Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe
Fall is the perfect time for baking, and what better way to indulge than with a yummy Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe! This easy cake is great for satisfying your sweet tooth and will wow your guests with its warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Made with a yellow cake mix and real pumpkin puree, it’s the ultimate fall treat. Whether you’re bringing a dessert to a dinner party or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Layer Cake!
The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting crisp, and you can almost smell pumpkin spice everywhere! There’s just something special about that sweet-spicy aroma of Pumpkin Spice Recipes that really kicks off the fall season.
From cozy lattes to yummy baked goods, pumpkin spice is such a versatile flavor that you can enjoy in all sorts of treats. Whether you’re craving a classic pumpkin pie or want to try a fun twist on a traditional recipe, there are so many pumpkin spice options out there!
Fun Pumpkin Recipes
Fun pumpkin recipes are a great way to celebrate the season and get a little creative in the kitchen! Whether it’s pumpkin soup or pumpkin-flavored pancakes, these dishes are sure to wow your family and friends with their cozy flavors and festive vibe.
- Pumpkin Maple Cookie Recipe
- Fondant Pumpkin Cupcake Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies
- Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
Ingredients Needed for this Cake
Here’s what you need to make this pumpkin recipe!
- Yellow Cake Mix – The cake mix gives the cake a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the moistness of pumpkin, keeping it tender and delicious. Plus, the subtle sweetness of yellow cake mix lets the rich, spicy flavors of pumpkin and spices shine through without stealing the show.
- Butter – The rich, creamy goodness of butter adds a nice depth, giving the cake a subtle richness that’s just delicious. Plus, it helps create that tender crumb by coating the flour proteins when you mix everything together, which keeps the gluten from getting too strong.
- Eggs – Eggs help hold everything together, making sure all the ingredients mix nicely into a smooth batter. When you bake the cake, the proteins in the eggs firm up, keeping it stable and preventing it from collapsing, which helps it stay nice and tall.
- Pumpkin – Pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and that rich, earthy flavor we all love, perfectly pairing with the warm spices we usually bake with in the fall. Plus, its moist texture makes the cake super tender, so each slice is soft and yummy.
- Evaporated Milk – Evaporated milk adds that richness and creaminess that really takes the cake’s texture and flavor to the next level. Unlike regular milk, evaporated milk has about 60% of its water taken out, which makes it denser and creamier. This concentrated dairy goodness helps keep the cake nice and moist, giving it a tender crumb and enhancing the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a unique flavor that really boosts the overall taste. With its rich, molasses notes, it gives a deeper sweetness than regular sugar, adding complexity to the cake. This extra richness goes perfectly with the earthy pumpkin and warm spices, creating that cozy fall flavor we all love.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making the dessert so comforting. The smell alone takes you back to autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pumpkin and brown sugar for a deliciously balanced taste.
- Ground Ginger – Ground ginger adds a zesty kick that really brings out the other flavors in the dessert. Those warm, slightly peppery notes create a nice contrast with the sweetness of the pumpkin and the richness of brown sugar, making every bite super exciting for your taste buds.
- Ground Cloves – Ground cloves add such a warm, intense flavor that boosts the overall spiciness of the dessert. Cloves are known for their rich aroma and slightly sweet, pungent taste, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pumpkin and the warmth of cinnamon and ginger.
- Sugar – Sugar is not just about sweetness; it also helps with the cake’s texture and moisture. It balances the earthy pumpkin flavor and warm spices, creating a taste that’s a total delight. Sugar helps keep the cake tender and moist by attracting water, so it doesn’t dry out.
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Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin in recipes, including this Pumpkin Layer Cake! Fresh pumpkin offers a slightly different taste and texture, which some may find even more appealing.
To use fresh pumpkin, start by selecting a sugar pumpkin, as they are smaller and sweeter than the typical carving pumpkins. Roast or steam the pumpkin until it’s tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth.
Make sure to measure the fresh puree to match the amount of canned pumpkin needed in your recipe. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin might have a slightly different moisture content, so you may need to adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly for the best results.
How Should I Store the Pumpkin Layer Cake?
To keep your pumpkin layer cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. If you’ve made the cake in advance, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it up. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate the cake, which can extend its freshness to about a week. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to keep the cake for an even longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Frozen pumpkin layer cake can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients to the Pumpkin Cake?
Adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can introduce a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile of your pumpkin layer cake. Simply fold in about half a cup of chopped nuts into the batter before baking for a satisfying texture. You can also experiment with other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the taste.
Just keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may alter the baking time slightly, so monitor the cake as it bakes and adjust as necessary to ensure it cooks evenly. Whether you choose to stick with the traditional recipe or customize it, the pumpkin layer cake is sure to be a hit!
Pumpkin Home Decor at Amazon
Amazon has a fun selection of pumpkin-themed home decor that can really boost your autumn vibe! From cute pumpkin-shaped candles to lovely table accents, you’ll definitely find the perfect pieces to celebrate the season and make your home feel warm and inviting.
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Flavorful Pumpkin Cake Recipes
Pumpkin cake recipes are such a tasty way to enjoy autumn! They highlight those rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and spices we all love. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pumpkin spice cake or a fancy layered version with cream cheese frosting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
- Pumpkin Apple Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake
- The Best Pumpkin Cake
Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe
Indulge in this easy-to-make Pumpkin Layer Cake made with yellow cake mix, pumpkin, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Ingredients
First Cake Layer:
- 1 Yellow Cake Mix (reserve 1 cup)
- 1/3 Cup Butter, melted
- 1 Egg
Second Cake Layer:
- 2 Cups Pumpkin
- 2/3 Cup Evaporated Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
Third Cake Layer:
- 1 Cup Reserved Cake Mix
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- For First Layer: Mix cake mix (reserve 1 cup), melted butter and 1 egg. Press into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- For Second Layer: In a medium bowl, mix together pumpkin, milk, eggs, brown sugar, and spices until blended and smooth. Pour over first layer.
- For Third Layer: Mix reserved cake mix, melted butter and sugar until crumbly. Spread evenly over pumpkin layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with whipped cream. Store in refrigerator.