Autumn Pumpkin Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful pumpkin cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a delightful spice aroma and tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup salad oil
  • 1 cup pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • dash of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes or until done.
  5. Frost with Cream Cheese Icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. You can also substitute half of the salad oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have pumpkin, pureed sweet potatoes work well. To enhance the spices, add a teaspoon of ginger or cloves for extra warmth. Make sure to mix the batter until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Autumn Pumpkin Cake with a generous layer of Cream Cheese Icing for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake makes a perfect centerpiece for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave it for 10-15 seconds until warm. This cake can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Autumn Pumpkin Cake contains roughly 325 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

325 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 23.2g 30% DV
Carbs 28.3g 10% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 205.6mg 9% DV
Potassium 152.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 26.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 91.8mg 7% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast and puree it before measuring. Fresh pumpkin has a slightly different moisture content, so you may need to adjust the water in the recipe accordingly to achieve the right batter consistency.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on it after the 30-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. If you plan to frost it, wait until just before serving to apply the Cream Cheese Icing to keep the cake fresh and the icing from getting soggy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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