Oh wow, you guys, I just baked this Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake, and oh my gosh, it’s like a cozy hug. One bite and I felt all warm and happy inside. It’s sooo soft and full of fall spices.

I love how the pumpkin makes it extra moist. The cinnamon and nutmeg are like little bursts of comfort. My whole kitchen smelled amazing!

So hey, if you want a simple cake that screams fall, you gotta try this. Trust me, it’s pure pumpkin spice magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Fall: This cake brings all the flavors of autumn, from cinnamon and nutmeg to the comforting taste of pumpkin.
Moist & Flavorful: With its combination of pumpkin puree and spices, this cake stays incredibly moist, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find, so anyone can make this fall-inspired treat.
Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll feel like a baking pro, but it doesn’t require advanced skills. The cake is sure to impress at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake in advance and store it for a few days. It actually gets even better after a day or two, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything we’ll need to bake the perfect Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake:

Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For a beautifully layered cake.
Mixing Bowls: To combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients.
Whisk & Spatula: For stirring and mixing the ingredients together.
Electric Mixer: For a smooth, lump-free batter and creamy frosting.
Saucepan: To prepare the salted caramel drizzle.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cake layers evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the cake itself (precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A combination of these leavening agents helps the cake rise perfectly and stay soft.
Spices: A delightful mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves brings the flavors of fall to life.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a fluffy, soft texture.
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, lending moisture and flavor to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the spices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese: The creamy base that gives the frosting its rich and smooth texture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures the frosting is soft and spreadable.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a light, fluffy consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma of the frosting.

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:

Granulated Sugar: The key ingredient in making the caramel sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Helps create a smooth, velvety texture for the caramel.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.
Sea Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the caramel and enhance the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Start by greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking. You can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper for added security.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. These spices are what make this cake smell and taste like fall, so don’t skip this step! Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together until smooth. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for this. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing gently with a spatula or electric mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until everything is combined. You want a smooth batter without lumps.

5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake the cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

If the frosting feels too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach the desired consistency.

7. Prepare the Salted Caramel Drizzle

For the salted caramel drizzle, start by melting the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color. Once melted, add the cubed butter and stir until it’s fully incorporated.

Next, carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir the mixture together until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes before using.

8. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, smoothing it into an even layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel on each slice when serving for an extra touch.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy the soft, spiced layers with the creamy frosting and sweet, salty caramel drizzle.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake

This cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different flavors and toppings:

With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy this cake with your favorite hot beverage. The warmth of the spices pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or chai tea.
For Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for fall holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or a cozy family gathering. It’s a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert spread.
As a Snack: A slice of this cake makes a perfect afternoon snack or a sweet breakfast treat when you’re craving something pumpkin-flavored.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream on the side takes this cake to the next level of indulgence.

Storing Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake

At Room Temperature: The cake will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep the cake fresh for a longer period, store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. The frosting may harden slightly in the fridge, but the cake will still taste great.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	42g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	250mg

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate fall dessert that combines all the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite. From the moist, spiced cake to the rich cream cheese frosting and salted caramel drizzle, every part of this cake is indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for the holidays, or simply craving something seasonal, this cake will definitely hit the spot. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and tastes even better. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to bake it again and again!