Name: Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-486539H32M39S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (or fresh)**; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures everything I want in a fall dessert—warm spices, soft cake texture, and indulgent frosting. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just when I want something special with my coffee.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In a large bowl, I beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then I beat in the eggs one at a time.

I stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and vegetable oil. I begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

I bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then I let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For the frosting, I beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. I mix in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar. I add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Once the cake is completely cool, I spread the frosting evenly over the top. Then I slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, with a total time of 50 minutes. Each serving is approximately 375 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosted cake for extra crunch. I’ve also tried adding a bit of ginger or cloves to the batter for deeper spice. If I want a fancier finish, I drizzle more caramel sauce on top.

storage/reheating

I store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the frosting. The cake can also be frozen (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, I use homemade pumpkin puree if I have it—just make sure it’s thick and not watery.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. I bake it a day ahead and frost it once it’s cooled. It tastes even better the next day.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes, I divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, I use a good-quality store-bought caramel to save time, but homemade works beautifully too.

Is there a dairy-free version?

I use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and milk substitutes for a dairy-free version. The results are still moist and delicious.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorite autumn desserts. It’s warmly spiced, perfectly moist, and topped with the dreamiest frosting. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, it’s always a welcome treat.