There’s something undeniably comforting about an old-fashioned pumpkin cake. With its warm spice blend, moist crumb, and rich pumpkin flavor, this cake delivers all the cozy vibes of autumn in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even as a treat alongside your morning coffee, this old fashioned pumpkin cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
1. Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two round 8-inch pans. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 2: Combine and Bake
Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake less tender.
Pour into the pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using two round pans, the baking time may be a bit shorter, so start checking at 25 minutes.
Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
Frost the cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula. If you made a layered cake, spread frosting between the layers before covering the top and sides.
Decorate: For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with cinnamon, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds. You can also pipe decorative swirls of frosting for a more elegant presentation.
Serve: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
2. Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cake
Use pure pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin puree works best for this recipe, as it provides consistent flavor and moisture. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sweeteners and spices that can throw off the recipe.
Don’t skip the spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is what gives this cake its signature fall flavor. If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice.
Measure flour accurately: Too much flour can make the cake dense. To measure correctly, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
Cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cake is fully cooled for the best results.
Make it ahead: This pumpkin cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your frosting choice.
3. Variations
Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), raisins, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Glaze instead of frosting: If you’re looking for a lighter topping, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of cream cheese frosting.
Bundt cake: For a show-stopping presentation, bake the batter in a bundt pan and drizzle the finished cake with cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce.
Spiced whipped cream: Serve the cake with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter dessert option.
4. Serving Suggestions
Old-fashioned pumpkin cake is perfect for all types of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Here are a few serving ideas to make it even more special:
With coffee or tea: The warm spices in the cake pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider.
As a holiday dessert: Serve this cake alongside other fall favorites like apple pie or pecan pie for a dessert spread that everyone will enjoy.
As a breakfast treat: Leftover slices make a delightful morning treat with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
4. How to Store Pumpkin Cake
Since the frosting contains cream cheese, store the frosted cake in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: This cake tastes great cold from the fridge, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
This old fashioned pumpkin cake recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Its tender crumb, warm spices, and rich pumpkin taste evoke the comforting essence of fall, while the creamy frosting takes it to the next level of indulgence.
Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because you’re craving a cozy dessert, this pumpkin cake will deliver pure satisfaction. Give it a try, and enjoy a timeless treat that never goes out of style!
