Luscious Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe

Dreamy Pumpkin Creamy Layer Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Hug

Fall’s golden embrace brings a delightful pumpkin creamy layer cake that whispers pure comfort and warmth.

Layers of rich, spiced cake meld seamlessly with velvety cream cheese frosting for an irresistible dessert.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights with this decadent treat that balances subtle pumpkin notes and smooth, luxurious textures.

Every slice promises a symphony of autumnal flavors that dance across your palate.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each tender crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a culinary hug.

The careful balance of ingredients transforms simple baking into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of seasonal baking fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and sweet memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 13

Pumpkin Layer Cake Ingredient List

For Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a quick and easy foundation with rich vanilla undertones.
  • Melted Butter: Adds moisture and enhances the cake's tender crumb.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and creates structure for the base layer.
For Pumpkin Creamy Layer:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers authentic autumn flavor and vibrant orange color.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy richness and helps stabilize the layer.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the layer's silky texture and help set the filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, aromatic complexity.
For Warming Spices:
  • Cinnamon: Offers classic fall warmth and complements pumpkin's earthiness.
  • Ginger: Provides subtle heat and bright, zesty undertones.
  • Nutmeg: Adds gentle, sophisticated depth to the dessert's overall flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for a Soft Pumpkin Layer Cake

  • Electric Mixer: Essential for blending cake base and pumpkin layer smoothly and quickly.
  • 9: Perfect for creating layered cake with even baking.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps grease pan and prevent cake from adhering to sides.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two clean bowls needed for separate cake base and pumpkin layers.
  • Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter evenly and scraping mixer bowls.
  • Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling cake after baking, though pan works fine.

Steps to Layer Pumpkin Cream with Fluffy Ease

Autumn Pumpkin Dream Cake

  • Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Line a round cake pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Base Foundation

Grab your mixer and combine cake mix, melted butter, and an egg. Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth, then pour into the prepared pan, creating a delicious foundation for your cake.

  • Creamy Pumpkin Magic

In a fresh mixing bowl, whirl together pumpkin puree, cream cheese, eggs, remaining butter, brown sugar, and warm spices. Mix until the batter looks completely harmonious and velvety.

  • Baking Transformation

Pour the pumpkin mixture over the base layer and slide the pan into the heated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden color and the center remains slightly soft.

  • Cooling Moment

Let the cake rest peacefully in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This allows the layers to settle and create a perfect texture before slicing into this seasonal delight.

Tips for Richer Pumpkin Layers and Spice Swirls

  • Creamy Pumpkin Perfection: Insider Baking Secrets
  • Butter Temperature Trick: Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free mixing that ensures a silky cake texture.
  • Spice Balance Wisdom: Adjust spice levels to personal taste – add extra cinnamon for warmth or reduce ginger for a milder flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This cake tastes even better the next day, allowing spices to meld and develop deeper, richer flavors overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Topping Transformation: Enhance the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of toasted pecans, or drizzle of caramel sauce for elegant presentation and extra deliciousness.
  • Storage Smart Move: Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor preservation.

Pumpkin Cake Serving Tips That Impress

  • Autumn Harvest Gathering: Serve this cake during a cozy fall dinner party with friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates seasonal flavors.
  • Gourmet Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a rich espresso or creamy cappuccino to enhance the pumpkin spice notes and provide a delightful after-dinner treat.
  • Thanksgiving Dessert Centerpiece: Present the cake on an elegant cake stand surrounded by cinnamon sticks, whole pecans, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning holiday dessert presentation that will impress family and guests.
  • Rustic Brunch Delight: Offer slices alongside a warm cup of apple cider or chai tea, making it a perfect weekend morning indulgence that brings comfort and seasonal cheer to your breakfast table.

How to Store Pumpkin Layer Cake Like a Pro

  • Refrigeration Rhythm: Store this delightful cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its creamy texture and rich pumpkin flavor intact.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Serving Smart Strategy: Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature, which enhances its smooth, velvety texture and brings out the warm spice notes.
  • Quick Freshness Tip: Keep cake covered with a loose sheet of aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain its soft, creamy consistency during storage.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Luscious Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe

Luscious Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Luscious pumpkin creamy layer cake blends autumn spices with rich cream cheese frosting. Layers of moist pumpkin sponge create a delightful dessert inviting seasonal celebration and warm kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 oz (226 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups (340 g) pumpkin puree
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (220 g) dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Grease a 9″ or 10″ round cake pan with parchment paper and cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface for the cake layers.
  2. Base Layer Creation: Blend yellow cake mix with melted butter and egg, whisking until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous. Distribute the mixture evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform foundation.
  3. Pumpkin Layer Development: Combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, eggs, remaining melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices (vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture with no lumps.
  4. Layer Assembly: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the initial cake base, allowing it to spread naturally and create a harmonious two-layer composition.
  5. Baking Process: Place the cake in an oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 40-50 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and a subtle center jiggle that indicates perfect moisture content.
  6. Cooling and Setting: After removing from the oven, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This critical period allows the layers to stabilize, set, and develop a cohesive structure before serving.

Notes

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to guarantee consistent texture and flavor in every slice.
  • Spice Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality ground spices for maximum aromatic depth and authentic autumn flavor profile.
  • Moisture Management: Allow cake to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and maintain layer integrity.
  • Temperature Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, more even blending of pumpkin layer ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star