Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for any occasion. Imagine layers of warm pumpkin spice cake, fluffy cream cheese frosting, and a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. This cake not only brings seasonal flavors to your table but also offers a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends at autumn dinners, holiday gatherings, or any cozy celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist: The combination of pumpkin puree and buttermilk creates a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Perfectly blends sweet and savory notes, making it suitable for both casual and festive occasions.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Its rich layers and decadent frosting make it an eye-catching centerpiece that will wow your guests.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can create this impressive dessert even if you’re not an experienced baker.
• Customizable Toppings: You can add nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor, allowing you to tailor it to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools for baking. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pans: These are essential for creating even layers of cake that bake uniformly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer saves time and ensures ingredients are thoroughly combined for a light texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring no mixture is left behind.

Ingredients

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Pumpkin Cake

• 4 1/2 cups (562 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups (280 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
• 4 eggs, room temp
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temp
• 2 cups (488 g) canned pumpkin purée, room temp

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups (336 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, cold
• 4 1/2 cups (586 g) powdered sugar
• Orange, green, and brown food coloring (optional)
• Chopped walnuts (optional)
• Cinnamon, for dusting (optional)

How to Make Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Heat sugar in a pan over medium heat. Stir until melted and turns amber.
2. Add butter to the melted sugar until fully incorporated.
3. Slowly pour in room-temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Allow to cool before using.

Step 2: Bake the Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
6. Alternate mixing in pumpkin puree and buttermilk with the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually mix in cold cream cheese until smooth.
3. Slowly add powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
4. Optionally tint with food coloring.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with cream cheese frosting.
2. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
3. Drizzle cooled salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake.
4. If desired, garnish with chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Enjoy every slice of this deliciously moist Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for making memories around your fall table!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance the experience for your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your cake presentation.

Pair with a Warm Beverage

• Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee complements the sweetness of the cake, balancing flavors perfectly.
• Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai enhance the pumpkin flavor, creating a cozy pairing.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate adds a comforting touch, especially on chilly autumn nights.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples add freshness and a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
• Pears: Juicy pears bring a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice.
• Berries: Mixed berries offer tartness that brightens each bite of the cake.

Garnish Creatively

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and extra creaminess to each slice.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and nuttiness.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon elevates the seasonal feel and adds warmth.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure success.

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh butter and real vanilla make a noticeable difference.
• Room Temperature Items: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and mess during assembly.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices in your batter, like nutmeg or allspice, for unique flavor profiles.
• Storage Secrets: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors often deepen after a day!

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake can create a balanced meal or dessert spread. Consider these options:

1. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad with mixed greens offers crunch and lightness, perfect alongside rich desserts.
2. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses balances sweetness while providing savory flavors that complement the cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add earthy flavors that contrast well with sweet desserts.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A smooth pumpkin soup serves as a warm starter, keeping with the fall theme of your dessert.
5. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy carrot sticks paired with creamy hummus provide a healthy snack option between bites of cake.
6. Cranberry Sauce: This tangy sauce offers brightness that cuts through the rich frosting and caramel flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of your cake. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, resulting in too much flour. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Frosting a warm cake: Frosting while the cake is still warm can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for proper measurements as needed.

How do I store leftover salted caramel sauce?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently when needed.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon per cup) and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

How should I serve this cake?

This delightful cake is perfect as a dessert at gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee in the fall! Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

The Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a beautiful blend of flavors perfect for any autumn occasion. Its moistness, paired with rich frosting, makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it further by adding spices or toppings of your choice!