Moist Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from Scratch

I’ve always loved turning simple ingredients into dishes that feel special, and this Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake is no exception. Inspired by cozy autumn afternoons in my kitchen, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or a festive Halloween party. With moist pumpkin layers and luscious caramel buttercream, it’s a pumpkin cake that’s both comforting and customizable, making every bite a celebration for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert this Halloween, this Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe is exactly what you need. This easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers, offering a moist pumpkin cake layered with rich caramel buttercream that’s irresistible. You can make it as a Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from scratch or use condensed milk in the frosting for extra creamy sweetness. The pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream is perfect for festive parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and quick enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve at any celebration. With layers of spiced pumpkin, smooth caramel frosting, and the option to add fun Halloween decorations, this cake delivers flavor and festive charm in every bite. Whether you’re baking for tradition or creating a new family favorite, this Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe will become your go-to pumpkin dessert year after year.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a moist, flavorful pumpkin cake layered with luscious caramel buttercream. The combination of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of brown sugar gives the pumpkin cake its signature autumn flavor, while the butter, eggs, and buttermilk ensure a tender, moist texture. The caramel buttercream frosting, enriched with either homemade caramel or condensed milk, complements the pumpkin layers perfectly. Optional decorations like mini candy pumpkins or caramel drizzle make this pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream festive and fun for Halloween celebrations. Using these ingredients, you can make this easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from scratch or adapt it with condensed milk for a richer frosting. Every ingredient is chosen to balance flavor, texture, and visual appeal, making it a family-friendly dessert that’s quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or layered cake)

For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, as needed
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:
Mini candy pumpkins
Edible glitter or sprinkles
Caramel drizzle

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe is easier than it looks, whether you’re creating it from scratch or adding condensed milk for extra creamy frosting. This easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake delivers moist pumpkin cake layers perfectly spiced for autumn, layered with rich caramel buttercream. You can bake a pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream that’s visually stunning and family-friendly. Following simple steps ensures your Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from scratch turns out tender, flavorful, and festive every time. From mixing the pumpkin cake batter to preparing the caramel frosting and assembling the layers, this Halloween pumpkin caramel cake with condensed milk or traditional buttercream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With these clear steps, even first-time bakers can make this pumpkin cake a centerpiece dessert for Halloween parties or cozy autumn gatherings.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spices.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 6: For the caramel buttercream, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in caramel sauce and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk or condensed milk if desired.

Step 7: Level cooled cake layers. Spread frosting between layers, stack, and crumb coat. Chill 20 minutes.

Step 8: Frost fully with remaining buttercream. Smooth and decorate with caramel drizzle, mini candy pumpkins, or edible sprinkles.

Step 9: Serve your Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from scratch or with condensed milk, and enjoy a festive, family-friendly pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe is all about technique and small details. Whether you’re making an easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake or baking a pumpkin cake from scratch, knowing a few expert tips can elevate your dessert. For a smooth caramel buttercream, you can incorporate condensed milk to make a Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake with condensed milk that is creamy and rich. Properly measuring your ingredients ensures your pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream has moist, even layers, while chilling between frosting steps prevents crumbs. These tips help you create a professional-looking, family-friendly Halloween pumpkin caramel cake from scratch that’s festive, flavorful, and customizable for any occasion.

💡 Expert Tips:

Measure ingredients accurately for consistent texture in your pumpkin cake.

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter.

Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps in the pumpkin cake.

Chill cake layers slightly before frosting to make an easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake easier to handle.

Use condensed milk in the caramel buttercream for a richer, creamier frosting.

Apply a thin crumb coat before final frosting to keep layers clean and smooth.

Add extra spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream flavor.

Decorate with mini candy pumpkins or caramel drizzle for a festive Halloween presentation.

Let the cake rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing to maintain structure and prevent frosting smears.

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This Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a festive, flavorful pumpkin cake. Whether you choose to make an easy Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake or a Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake from scratch, the layers of moist pumpkin cake paired with rich caramel buttercream create a dessert that’s both impressive and family-friendly. For extra creaminess, try a Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake with condensed milk. This pumpkin layer cake with caramel buttercream is perfect for Halloween parties, cozy autumn gatherings, or as a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration. With simple ingredients, customizable decorations, and a recipe that balances convenience and indulgence, this Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake is sure to become a favorite for years to come.

Halloween Pumpkin Caramel Cake

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

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Description

A moist pumpkin layer cake with rich caramel buttercream, perfect for Halloween. This festive dessert combines warm pumpkin spices with decadent caramel, making it both delicious and visually stunning for parties or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or layered cake):

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 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 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, as needed

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Mini candy pumpkins

• Edible glitter or sprinkles

• Caramel drizzle

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

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

3. In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and pumpkin puree.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.

5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Buttercream

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.

2. Beat in caramel sauce and vanilla. Adjust consistency with heavy cream or milk as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cooled cake layers.

2. Spread a layer of caramel buttercream between the cake layers. Stack layers carefully.

3. Apply a crumb coat and chill 20 minutes.

4. Frost the cake fully with the remaining buttercream. Smooth with an offset spatula.

Step 4: Decorate

• Drizzle extra caramel over the top.

• Add mini candy pumpkins or Halloween sprinkles.

• Optionally, use edible glitter for a festive shimmer.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day ahead; frost and decorate the day of serving.
• Flavor Boost: Brush layers with a thin layer of caramel sauce before frosting for extra richness.
• Mini Version: Make cupcakes using the same recipe and swirl caramel frosting on top.

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