Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy Texture – This cake is incredibly light and airy, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Rich Pumpkin Flavor – Packed with real pumpkin and warm spices for an authentic fall taste.
Delicious Caramel Topping – A sweet, buttery caramel sauce drizzled over the cake adds the perfect finishing touch.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Pumpkin puree
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Milk
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin spice
Cinnamon
Salt
Butter
Heavy cream
Caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix the Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
Bake the Cake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the Caramel Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer until thickened.
Cool and Drizzle – Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle with the caramel sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Nutty Delight – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Chocolate Twist – Swirl melted chocolate into the batter or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Cream Cheese Frosting – Instead of caramel, top with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Spiced Extra – Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat the entire cake in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the cake extra fluffy?

Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, buttery caramel sauce or homemade caramel works best for drizzling.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and add the caramel sauce before serving.

Is this cake too sweet?

No, the balance of pumpkin spice and caramel makes it perfectly sweet without being overwhelming.

Can I add a crumble topping?

Yes, a cinnamon streusel topping would add a nice texture and flavor.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?

Measure ingredients carefully and do not overbake the cake.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller, deeper pan may need extra baking time.

What pairs well with this cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake is the perfect combination of warm fall spices, rich caramel, and a tender crumb. Whether you enjoy it as a holiday dessert or a cozy treat with your coffee, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this simple yet decadent recipe today!