Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Moist pumpkin cake layers infused with warming spices, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting for a seasonal dessert. This American-inspired holiday recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 16 ounces, softened cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

The bakeware we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware Sets in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Step 6: Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: While cakes cool, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese with 4 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
8. Step 8: Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between layers and on top, smoothing with a spatula. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.