Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in a cozy hug, then this Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake is just the ticket! This delightful cake brings together the warm flavors of pumpkin with the irresistible sweetness of salted caramel. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. Every slice is a celebration, and I can’t wait to share this cherished recipe with you!

This cake not only tastes fantastic but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly while baking. The combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy frosting topped with gooey caramel is simply divine. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You don’t need any fancy skills to whip up this cake. Just mix, pour, and bake!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves pumpkin desserts, and the salted caramel takes it to another level. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin spice and salted caramel creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with cream cheese frosting and drizzled with caramel, this cake looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake! You probably have most of these in your pantry already.

For the Cake

• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup salted caramel topping
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For Drizzling

• 9 oz jar salted caramel topping (remainder of the 11 oz jar)
• 4 oz salted caramel topping to drizzle each slice (OPTIONAL)
• 2 tbsp coarse salt to sprinkle each slice (OPTIONAL)

Variations

This Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it Chocolatey: Substitute some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-pumpkin twist.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and salted caramel topping. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a smooth batter that will keep your cake moist.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution when mixed into the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; gentle folding will keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in your preheated oven for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will be delicious!

Step 6: Cool & Prepare Frosting

Once baked, let your cake cool completely before frosting it. While it cools, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.

Step 7: Frost & Drizzle

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. Drizzle with leftover salted caramel topping for an extra special touch.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice up your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired before serving. Each bite is sure to bring smiles all around!

I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your salted caramel pumpkin cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in a fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps prevent a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cake, so be gentle!

• Check for doneness: Since ovens vary, check your cake a few minutes before the end of the baking time by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. This ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Drizzle warm caramel topping: If you prefer gooey goodness, slightly warm your caramel topping before drizzling it over the frosted cake. It adds an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

Serving this salted caramel pumpkin cake is all about making it look as good as it tastes! Here are some fun ways to present your creation.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for crunch and flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on each slice gives it an airy touch and enhances the overall creaminess.
• Fresh mint leaves: A small sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your dessert presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the pumpkin cake, creating a comforting combination.
• Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers robust flavors that complement the sweet notes of salted caramel and pumpkin.
• Apple cider: Serve chilled or warmed apple cider alongside your cake for an autumn-inspired pairing that enhances the cozy vibes.
• Roasted vegetables: For those looking for a savory contrast, serving roasted seasonal vegetables can balance out the sweetness of the cake in a delightful way.

With these serving suggestions, your salted caramel pumpkin cake will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or simply want to enjoy it throughout the week, this cake stores beautifully and stays deliciously moist.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best flavor, drizzle with salted caramel just before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of cake on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Serve warm with additional salted caramel drizzled on top if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for the Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s pureed smoothly and drained of excess moisture for the best texture.

How can I make my Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, consider cutting back on the powdered sugar in the frosting. You can also use unsweetened pumpkin puree to balance flavors.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake?

Absolutely! You can replace vegetable oil with applesauce or another neutral oil. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake is such a delightful treat that combines warmth and richness with every bite. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing during gatherings or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Remember to savor each slice and perhaps even share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!