Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake with Zesty Orange Buttercream
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake, perfectly complemented by a bright and creamy Zesty Orange Buttercream. This moist and flavorful cake is made from a simple mix combined with the rich essence of pumpkin and warming spices, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy evening at home. The addition of vibrant orange buttercream adds a refreshing twist, making each bite a celebration of seasonal tastes. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table, sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spice cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (Choose a mix without pudding in the mix.)
Vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package (Use instant pudding and pie filling.)
Pumpkin puree
1 cup (Use canned or fresh, pureed pumpkin.)
Water
1/2 cup (Use room temperature water.)
Oil
1/2 cup (Use vegetable or canola oil.)
Eggs
3 large (Use room temperature eggs.)
Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (Use ground cinnamon.)
Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (Use ground ginger.)
Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup (Toast and chop before adding to the batter.)
Butter
8 tablespoons (Soften to room temperature.)
Confectioners' sugar
3 3/4 cups (Sift before use.)
Fresh orange juice
3-4 tablespoons (Juice fresh oranges for best flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin puree, water, oil, eggs, cinnamon, and ginger.
3
Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for about 30 seconds to just combine the ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
4
Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is well combined and fluffy.
5
Gently fold in the chopped toasted walnuts or pecans if using, to add a delightful crunch to your cake.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
While the cake cools, prepare the Zesty Orange Buttercream. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
10
Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, mixing on low speed for about 1 minute until blended.
11
Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for about 1 minute until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
12
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the orange buttercream generously over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
13
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Autumn Pumpkin Spice Cake?
The cake features a rich pumpkin spice flavor complemented by a bright and zesty orange buttercream frosting.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan, greased and floured before use.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes 32 to 35 minutes to bake, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What type of cake mix is recommended?
An 18-ounce box of spice cake mix without pudding already in the mix is recommended.
Do I need to add pudding mix to the batter?
Yes, the recipe calls for one 3.5-ounce package of vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling.
Can I use fresh pumpkin for this cake?
Yes, you can use either canned pumpkin puree or fresh, pureed pumpkin.
What kind of oil should be used in the batter?
Vegetable or canola oil is ideal for this recipe.
Should the eggs be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature eggs helps the batter combine more effectively.
What additional spices are added to the spice cake mix?
The recipe calls for an extra 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Are nuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, the chopped toasted walnuts or pecans are optional for added texture and crunch.
How do I test if the cake is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
How long should the cake cool before removing it from the pan?
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before transferring it.
When should I apply the Zesty Orange Buttercream?
Only apply the frosting once the cake has cooled completely to prevent it from melting.
How do I prepare the butter for the frosting?
The butter should be softened to room temperature before creaming.
Why is it important to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Sifting prevents lumps, ensuring the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
How much orange juice is needed for the buttercream?
The recipe uses 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh orange juice depending on your desired consistency.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use bottled orange juice for the frosting?
While bottled juice works, fresh orange juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 specific ingredients required for the cake and frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving recipe and is perfect for fall gatherings.
How long should I beat the cake batter?
Beat for 30 seconds on low to combine, then for an additional 2 minutes on medium speed until fluffy.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
Add an additional tablespoon of fresh orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use water for the cake batter?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of room temperature water for the batter.
How do I prep the nuts if I choose to use them?
The nuts should be toasted and chopped before being gently folded into the batter.
Is the pudding used as a filling or mixed in?
The instant pudding mix is incorporated directly into the cake batter.
What makes this cake 'moist'?
The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and instant pudding ensures a very moist texture.
Can I sprinkle anything on top of the frosting?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top for added flavor and texture.
Does this recipe require a stand mixer?
An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer can be used for both the batter and the buttercream.
What category of dessert does this fall into?
It is classified under fall desserts, seasonal baking, and cake recipes.