What is the best way to make a pumpkin cake with fresh pumpkin?

Using fresh pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and moisture, creating a rich and tender pumpkin cake recipe. Roast or steam the pumpkin, then mash it smoothly before adding it to your batter.

Can I make a 4 ingredient pumpkin cake?

Yes! A 4 ingredient pumpkin cake or pumpkin spice cake (3 ingredients) is perfect for a quick, easy pumpkin cake. You can use canned pumpkin, cake mix, eggs, and oil for a simple, moist pumpkin cake recipe.

Is there an easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake recipe for beginners?

Absolutely. An easy Halloween pumpkin spice cake or pumpkin spice cake recipe with box mix saves time and delivers a flavorful, moist pumpkin cake recipe ideal for festive celebrations.

How can I make my pumpkin cake extra moist?

Adding oil to your Halloween pumpkin spice cake with oil ensures a soft, tender crumb. Properly creaming butter and sugar, and not overbaking, also makes your pumpkin cake recipe wonderfully moist.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cake – Easy & Moist Recipe 2025

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add pumpkin puree and vanilla.
Alternately fold in dry ingredients and buttermilk until just combined.

Step 2: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top.
Bake 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Frost

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