Oh, fall! Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen? Seriously, it’s like instant happiness! And that’s exactly what you’re gonna get with this Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Trust me, this isn’t one of those complicated, fussy recipes. It’s so simple, even a total beginner can nail it. But don’t let the “easy” fool you – it’s ridiculously delicious, and that cream cheese frosting? To die for!
I’ve been baking for, well, let’s just say a *long* time, and I’ve created hundreds of recipes. But this one? This one is special. I whipped it up one chilly October afternoon when I was craving something comforting and easy. One bite, and I knew I had to share it. It’s the perfect balance of warm spices, moist cake, and tangy sweetness. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Seriously, watch how fast it disappears!
So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! You’re about to make the easiest, most delicious pumpkin spice cake you’ve ever had. I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Okay, so why *this* pumpkin spice cake? Let me tell you! It’s:
- Super quick to make – perfect when you need a dessert in a hurry!
- Got super easy instructions – seriously, anyone can do it!
- Bursting with delicious pumpkin spice flavor – it’s fall in every bite!
- The perfect treat for fall – cozy, comforting, and oh-so-good!
- A total crowd-pleaser – watch it disappear at your next get-together!
The Perfect Fall Dessert
Pumpkin spice cake just *screams* fall, doesn’t it? It’s like, you can’t have autumn without it! The warm spices, the cozy vibes… it just makes everything feel a little bit more magical. Plus, it’s way more exciting than another apple pie, don’t you think?
Ingredients for Your Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too crazy here, promise. Just make sure you’ve got everything ready to go before you start. It makes things *so* much easier, trust me!
Cake Ingredients
For the cake itself, you’ll need: 1 box of spice cake mix (any brand works!), one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling – big difference!), 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs (large, please!), and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Easy peasy!
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
And for that ah-mazing cream cheese frosting? You’ll want: 8 ounces of cream cheese (make sure it’s softened!), 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (also softened, very important!), 3 cups of powdered sugar (yes, it’s a lot, but trust me!), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mmm, vanilla!
Step-by-Step Instructions for This Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Okay, let’s get down to business! Don’t worry, this is super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious cake in no time. I promise!
Baking the Cake
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important, so don’t skip it! While the oven’s heating up, grab a big bowl and toss in your cake mix, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Now, mix it all together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, though! Just until everything’s nice and smooth. Next, pour that batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! Let the cake cool *completely* before frosting. Seriously, don’t even think about frosting it warm – it’ll melt everywhere!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake’s cooling, let’s whip up that frosting! In another bowl (or the same one, if you washed it!), beat your softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re nice and smooth. This is where having softened ingredients really helps – no one wants lumpy frosting! Then, gradually add in your powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep beating until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a *tiny* bit of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Easy peasy!
Frosting and Serving
Alright, cake’s cooled, frosting’s ready… time for the fun part! Grab that frosting and spread it all over the cooled cake. Get creative! Swirls, peaks, whatever you like! Then, cut yourself a generous slice (you deserve it!), serve, and enjoy every single bite! Wow, you did it!
Tips for the Best Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Want to make sure your cake is *perfect*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t overbake it! A dry cake is a sad cake. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are *really* softened before making the frosting. Lumps are not your friend!
- Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your liking. I like a full teaspoon, but if you’re not a huge fan, start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste as you go.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient, or maybe you just wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are a few ideas:
- Don’t have spice cake mix? A yellow cake mix works great too – just add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice!
- Out of pumpkin puree? Sweet potato puree works in a pinch, but the flavor will be a little different.
- Want to make it vegan? Use a vegan cake mix and substitute the eggs with applesauce or a flax egg. For the frosting, use vegan cream cheese and butter. Just be sure to check that the vegan butter has a high fat content for the best texture, I’ve had some real issues with the water content in some brands!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things I get asked about this crazy-delicious cake:
Can I use a different size pan?
Yep, totally! Just keep an eye on the baking time. If you’re using a smaller pan, like a loaf pan, it’ll probably need a little longer in the oven. A bigger pan, like a sheet pan, might bake a bit faster. Just use that toothpick test to know for sure!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is actually even better the next day, if you can believe it! The flavors really meld together. Just make sure to store it in the fridge, covered, since it has cream cheese frosting. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!
How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?
Okay, so cream cheese frosting *is* pretty sweet, I admit! If you’re worried about it being too much, start with less powdered sugar – maybe 2 1/2 cups instead of 3. You can always add more if you want it sweeter! Also, a little pinch of salt in the frosting can help balance out the sweetness. Trust me, it works!
Storing Your Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Okay, so you *might* have leftovers (though I doubt it!). If you do, pop that cake in the fridge, in an airtight container. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled! It’ll be good for about 3 days…but honestly, it’s best devoured ASAP! You could try freezing it, but I think it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up: the nutritional info can vary a lot depending on the brands you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me!
Enjoy Your Delicious Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake!
Alright, you made it! You’ve got a gorgeous, delicious Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Now what? Well, eat it, of course! But after you’ve taken that first heavenly bite, I’d *love* to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and if you’re feeling social, share a photo of your masterpiece on Instagram or Facebook! Don’t forget to tag me so I can see it! Happy baking!
Print
Fall’s Irresistible Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make a simple and delicious pumpkin spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost cooled cake.
- Cut, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your liking.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
