Fall is the perfect season for cozy, flavorful treats, and one of the best-loved desserts during this time is pumpkin spice cake. Its warm, aromatic flavors bring comfort and joy as the leaves begin to turn and the weather cools. Ella Chef, an enthusiast of seasonal ingredients, recalls the first time she made this cake for a Thanksgiving celebration. The rich smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in as they anxiously awaited the first bite. From that moment on, it became a staple in her holiday baking. Each slice of this cake carries the essence of autumn, making it a perfect choice for any fall gathering.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake
Making a pumpkin spice cake is a wonderful way to embrace the flavors of fall. Start by gathering all of your ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These give the cake that distinct, cozy flavor associated with autumn. The next key ingredient is pumpkin puree. Make sure to use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now. In another large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will give your cake a rich, moist texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Afterward, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. These ingredients will form the base of the cake’s flavor profile. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently, as overmixing can affect the cake’s texture.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This simple process results in a moist, flavorful cake that will fill your kitchen with the comforting scents of autumn.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice cake is a delightful and easy dessert that captures the essence of fall. It’s the perfect way to end a cozy dinner or to share with friends during a seasonal gathering. With its simple ingredients and warm spices, it brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether you serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake will quickly become a fall favorite in your home. So, get baking and enjoy the seasonal flavors this cake has to offer!