Classic Halloween Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe for Moist, Spiced Layers

Last Halloween, I found myself craving a homemade pumpkin cake that would wow the family without keeping me in the kitchen all day. Inspired by my love for quick, family-friendly recipes, I developed this Classic Halloween Pumpkin Layer Cake recipe. Moist pumpkin layers, warm pumpkin spice flavors, and easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. This pumpkin layer cake recipe is both comforting and customizable for every baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves moist, flavorful pumpkin cake. Using fresh pumpkin, this pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin delivers a rich, natural taste that elevates any dessert table. Whether you’re following a pumpkin cake recipe from scratch or trying a quick 4 ingredient pumpkin cake, this pumpkin spice cake is easy to make and family-friendly. Perfect as a pumpkin layer cake recipe for holidays, parties, or weeknight treats, it’s reminiscent of pumpkin cake allrecipes favorites and even inspired by the classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake Pioneer Woman style. This pumpkin cake recipe easy version ensures anyone can bake it confidently while enjoying warm, seasonal flavors. With its soft layers and creamy frosting, this classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake from scratch or simplified version will become a seasonal staple. Ideal for bakers seeking a show-stopping pumpkin layer cake recipe, this dessert combines festive fun, pumpkin flavor, and simple preparation for every home baker.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe relies on simple, flavorful ingredients that make it moist, spiced, and perfect for festive celebrations. Using fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin for the pumpkin cake ensures natural sweetness and a rich texture. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves turns this pumpkin cake recipe into a pumpkin spice cake everyone will love. The frosting balances the spiced layers with creamy sweetness, while optional decorations bring the Halloween theme to life. Whether you’re following a pumpkin cake recipe easy version or creating the classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake from scratch, each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, and presentation. This pumpkin layer cake recipe is adaptable, making it suitable for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. Even bakers trying a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake approach will appreciate the versatility and simplicity of these ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients (for two 9-inch round layers)

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
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional)
• Orange or black food coloring (optional for Halloween theme)

For Decorations:

• Candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, or sprinkles
• Optional: piped frosting designs like spiders or jack-o’-lanterns

How to Make This Recipe

Making this classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe is straightforward, whether you’re following a pumpkin cake recipe easy version or crafting it from scratch. Using fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin, this pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin achieves moist, flavorful layers infused with warm pumpkin spice cake spices. Even bakers attempting a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake will find the steps simple to follow. This pumpkin layer cake recipe yields soft, fluffy layers that pair perfectly with creamy frosting, making it a standout dessert for Halloween or any festive occasion. Inspired by pumpkin cake allrecipes favorites and the classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake Pioneer Woman style, this recipe is both family-friendly and customizable, ensuring a delicious homemade pumpkin cake every time.

🛒 Steps:

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

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until fluffy. Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix in 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned). Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with ½ cup milk until smooth.

Step 5: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare frosting with 16 oz cream cheese or buttercream, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2–3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice. Add optional food coloring.

Step 7: Level cooled cakes. Spread frosting between layers, apply crumb coat, chill 20 minutes, then frost fully.

Step 8: Decorate with candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, sprinkles, or piped Halloween designs.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy this classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake from scratch or your easy pumpkin cake recipe version.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe is easier with a few expert tips that ensure a moist, flavorful pumpkin cake every time. Using fresh pumpkin for your pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin enhances natural sweetness and texture, while carefully measuring spices elevates this pumpkin spice cake. Even if you’re trying a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake, following these techniques ensures your pumpkin layer cake recipe turns out perfectly. Inspired by pumpkin cake allrecipes favorites and the classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake Pioneer Woman, these tips make both pumpkin cake recipe easy versions and from scratch recipes a success.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Always use fresh pumpkin puree when possible for a richer pumpkin cake flavor and texture.
• Sift your dry ingredients to ensure a light, fluffy pumpkin spice cake.
• When making a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake, choose high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Level the cake layers before frosting to create a professional-looking pumpkin layer cake recipe.
• Chill the cake after the crumb coat to prevent frosting from mixing with crumbs.
• Add pumpkin spice to frosting for extra warmth in this classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe.
• Decorate with candy pumpkins or piped designs for a festive pumpkin cake recipe easy for all ages.
• Follow trusted pumpkin cake allrecipes or Pioneer Woman-inspired techniques for reliable results.

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This classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin and warm pumpkin spice cake flavors. Whether you follow a pumpkin cake recipe easy version, make it from scratch, or try a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake, this pumpkin layer cake recipe delivers moist, flavorful layers perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion. Inspired by pumpkin cake allrecipes favorites and the classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake Pioneer Woman style, this recipe ensures every pumpkin cake is a show-stopping treat.

Classic Halloween Pumpkin Layer 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, spiced pumpkin layer cake perfect for Halloween celebrations. Made from scratch with fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin, this cake features fluffy layers and creamy pumpkin-spice frosting, decorated to bring festive Halloween vibes to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for two 9-inch round layers):

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

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese or buttercream frosting, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional, for extra flavor)

• Orange or black food coloring (optional for Halloween theme)

For Decorations:

• Candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, or sprinkles

• Optional: piped frosting designs (spiders, jack-o’-lanterns)

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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 pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. Mix in pumpkin puree. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until smooth.

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

Step 2: Frost the Cake

1. Prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese or buttercream with powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and pumpkin spice. Add food coloring if desired.

2. Level the cooled cake layers. Spread a generous layer of frosting between them. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.

3. Frost the cake fully and smooth the surface.

Step 3: Decorate

 

1. Add candy pumpkins, edible ghosts, or Halloween-themed sprinkles.

2. Optionally, pipe spooky designs like jack-o’-lantern faces, spiders, or swirls with tinted frosting.

Notes

• Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin puree adds a brighter, fresher flavor, but canned works perfectly.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost the day of serving.
• Mini Version: Use cupcake molds for individual Halloween pumpkin cakes.

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