The Pumpkin Spice Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is a quintessential fall dessert, blending warm spices, moist pumpkin, and sweet, velvety frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy evenings with a cup of coffee, this cake is a comforting treat that delights all senses.

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the cake with classic pumpkin spice flavor, while the maple cream cheese frosting adds a rich, slightly sweet finishing touch. Its soft texture, inviting aroma, and beautiful presentation make it a must-have recipe for any dessert lover.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly captures the essence of fall — warm, comforting, and indulgent without being overpowering. The cake is moist and tender, while the frosting is creamy with a subtle hint of maple, elevating the pumpkin flavor.

It’s also versatile: you can bake it in a layer cake, bundt pan, or even cupcakes. The aroma fills the kitchen with fall vibes, making it an instant favorite for family and friends.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This cake is a must-try because it combines two iconic fall flavors: pumpkin spice and maple cream cheese. The spices enhance the natural sweetness of pumpkin, and the frosting provides a luscious, silky contrast.

It’s perfect for autumn parties, Thanksgiving, or as a comforting homemade treat. Not only is it delicious, but it also looks stunning when frosted and garnished with chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or a dusting of cinnamon.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Fall Seasonal

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness and consistency)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pans

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line with parchment paper).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
• Add maple syrup and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

• Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
• Optional: garnish with chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: 350°F; grease and flour 9-inch pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, spices, baking powder, and soda in a bowl.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla.
4. Combine Mixtures: Alternately fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into wet mixture.
5. Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake 35–40 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy.
7. Frost & Garnish: Spread frosting over cooled cake; add optional nuts or cinnamon.

How to Serve

• Serve as a centerpiece dessert for fall gatherings or holidays.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea.
• Cut into slices or squares for individual servings.
• Refrigerate leftovers and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Moist Cake: Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Perfect Frosting: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
• Pumpkin Purée: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor.
• Spices: Adjust spices according to taste; add more cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

Variations

• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and make a two-layer cake.
• Cupcakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings; reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
• Nutty Variation: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
• Spiced Frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for extra warmth.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Tip: Frosted cake can also be frozen; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pan (or muffin tins for cupcakes)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream cheese.

Q: Can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: Reduce powdered sugar slightly and adjust maple syrup to taste.

Q: Can I add more spice?
A: Yes, increase cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to taste.

Q: How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
A: Ensure cream cheese and butter are firm, and gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency.

Q: Can I bake this as a sheet cake?
A: Yes, adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes for a sheet pan.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Spice Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate autumn dessert — moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. The warm pumpkin spices paired with creamy maple frosting make every bite a comforting and indulgent experience.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall parties, or cozy evenings at home, this cake is a must-try for anyone who loves seasonal desserts. Its versatile nature allows for cupcakes, layer cakes, or sheet cakes, making it a recipe you’ll return to year after year.