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+ servings
Melany

Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting: A Fall Dessert Worth Savoring

Celebrate fall with this moist and spiced Pumpkin Cake layered with rich, buttery Salted Caramel Frosting. A perfect centerpiece for any autumn gathering, this dessert combines warm flavors with a touch of indulgence, making every bite unforgettable.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Method
 

Preheat Your Oven:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cake texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
  1. Mix in the pumpkin puree until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk. Ensure the mixture is smooth before proceeding.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cakes:
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring continuously until it turns golden brown.
  2. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the mixture will bubble vigorously.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool and thicken before using.
8. Assemble the Cake:
  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of salted caramel sauce over one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining caramel sauce. For a decorative touch, drizzle extra caramel over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

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