This delightful pumpkin layer cake is rich in flavor and is perfect for festive celebrations. The luscious cream cheese frosting complements the moist pumpkin cake to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Cooking spray
- 3 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1 (15-oz.) can pure pumpkin puree
For the Frosting:
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 10 tbsp. salted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 6 c. powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Keep aside.
- In a separate large bowl, blend together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one by one into the sugar-oil mixture, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and pumpkin puree to the sugar-oil-egg mix, alternating between them. Mix until the batter is smooth and free from lumps.
- Divide the batter equally among the two prepared cake pans. To eliminate any air pockets, tap the pans gently on the countertop 8-10 times.
- Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. The mixture should turn smooth and fluffy after about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar in increments, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth.
- If the cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to trim them flat.
- To assemble, place one cake layer on a stand or platter. Evenly spread about 2 cups of the prepared frosting over it. Position the second layer on top. Generously spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the assembled cake.
Serve and enjoy this delightful treat, perfect for autumn festivities or any special occasion!
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