The scent of warm spices filling your home is the best part of December. This Christmas Spice Pumpkin Cake is a holiday dream come true. It is incredibly moist and full of festive cheer. You can whip this up for any winter gathering. Your family will love every single bite.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This cake is a total winner for busy holiday hosts. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. The blend of ginger and cloves feels like a warm hug. It is perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy night in. You do not need fancy tools to make this. It stays moist for days after baking. The orange zest in the frosting adds a special touch. It balances the warm spices with a bright citrus note. Your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.
Simple Method
The process is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You just whisk your dry ingredients in one bowl. Then you mix your wet ingredients in another. Combine them gently to keep the cake light. Even if you rarely bake, you can master this recipe. The 9×13 pan makes it easy to serve and transport.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses warm winter spices and fresh citrus for the best flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 15 ounces pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in pumpkin purée and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and orange zest, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this cake on your favorite holiday platter. It looks beautiful with the creamy white frosting. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee. Or try it with some festive hot cocoa. It is the ultimate Christmas dessert for your guests. You can even add a few sugared cranberries on top. This makes it look like a professional bakery treat. Set the table and enjoy a slice by the fire.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresh. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay cool. It will last for up to four days. You can also freeze the un-frosted cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make it ahead to save time on Christmas day. When you are ready, let it thaw on the counter. Then add the fresh frosting right before the party starts.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour.
- Fresh orange zest adds a bright, festive pop of flavor.
- Use a toothpick to check if the center is done.
- Let the cake cool completely before you start frosting.
- Double the spices if you love a bolder holiday kick.
- For Thanksgiving, you can swap orange zest for maple syrup.
- Always use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a half cup of chopped pecans for a crunch.
- Swap the orange zest for maple syrup in the frosting.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for a sensitive crowd.
- Sprinkle some sparkling sugar on top for extra holiday magic.
Common Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No, stick to plain pumpkin purée for the best flavor. Pie filling has extra sugar and spices already added. This would make the cake too sweet and thin.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes, just reduce the bake time to about twenty minutes. Keep an eye on them so they stay moist. They are perfect for holiday school parties!
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil makes this cake very moist and soft. Butter adds flavor but might make it slightly denser. If you swap, use the same amount of melted butter.
I hope this Christmas Spice Pumpkin Cake brings joy to your table. It is the perfect way to share some sweetness this season. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
— Lidia
Christmas Spice Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all -purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large egg s
- 15 ounces pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in pumpkin purée and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and orange zest, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake before serving.
