a spice cake mix, adding extra cardamom and allspice for a deeper seasonal flavor profile. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for crunch.
• Maple Pumpkin Dream: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add a maple glaze after cooling. Garnish with candied maple pecans for an elevated autumn dessert experience.
• Cheesecake Fusion Cake: Increase cream cheese quantity and fold in white chocolate chips. Create a graham cracker crust base instead of yellow cake mix for a richer, more decadent texture.
• Gluten-Free Harvest Cake: Use gluten-free yellow cake mix and substitute regular cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Add a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top for extra nutrition and crunch.

Pumpkin Cake FAQs for Your Next Bake

• Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

While yellow cake mix works best, you can experiment with white or spice cake mix for slightly different flavors. Just ensure you maintain the same measurements.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly gooey in the center. A toothpick inserted near the edge will come out clean, but the middle might still look soft.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

• What if I don't have fresh spices like cinnamon and nutmeg?

You can use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice as a convenient substitute. If you don’t have that, ground cinnamon alone will still provide great flavor.

Pumpkin Creamy Layer Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Layers of autumn warmth weave through this pumpkin creamy layer cake, blending comforting spices with silky cream cheese frosting. Rich seasonal flavors invite you to savor each luxurious slice, celebrating fall’s most beloved dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (220 grams) dark brown sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9″ or 10″ round cake pan with parchment paper and a light spray of cooking lubricant.
2. Create the foundational layer by whisking yellow cake mix with melted butter and an egg until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform batter. Carefully spread this mixture across the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface.
3. Transition to crafting the decadent pumpkin layer by combining pumpkin puree, cream cheese, additional eggs, remaining melted butter, brown sugar, and warm autumnal spices like vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Blend these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture.
4. Gently cascade the pumpkin mixture over the initial cake base, allowing it to settle naturally across the surface.
5. Position the cake in a preheated oven calibrated to 350 degrees fahrenheit, allowing it to bake for 40-50 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown exterior and a slight wobble in the center, indicating perfect moisture retention.
6. Remove from the oven and permit the cake to rest within the pan for approximately 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the layers to stabilize and set, ensuring a pristine presentation when sliced.

Notes

• This decadent pumpkin creamy layer cake blends the warmth of autumn spices with a luxurious cream cheese base, creating a moist and indulgent dessert perfect for seasonal gatherings.
• Achieve the best texture by using room temperature ingredients, which helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that bakes more consistently.
• The cake’s unique two-layer construction allows for a rich, custardy pumpkin cream cheese layer atop a tender yellow cake base, delivering complex flavors in every bite.
• Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking the cake around 40 minutes and look for a golden-brown top with a slightly soft center.
• Cooling the cake completely is crucial for allowing the layers to set and develop a firm, sliceable consistency that holds its shape when served.
• Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3-4 days, and consider serving slightly chilled for an even more decadent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg