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Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake

Posted on June 22, 2026.

A freshly baked pumpkin spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with cinnamon.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.

This Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake is the essence of fall baking, combining the rich aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the smoothness of pumpkin puree. Its tender, moist texture makes every bite irresistible, perfect for dessert or a cozy moment with coffee or tea. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s your go-to choice for seasonal treats.

Table of Contents

Why This Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake Is Perfect

  • It’s quick and easy: With a simple preparation process, this cake comes together in less than an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Fall flavors everyone craves: The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a comforting aroma and taste ideal for autumn.
  • A crowd favorite: Whether served as a dessert or paired with tea, this cake’s moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor make it universally loved.
  • No fancy equipment needed: All you need is basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Everything You Need for Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake

The canned pumpkin puree is the star of this recipe, lending a moist texture and earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Combining cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth and depth that define the unique flavor of this cake.

How To Make Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake Step by Step

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
    3. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
A freshly baked pumpkin spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with cinnamon.
Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake 11

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

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Makes mixing batter effortless and ensures a smooth, consistent texture.

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USA Pan 9-Inch Round Cake Pan

Essential CookwareUSA Pan 9-Inch Round Cake Pan

Durable and non-stick, perfect for baking evenly and easy cake removal.

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  1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the tender texture.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Expert Tips and Shortcuts

  • Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps blend the batter smoothly and improves the cake’s texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can activate too much gluten in the flour.
  • Parchment paper trick: Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easier removal and prevents sticking.
  • Scale for spices: Adjust spice quantities to suit your taste; adding extra cinnamon can bring out a more intense flavor.

    You might also enjoy our pumpkin protein balls (gluten-free & vegan).

Common Questions About Pumpkin Spice Cake

  • Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned puree? Yes, just cook and mash fresh pumpkin into a smooth consistency before using it in place of canned puree.
  • How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to remove from the oven.
  • Can I add frosting? Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the warm spice flavors of this cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping pan preparation: Always grease and flour your pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    For more ideas, check out our irresistibly delicious no bake energy.

  • Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time to maintain the cake’s moist texture and avoid dryness.
  • Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or pumpkin puree can lead to uneven mixing and result in a less tender cake.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

  • Vegetable oil: Replace with melted butter for a richer flavor, though it may slightly change the cake’s texture.

    Looking for something similar? Try our delicious strawberry rhubarb pie filling.

  • Brown sugar: If unavailable, use additional granulated sugar, although the result will be less caramel-like.
  • All-purpose flour: Swap with whole wheat flour for added nutrients, but expect a denser texture.
A freshly baked pumpkin spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with cinnamon.

Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake

A moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cake perfect for fall gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
A freshly baked pumpkin spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with cinnamon.
Simple and Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake 12

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Dominique

Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.

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