Pumpkin cake with praline frosting is like autumn wrapped in a A Slice Of Heaven Cake that dances with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a luscious, crunchy praline frosting that adds an unexpected twist. festive Halloween cinnamon rolls The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you dreaming of cozy gatherings, laughter, and the delightful crunch as you bite into this seasonal treat.
This cake is more than just dessert; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I baked it for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The moment I took it out of the oven, the whole house transformed into a sweet-scented wonderland. My uncle, who typically prefers pies over cakes, took one look at the shimmering praline topping and declared it a “must-eat.” Trust me; you’ll want to make this not only for special occasions but also just because it’s Tuesday and life deserves a slice of indulgence! For more inspiration, check out this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pumpkin cake with praline frosting is simple to prepare yet impressively delicious
- The combination of spices and textures creates an unforgettable flavor profile
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for any gathering or cozy night in
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt for any season or occasion!
I remember making this cake for my sister’s birthday once, and her friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious cranberry orange bread.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling which has added sugars.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here for that perfect crumb texture.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture.
Baking Soda: Essential for that lovely rise; make sure it’s fresh!
Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for warmth; freshly ground gives an extra kick.
Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): Chopped nuts add crunch; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
For the Praline Frosting:
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a creamy base for the frosting.
Brown Sugar: This gives the frosting its rich caramel flavor; don’t skip it!
Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to achieve that luscious consistency.
Powdered Sugar: To sweeten and thicken the frosting beautifully without grittiness. savory sweet potato fritters.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to your frosting’s flavor profile; don’t skimp on quality!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. gingerbread cookie dip recipe.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of your leavening agent.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while whisking vigorously.
Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix or risk losing that fluffy texture.
Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Give them a gentle shake to level off before placing them in the oven.
Bake to Perfection!: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Prepare Praline Frosting While Cooling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar until melted. Stir in heavy cream while bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding powdered sugar.
Frost Your Cake!: Once your cakes are completely cooled (the patience game), spread praline frosting generously over one layer before stacking with the second layer. Top off with more frosting as desired.
Enjoy every bite of this delectable pumpkin cake with praline frosting while soaking up those fall vibes!
You Must Know
- This delightful pumpkin cake with praline frosting will make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall day
- It’s fluffy, moist, and the sweetness of the frosting perfectly balances the spiciness of the pumpkin
- Bake it for gatherings or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting fresh pumpkin for deeper flavor, then cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution before combining everything for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cake batter for extra texture. You could also substitute brown sugar with maple syrup to enhance the fall flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; they blend more easily
- Avoid overmixing once you’ve added flour; this keeps your cake tender and light
- Always taste your frosting and adjust sweetness to suit your preferences for a perfect finish
Baking this pumpkin cake always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas. She taught me that a sprinkle of love makes every dessert special.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin works well but choose pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
How do I make my praline frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach desired consistency.
Can I freeze leftover pumpkin cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Cake with Praline Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Pumpkin cake with praline frosting is the ultimate autumn treat, combining the warmth of spiced pumpkin with a crunchy, sweet topping. This moist cake, infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, captures the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this delightful dessert will make your kitchen smell heavenly and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree with granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while whisking.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting: Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan; add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Frost cooled cakes and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg