Description
Craving the ultimate fall dessert? This Pumpkin Layer Cake with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you need for your next gathering or cozy night in. Moist pumpkin layers loaded with warm spice are stacked between tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting infused with cinnamon and a hint of caramel-like brown sugar. It’s a standout treat among easy cake recipes and a surefire way to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re hunting for fall food ideas, festive dessert inspiration, or something indulgent for a birthday or Thanksgiving table—this layered masterpiece delivers.
Ingredients
425g pumpkin puree
200g brown sugar
100g granulated sugar
180ml vegetable oil
4 large eggs
250g all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp salt
225g cream cheese, softened
115g unsalted butter, softened
50g brown sugar (for frosting)
300g powdered sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
3. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy.
8. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar and cinnamon. Mix until silky.
9. Assemble cake by layering frosting between each cooled cake layer. Frost top and sides evenly.
10. Dust with cinnamon or top with pecans if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the smoothest frosting texture.
Cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge (wrapped well) before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin cake, cream cheese frosting, fall desserts, easy cake recipe, layered cake