Get your Halloween party started with a Halloween Pumpkin Cake, a stunning Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake that combines moist, spiced pumpkin layers with creamy cheese frosting and festive decorations. This festive pumpkin cake is perfect for costume parties, school treats, or cozy fall gatherings, offering a beginner-friendly recipe with showstopping appeal. Bursting with autumnal warmth, this spiced Halloween dessert will be the star of your celebration. Let’s bake this autumn layer cake and make your Halloween unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love Halloween Pumpkin Cake
- Spooky Charm: A vibrant, eye-catching spiced Halloween dessert for any party.
- Moist and Flavorful: Rich pumpkin flavor with a perfect crumb in every festive pumpkin cake bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Decorate to match your Halloween theme for an autumn layer cake.
- Make-Ahead: Saves time for stress-free holiday hosting.
Ingredients for Halloween Pumpkin Cake
Here’s what you need for this festive pumpkin cake (makes ~12–16 slices):
Pumpkin Cake Layers:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (orange, purple, or black, optional)
Optional Decorations:
- Halloween sprinkles
- Candy eyes or plastic spider toppers
- Candy pumpkins
Equipment
- Two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bags and tips (optional)
Ingredient Tips
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin for authentic flavor in this spiced Halloween dessert.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich frosting; light cream cheese works for a lighter autumn layer cake.
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs blend better for a fluffy festive pumpkin cake.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a dietary-friendly spiced Halloween dessert.
- Spices: Adjust pumpkin pie spice for a bolder or milder autumn layer cake.
Directions for Halloween Pumpkin Cake
Let’s bake this festive pumpkin cake—a Halloween showstopper!
Prep and Preheat
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, and line with parchment for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I whisk 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, setting aside for the base of this spiced Halloween dessert.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, I beat 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil, 4 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth, ensuring a moist autumn layer cake.
Combine and Bake
- I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined to avoid a dense festive pumpkin cake.
- I divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- I let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Make Frosting
- I beat ½ cup butter and 8 oz cream cheese until creamy, then slowly add 3–4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.
- I tint with orange or purple food coloring for a spooky spiced Halloween dessert vibe.
Assemble and Decorate
- I spread frosting between the cooled layers, over the top, and around the sides.
- I add Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or candy pumpkins for a fun autumn layer cake look.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~50–55 minutes (plus cooling)
- Servings: ~12–16 slices
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per slice
- Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 5g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Halloween Pumpkin Cake
Try these twists on this festive pumpkin cake:
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based spiced Halloween dessert.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a dietary-friendly autumn layer cake.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake pans for 18–20 minutes for mini festive pumpkin cakes.
- Cinnamon Filling: Add a layer of cinnamon whipped cream, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Pumpkin Rolls.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent spiced Halloween dessert.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a festive treat.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store the frosted autumn layer cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Unfrosted layers can sit at room temperature for 2 days if cool. For longer storage, I wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before frosting.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Display this spiced Halloween dessert as a centerpiece on a Halloween-themed table.
- Garnish: Add candy pumpkins or pipe spiderwebs for festive pumpkin cake flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with hibiscus iced tea or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca.
- Portion Size: 1 slice per person for a satisfying treat.
- Occasions: Perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or school events.
FAQs About Halloween Pumpkin Cake
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best festive pumpkin cake flavor.
Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and frost before serving for a fresh autumn layer cake.
Why is my cake dense?
Avoid overmixing and use fresh baking powder/soda for a fluffy spiced Halloween dessert.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes, this recipe makes ~24 cupcakes; bake for 18–22 minutes for mini festive pumpkin cakes.
What’s the best frosting?
Cream cheese frosting is ideal, but vanilla buttercream works for a sweeter autumn layer cake.
More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Halloween Pumpkin Cake is a festive, flavorful dessert that brings pumpkin spice magic to your Halloween celebrations. This festive pumpkin cake, with its moist layers and creamy frosting, is easy to make and perfect for any spooky gathering. Bake this autumn layer cake and make your Halloween party a deliciously memorable event!
Halloween Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cake Layers:
- 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 100g brown sugar
- 1 cup 240g pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- 3 –4 cups 360–480g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring orange, purple, or black, optional
Optional Decorations:
- Halloween sprinkles
- Candy eyes or plastic spider toppers
- Candy pumpkins
Instructions
Prep and Preheat
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, and line with parchment for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I whisk 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, setting aside for the base of this spiced Halloween dessert.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, I beat 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil, 4 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth, ensuring a moist autumn layer cake.
Combine and Bake
- I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined to avoid a dense festive pumpkin cake. I divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Make Frosting
- I beat ½ cup butter and 8 oz cream cheese until creamy, then slowly add 3–4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. I tint with orange or purple food coloring for a spooky spiced Halloween dessert vibe.
Assemble and Decorate
- I spread frosting between the cooled layers, over the top, and around the sides. I add Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or candy pumpkins for a fun autumn layer cake look.
Notes
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