Delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Embrace the flavors of fall with this Delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake, a perfect addition to your autumn gatherings. This cake blends the comforting tastes of pumpkin, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting, making it an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare, this moist and flavorful cake is topped with decadent cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Share with friends and family, and enjoy the essence of autumn in every slice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (none)
vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package (none)
pumpkin puree
1 cup (none)
oil
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
3 (beaten)
pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon (none)
Philadelphia cream cheese frosting
to taste (store-bought or homemade)
chopped toasted Planters pecans
1/2 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 cup of water.
3
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
4
Increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 4 minutes, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed batter.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
8
After cooling, spread a generous layer of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting over the top of the cake.
9
For a delightful crunch, sprinkle the chopped toasted Planters pecans evenly on top of the frosting.
10
If not serving immediately, store the cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake?
It is a moist and flavorful autumn-themed cake featuring pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting.
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan that has been lightly greased and floured.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake.
What type of cake mix is required?
This recipe uses one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix as the base.
Does the recipe use pudding mix?
Yes, it includes one 3.5-ounce package of vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix.
How much pumpkin puree is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pumpkin puree.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of oil, though specific types like vegetable or canola are generally standard for such cakes.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 3 beaten eggs for this recipe.
What spice gives the cake its fall flavor?
One tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice is added to the batter.
Is water added to the cake batter?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of water in the mixing process.
How do I begin mixing the ingredients?
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and beat on low speed with an electric mixer for about 1 minute.
How long should I beat the batter on medium speed?
After the initial mix, beat the batter on medium speed for an additional 4 minutes to ensure it is smooth.
What is the total baking time?
The cake should bake for 32 to 35 minutes.
How can I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
How long must the cake cool before frosting?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
What brand of frosting is suggested?
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting is specifically recommended for this recipe.
Can I use homemade frosting?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting to taste.
What is the recommended topping for the frosting?
The cake is topped with 1/2 cup of chopped toasted Planters pecans.
Do the pecans need to be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.
How should I store the pumpkin spice cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, especially if not serving it immediately.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners due to its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors.
What textures can I expect from this dessert?
The cake is moist and soft, contrasted by the creamy frosting and the crunch of toasted pecans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients including the cake mix, pudding, pumpkin, oil, eggs, spice, frosting, and pecans.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you could use walnuts or other preferred nuts as a substitute.
What makes the cake particularly moist?
The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and the addition of instant pudding mix creates a very moist texture.
Is this a beginner-friendly recipe?
Yes, because it uses a cake mix and simple mixing instructions, it is very easy to prepare.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavors are pumpkin, vanilla, warm spices, and tangy cream cheese.
Should I grease the pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease and flour the pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
Can this cake be served warm?
It is best to let it cool for at least 30 minutes so the frosting does not melt when applied.
What holiday is this cake best for?
This cake is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any fall-themed holiday event.