Description
A moist pumpkin cake layered with rich caramel sauce, shaped like a festive cauldron. Perfect for Halloween, fall gatherings, or holiday celebrations, this cake combines classic pumpkin spice flavors with a decadent caramel finish for a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or cauldron-shaped cake):
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
½ cup whole milk
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
For Frosting & Decoration:
16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Black or orange food coloring (optional)
Optional: chocolate rocks, candy pumpkins, or edible glitter for cauldron accents
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Bake Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and pumpkin puree.
Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Add butter and stir until melted and combined.
Slowly add cream and salt, stirring constantly until smooth. Cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Assemble Cake
Level the cooled cake. If desired, carve slightly to create a “cauldron” shape.
Layer cake with caramel sauce in the middle. Pour some caramel over the top for a drippy effect.
Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal crumbs, then frost the entire cake.
Step 4: Decorate
Tint frosting with black or orange food coloring for a cauldron effect.
Use candy pumpkins, chocolate rocks, or edible glitter to create a magical “cauldron potion” look.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead; assemble and decorate on serving day.
- Mini Version: Make cupcakes and drizzle each with caramel for individual servings.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Halloween Cake
- Method: Baked / Layered / Decorated
- Cuisine: American