Description
This easy pumpkin snack cake recipe delivers a moist and tender crumb infused with warm spices, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting and simple bake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Prepare your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a bowl and whisk.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined, then spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the completely cooled snack cake, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tougher cake. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until they are combined.
Patience is key when frosting. Always allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent a melty mess.
The toothpick test is a reliable way to check for cake doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs attached, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
For a beautifully finished cake, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting evenly, creating a smooth surface.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A