I’ve fallen hard for this pumpkin spice cake, and I think you will too. There’s something magical about the warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dancing with sweet pumpkin in every bite. What makes this recipe a true keeper? It’s a one-bowl wonder that transforms simple pantry staples into a moist, tender cake with minimal fuss. No fancy equipment needed, just your favorite mixing bowl and a craving for fall flavors. Ready to discover why this might become your new autumn tradition?
Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Spice Cake
While many desserts come and go with the seasons, this pumpkin spice cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
I’m talking about moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth with each bite. What makes it special? It’s the perfect balance of warm spices and real pumpkin flavor, without being overly sweet.
Can you believe it only needs one bowl? Talk about easy cleanup. The simplicity is what makes this cake my go-to when I want something impressive without the fuss.
Perfect for fall gatherings or, honestly, any random Tuesday.
What Ingredients are in Pumpkin Spice Cake?
This single-layer pumpkin spice cake requires just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create fall flavor magic in every bite.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the best results, make sure your pumpkin puree is 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) and your spices are fresh—those warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the pumpkin pie spice really make this cake sing.
How to Make this Pumpkin Spice Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
This guarantees your cake will release easily after baking—nobody wants to leave half their masterpiece stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and ½ cup vegetable oil in a large bowl.
Add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until everything is beautifully combined into a smooth, orange-hued batter.
For effortless mixing with perfect consistency, a stand mixer can be your versatile kitchen companion during this step.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until just mixed.
Remember, over-mixing is the enemy of tender cake—stop stirring once you no longer see dry flour streaks.
Step 4: Pour and Prep for Baking
Pour your pumpkin spice batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles hiding in the batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The kitchen will fill with the most intoxicating autumn aroma—isn’t that half the joy of baking with pumpkin spice?
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost or serve it.
Patience yields the best texture, as the cake needs time to set and develop its flavors.
Step 7: Add Optional Frosting
For the ultimate finishing touch, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
The tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the warm, sweet spices in the cake—a match made in dessert heaven.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cake
This cozy autumn cake deserves perfect companions! A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting slightly over a warm slice is pure comfort food magic.
For morning gatherings, serve alongside a frothy pumpkin spice latte or chai tea to double down on those warm spices. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes a quick but elegant topping when you don’t have time for cream cheese frosting.
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle each slice with caramel sauce and add a few toasted pecans. For balance, offer fresh apple slices on the side—their tartness cuts through the cake’s richness beautifully.
This versatile treat works equally well for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Substitutions and Variations
This wonderfully adaptable cake welcomes all sorts of tweaks and twists:
- Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-free? Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan version: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp water)
- Reduce sugar to ¾ cup or try coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option
- Pantry Swaps:
- No pumpkin pie spice? Mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ginger, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, and ⅛ tsp cloves
- Melted butter works beautifully instead of oil for a richer flavor
- Applesauce can replace half the oil for a lighter cake
- Fun Add-ins:
- Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries
- Add orange zest for a citrusy twist
- Swirl in 2 Tbsp maple syrup before baking for extra autumn flavor
- Topping Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
- Maple glaze drizzle (powdered sugar + maple syrup)
- Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar before baking for a crackly top
- Counter Storage: Keep unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake may firm up slightly when chilled.
- Freezer Option: Wrap individual slices or the whole unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Leftovers and Storage for this Pumpkin Spice Cake
This delightful pumpkin cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the spices have time to deepen and mingle.
To store:
To refresh leftovers, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. A quick 5-second spritz of water before reheating can help prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Single Layer Pumpkin Spice Cake captures everything wonderful about autumn in just one pan.
Its simplicity is perhaps what makes it so special—no fussy layers or complicated techniques, just warm spices and moist pumpkin goodness that anyone can master.
Perfect for those crisp weekend mornings when you want something special without the fuss, or as a humble ending to a family Sunday dinner.
The versatility of this cake makes it suitable for both everyday treats and holiday gatherings, especially when crowned with that tangy cream cheese frosting.
In a world of complicated desserts, sometimes a straightforward slice of spiced pumpkin cake is exactly what we need.