Sallys Spiced Pumpkin Dream Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sallys Spiced Pumpkin Dream Cake Best Pumpkin cake recipe Spiced pumpkin

By Chef BakerAugust 10, 2025

4.89 (9 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of autumn sunshine? Are you looking for a pumpkin cake recipe ? This spiced pumpkin cake is your answer.

The cream cheese frosting is simply divine. Honestly, the warm spices and moist texture will blow you away.

Brief Overview

This easy pumpkin cake recipe is an American classic. It brings warmth to any table. It’s straightforward. Even novice bakers can make it.

It takes about four hours total. It yields 12 delicious servings.

Main Benefits

Pumpkin is surprisingly nutritious! It's packed with Vitamin A. This moist pumpkin cake is perfect for Thanksgiving. It's also lovely for any autumn gathering.

What makes this recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Trust me, this is the best pumpkin cake recipe .

Get Ready to Bake Your Dream Cake

Remember that time I tried a fall baking recipes ? I thought I messed it up. But it turned out absolutely gorgeous.

That's how I felt about this recipe! It's genuinely easy. This cake will be the star of your holiday baking recipes .

What You’ll Need for this Pumpkin Cake

Let's talk ingredients. First, you'll need flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Then, get those warm spices ready. Think cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice recipe .

Don't forget the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Now, for the pumpkin cake cream cheese frosting , grab some cream cheese, butter, and confectioners' sugar.

Right then, let's dive into what you'll need for my Spiced pumpkin dream cake. Honestly, half the fun is gathering all the bits and bobs.

This easy pumpkin cake recipe is pretty forgiving.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right, here's what you'll need to whip up my best pumpkin cake recipe ! Don't stress, most of it’s probably already in your cupboard.

We will start with the list of ingredients to get us started with this fall baking recipes .

Main Ingredients for Our Moist Pumpkin Cake

All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) . Plain flour does the trick!. Quality flour makes a fluffier cake.
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons . Essential for that lovely rise.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon . Works with the baking powder.
Salt: 1 teaspoon . Enhances all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons . A warm, cozy flavour.
Pumpkin pie spice : 2 teaspoons . You can find a pre-made pumpkin pie spice recipe or mix your own!
Canola or vegetable oil: 1 cup (240ml) . Keeps the cake moist.
Large eggs: 4 . Free range if you can!
Light or dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200g) , packed. Adds a lovely caramel note.
Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . For extra sweetness.
Pumpkin puree : 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . Not pumpkin pie filling!.
Vanilla extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons . Enhances everything.

For that luscious Pumpkin cake cream cheese frosting :

Full fat brick cream cheese: 8 ounces (226g) , softened. Don't use the spreadable stuff.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) , softened. Real butter is best.
Confectioners' sugar: 3 cups (360g) , plus extra as needed. Also known as icing sugar.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Makes it extra special.
Salt: 1/8 teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Right!

Okay, so the key to a great spiced pumpkin cake recipe is getting your spices right. I like a good dose of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice recipe .

It warms you from the inside out.

You can make your own pumpkin pie spice . Just mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Experiment with the ratios! If you do not have vanilla extract you can use vanilla essence.

If you want a bolder flavour add a tiny pinch of ground cloves.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this homemade cake recipes .

9x13-inch baking pan. Glass or metal works.
Mixing bowls. A few different sizes.
Whisk. For dry ingredients.
Cooling rack. Important!.
Electric mixer. Handheld or stand mixer.
Measuring cups and spoons. Obviously.
Toothpick. To check if it's done.

For alternative equipment you can use a large bowl and a strong arm if you do not have a mixer and you can bake it in an oven that can reach 350° F ( 177° C) temperature.

Alright, darling, let's get our bake on! This Spiced pumpkin dream cake is unbelievably moist. That Pumpkin cake cream cheese frosting is pure bliss. Think autumn leaves and pumpkin spice.

Cooking Method: Baking This Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Let's walk through making this Moist pumpkin cake . Honestly, even I, with my clumsy hands, can manage it.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Measure everything first.

Time saving tip: Line your baking pan with parchment paper.

Safety reminder: Oven mitts, people! 350° F ( 177° C) is HOT.

step-by-step Process: Bake Like a Pro

Preheat oven to 350° F ( 177° C) . Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice recipe .
Mix wet ingredients: oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Don't overmix!
Bake for 30- 36 minutes . Toothpick test!
Cool. Then add Pumpkin cake cream cheese frosting.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

Don't overbake! Visual cue: edges are lightly golden. Avoid a dry cake.

Common mistake: using cold cream cheese. Your frosting will be lumpy!

make-ahead option: bake the cake a day ahead. Frost the next day. This Easy pumpkin cake recipe is just right.

This Pumpkin cake recipe Spiced pumpkin is a fall baking recipe. Think autumn dessert ideas. This Best pumpkin cake recipe beats all others.

You'll be making this Homemade cake recipes for holiday baking recipes for years.

Recipe Notes

Right, let's talk about making this Spiced pumpkin dream cake even better. The Pumpkin cake recipe is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tricks that can take it from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!"

Serving It Up Right

So, presentation matters, right? For plating, I like to dust the cake with a little extra pumpkin pie spice recipe before serving.

It looks pretty! You can add a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of warm tea or coffee is just the ticket.

I think you'll enjoy it too.

Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? (If you do, you have more willpower than me!) The cake will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Just wrap it tightly. For freezing, cut the unfrosted cake into slices, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw completely before frosting. It's like having summer in the winter. When it comes to reheating, you can microwave it or stick a slice in a warm oven for a few minutes.

But honestly, cold cake is pretty delish, too.

Switch it Up!

Fancy a change? For a gluten-free option, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Honestly, it works a treat.

If you are looking for dietary adaptations, you could try adding cranberries during fall. This would spice up the fall baking recipes in a big way.

The Good Stuff

Alright, let's look at the nutrition basics . Each slice is roughly 420 calories. I know, I know, scary. But hey, this cake is packed with goodness from the pumpkin and spices.

The key health benefits include vitamin A from the pumpkin. It's an ingredient swap which is great.

Honestly, this best pumpkin cake recipe is one of my favorites for a reason. This easy pumpkin cake recipe is a winner for any holiday baking recipes .

It's the ultimate autumn dessert ideas . So get baking and enjoy this moist pumpkin cake !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Spiced Pumpkin Cake recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked, cooled, and stored unfrosted in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Defrost fully before frosting. This is a cracking make-ahead dessert for the busy baker!

Help! My cream cheese frosting is too runny. What can I do?

Don't panic! This is a common baking mishap. Start by chilling the frosting in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm it up. If it's still too thin, gradually add more confectioners' sugar (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.

Remember, room temperature ingredients are key, but sometimes the weather just isn't on your side!

I don't have pumpkin pie spice. What can I substitute in this Pumpkin cake recipe Spiced pumpkin?

No worries! You can easily make your own pumpkin pie spice. Simply combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. A good starting point is: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves per teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice needed. Adjust to your personal taste, darling!

Can I reduce the sugar in this Spiced Pumpkin Cake recipe?

Yes, you can certainly reduce the sugar, but bear in mind it will affect the texture and moisture of the cake. Start by reducing both the granulated and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each.

You could also substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like applesauce, but keep an eye on the moisture levels and adjust accordingly. It's a bit like the Great British Bake Off, experiment and see what works!

How do I store leftover Pumpkin cake recipe Spiced pumpkin?

Leftover frosted cake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for about 3-4 days. To maintain its moistness, you can also place a piece of parchment paper lightly over the cut side of the cake.

Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices for a quick and easy treat later on just wrap them well!

Can I make this Pumpkin Cake recipe Spiced pumpkin in a different pan size?

While a 9x13 inch pan is ideal, you can adapt this recipe. For a layered cake, divide the batter between two 9 inch round cake pans, reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, and frost between the layers and on top. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid overbaking.

You could also use a bundt pan, but adjustments to baking time are required. Keep an eye on the internal temperature using a cake tester.