Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cake Made with Fresh Pumpkin

Last Halloween, I found myself with a bag of fresh pumpkin and a craving for something cozy and sweet. Inspired by my love for quick, family-friendly recipes, I decided to whip up a Halloween pumpkin spice cake that everyone could enjoy. This easy pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Moist, flavorful, and customizable, it’s a pumpkin cake recipe you’ll return to year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Using fresh pumpkin, this pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin delivers a rich, naturally sweet flavor and a moist texture that makes every bite irresistible. For a quick twist, you can try a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake or a pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) version, ideal for beginners. Whether you prefer a classic pumpkin cake recipe, an easy pumpkin cake, or a pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix, this recipe is customizable to suit your taste. Kids and adults alike will adore this easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake, and adding a touch of oil transforms it into a perfectly soft and moist dessert. From simple weeknight treats to special Halloween celebrations, this Halloween pumpkin spice cake with oil and other variations is versatile, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Check pumpkin cake allrecipes for similar ideas, but this recipe is your go-to for a flavorful, fuss-free pumpkin delight.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients that make it easy to create a moist, aromatic dessert. The star of the cake is pumpkin puree, which can be fresh or canned, giving your pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin a naturally sweet and tender texture. A combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves enhances the classic pumpkin spice flavor. Butter, sugars, eggs, and a touch of buttermilk help make this pumpkin cake recipe soft and fluffy. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast, while optional decorations let you turn your easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake into a festive centerpiece. Whether you prefer a pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) version for simplicity or a pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix for speed, these ingredients ensure a moist pumpkin cake recipe everyone will love.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

Candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, sprinkles, or Halloween-themed toppers

How to Make This Recipe

Creating this Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe is simple and rewarding, whether you’re using fresh pumpkin or a box mix. For a pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin, start by roasting or steaming the pumpkin to get a smooth puree. This forms the base of a moist pumpkin cake recipe that’s rich and flavorful. You can also try a quick 4 ingredient pumpkin cake or a pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) for a fuss-free version. Using butter, sugar, eggs, and warm spices transforms the batter into a soft, aromatic cake. For an easy pumpkin cake or a pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix, simply mix the ingredients, pour into a prepared pan, and bake until golden. Finish with cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch, or try an easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake variation with oil to make it ultra-moist. This recipe rivals pumpkin cake allrecipes, but with more flexibility and flavor.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.
If using fresh pumpkin, roast or steam and mash it until smooth.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cake cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Decorate with candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, sprinkles, or Halloween-themed toppers.

This process ensures your easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any autumn celebration.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe is all about understanding the ingredients and their roles. Using pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin adds natural sweetness and moisture, giving your pumpkin cake recipe a rich, tender texture. For a quick version, a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake or pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) works perfectly while still delivering a moist pumpkin cake recipe. Butter, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, aromatic flavor. An easy pumpkin cake or pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix can save time while maintaining softness. Using oil in your easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake ensures extra moisture, and following these tips will help your cake rival any pumpkin cake allrecipes version. Small touches like proper mixing, careful baking, and using fresh ingredients make all the difference.

💡 Expert Tips:

Always use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture in pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin.
For a quick dessert, try a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake or pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) for minimal prep.
Cream butter and sugars thoroughly to create a light, airy batter for a moist pumpkin cake recipe.
Alternate mixing dry ingredients with buttermilk to avoid overmixing and ensure soft texture.
For convenience, use a pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix without sacrificing flavor.
Adding a little oil to your easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake keeps it extra moist.
Decorate with candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, or sprinkles for a festive Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe.
Check pumpkin cake allrecipes for inspiration, but these tips make your cake faster and more flavorful.

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This Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Whether you choose pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin for natural sweetness, a quick 4 ingredient pumpkin cake, or a pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) for simplicity, you’ll end up with a moist pumpkin cake recipe that everyone will love. You can also try an easy pumpkin cake or a pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix for a fast, fuss-free version. Adding oil creates an extra-soft Halloween pumpkin spice cake with oil, making it perfect for any occasion. From simple weeknight treats to festive desserts, this easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake is versatile, flavorful, and a must-try for any pumpkin lover. Check pumpkin cake allrecipes for more ideas, but this recipe is your go-to for a delicious, family-friendly pumpkin cake recipe that’s both easy and impressive.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Moist and warmly spiced, this pumpkin cake is perfect for Halloween or autumn gatherings. Topped with cream cheese frosting and festive decorations like candy pumpkins or edible ghosts, it’s a crowd-pleaser with seasonal flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, sprinkles, or Halloween-themed toppers

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add pumpkin puree and vanilla.

5. Alternately fold in dry ingredients and buttermilk until just combined.

Step 2: Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top.

2. Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Frost

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.

2. Frost the cooled cake. Decorate with Halloween-themed candies or sprinkles.

Notes

• Pumpkin Tip: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Cake
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Holiday