Halloween Pumpkin Cake
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.
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.