This moist and flavorful Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake is infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It's the perfect autumn dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and other festive occasions!
Topped with a layer of creamy and cream cheese frosting, this classic easy dessert combines all the flavors of Fall in one delicious treat.
Check out all the other easy pumpkin dessert ideas for even more delicious recipes.
If you're looking for the perfect dessert that'll spread autumn cheer throughout your home, then you need to try this homemade pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting.
This recipe was inspired by a few of my other pumpkin cake recipes such as Cake Mix Pumpkin Bread with a homemade maple syrup glaze or my Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Check out the recipe notes and variations following the step-by-step photos for any possible substitutions or tips on making this recipe your own.
Looking for more Pumpkin Recipes? Try my Pumpkin Coffee Cake, Pumpkin Glazed Donuts, and even my 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Bread. Yum!
Table of Contents
👩🍳Recipe Notes
- This recipe substitutes vegetable oil with applesauce which will add moisture to the cake, resulting in a tender texture. It also helps prevent the cake from drying out.
- The applesauce will also enhance the flavor of the cake by adding a a little extra sweetness and a hint of apple flavor. It works particularly well with pumpkin puree recipes.
- Pay attention to the recommended baking time and temperature specified in the recipe. Remember that all ovens are calibrated differently.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
2 Pack Ceramic Half Dozen Egg Tray Holder for Countertop, Refrigerator
Chicken Egg Basket, Black Wire Egg Collection Baskets with Ceramic Lid for Gathering Fresh EggsCreative Co-Op Bowl Shaped Measuring Cups, Primary Colors, Set of 4Nesting Measuring Cups | Set of 3 Stackable Ceramic Cups
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
💡 Substitutions and Variations
- Have a jar of pumpkin spice on hand? You can use the same amounts of the individual spices called for in place of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 2: Add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Mix until combined.
📌Quick Tip: You can also prepare this cake using a traditional tube cake pan or even a Bundt cake pan.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into a 15"x10" jelly roll baking pan, and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 5: Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping the butter and cream cheese together, then add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Step 6: Frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with pecans.
Before You Begin!
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🍶Storage Tips
- Since the cake has cream cheese frosting, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
❄️Freezing Tips
- For best results, freeze the cake without the frosting.
- Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place in an air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
➡️Top Recipe Tip
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before making the frosting so it whips up without lumps.
According to the FDA, foods that contain cream cheese should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
🌟Try these recipes next...
- Check out my other recipe for Pumpkin Crunch Cake.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies.
📇Recipe Card
📖 Recipe Card
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with sugars, applesauce, milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining spices. Mix until all the ingredients are combined.
- Pour into a 15"x10" jelly roll baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Place into a 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Whip butter and cream cheese together for 2 minutes.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon then beat until smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with pecans.
- Cut into 2 inch squares for serving.
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