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Classic Halloween pumpkin layer cake slice

Classic Halloween Pumpkin Layer Cake

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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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)

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

Find it online: https://www.eminentrecipes.com/classic-halloween-pumpkin-layer-cake-recipe/