The Cozy Aroma of Fall in Every Slice
Ever walked into a kitchen and been immediately wrapped in the warm embrace of spices and pumpkin goodness? That’s the magic of this Ultimate Fall Layer Cake. It’s all about the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin cake layers topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. This delightful beauty not only steals the show but also becomes the centerpiece of every fall gathering!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should this cake be the star of your kitchen escapades?
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to break the bank or hunt down fancy stuff. It’s all about using what you’ve got on hand!
- Family-Friendly Fun: Let’s face it, pumpkin-flavored everything is like a hug in food form. Kids and adults alike will swoon over each moist bite.
- Easy Cleanup: With just two bowls and a couple of pans, you can whip this up without declaring war on your kitchen. Who doesn’t love that? 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
Let’s dive into the how-to’s of making this ultimate cake!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top.
- Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake, and decorate as desired.
- Slice and enjoy your ultimate fall layer cake!
How to Make Ultimate Fall Layer Cake (Overview)
Crafting this cake is a simple joy! Start by mixing your dry and wet ingredients separately — think of it as a dance where flour and pumpkin meet. Combine those beauties and get them into the oven while your kitchen fills with the aroma of spices. Once baked and cool, frost generously with that dreamy cream cheese frosting. Here’s a pro tip: frosting the sides can be a little messy, but trust me, it’s worth every bit of deliciousness!
How to Serve Ultimate Fall Layer Cake
Slice up those golden layers, revealing the stunning orange hue of pumpkin throughout. Pair each piece with a sprinkle of cinnamon and maybe a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of elegance. Picture this: A beautiful cake sitting on your table, glowing in the soft fall light, delivering that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy richness. Who wouldn’t go back for seconds? 🍰
How to Store Ultimate Fall Layer Cake
Wondering how long that beauty sticks around? You can keep it in the fridge for about 5 days, wrapped tightly. If you’re planning ahead, this cake is perfect for freezing, too! Just wrap it well and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy a slice of fall whenever you crave it!
Tips to Make Ultimate Fall Layer Cake
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the fluffiest frosting.
- Keep It Moist: Adding applesauce gives extra moisture without drowning the cake. Win-win!
- Experiment with Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. More nutmeg? Go for it!
Variation
Want to switch it up? You can easily swap out pumpkin for sweet potato puree for a unique twist. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of chocolate to your cream cheese frosting for an unexpected but delightful flavor combo!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers and frost it a day before your event. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
You can use applesauce instead, but it will change the flavor. Alternatively, homemade pumpkin puree works wonders too!
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Grease and flour your pans like a pro, or use parchment paper at the bottom for easy release.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Ultimate Fall Layer Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup applesauce
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and then place the second layer on top.
- Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake, and decorate as desired.
- Slice and enjoy your ultimate fall layer cake!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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