This Easy Pumpkin Cake is our favorite, fluffy, moist and absolutely delicious pumpkin cake. It has a tender, moist and delicate crumb. The marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting takes it over the top.

Easy pumpkin cake with marshmallow-like cream cheese frosting

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I invited my sisters and their families over for dinner this week and everyone really enjoyed it, especially the kids. I asked if they would be more likely to re-make this as a double decker fancy cake or an easy peasy sheet cake and the consensus was: EASY. Like 4 steps easy, including frosting!

Pumpkin Cake Recipe

If you aren’t a major pumpkin fan yet, you will be after trying this! We are quite smitten with this cake. It is on the regular rotation at our house in Autumn. Plus, it’s not overly sweet so there’s no avoiding that second helping ;).

Pumpkin Cake Recipe topped with chopped walnuts

This pumpkin sheet cake recipe was shared by one of my readers, Yulia. Thank you so much for sharing this treasure of a recipe with us! Some of our favorite recipes have been shared by our readers, like this persimmon bread. I love it when you all write in sharing your favorite recipes and tips. Those are my favorite kinds of emails! Thanks for thinking of me :).

Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour *measured correctly
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda (sifted to get rid of lumps)
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
3 large eggs, room temp
1 cup oil (extra light olive oil, vegetable or corn oil will work)
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (or make your own!)

*Watch our easy video tutorial on how to measure correctly

Ingredients for easy pumpkin cake

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package (8oz) Cream Cheese, room temp, cut into quarters
1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter butter, room temp
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp real vanilla extract
Pecans to decorate, optional

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Cake:

Prep: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Using cooking spray or oil, grease a 9×13 non-stick baking pan (like this one) or a Glass pyrex dish. Tip: If you’re serving it out of a metal pan, line it with parchment paper so you don’t scratch up your pan. 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt.

Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe-10

2. In a second medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: 3 large eggs, 1 cup oil and 1 can pumpkin, until well combined.

Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe-11

3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake at 350˚F for 35-40 min (my oven took 35 mins), or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely in pan then spread the top with frosting (see below) and decorate with pecans or sprinkles.

This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!

How to Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Combine all of your frosting ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer (here’s the mixer I use) and using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until combined, then beat on high speed 2-3 min or until fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe-13

How to Make Pumpkin Cake in 4 easy steps

More Dreamy Pumpkin Recipes:

Watch Natasha Make Pumpkin Cake:

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make this pumpkin cake!

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Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe

4.96 from 465 votes
This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 slices of cake

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake:

Ingredients for Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temp, cut into quarters
  • 8 Tbsp unsalted butter butter, room temp
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pecans to decorate, optional

Instructions

How to Make Pumpkin Cake:

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9x13 non-stick baking pan or a Glass pyrex dish.**
    In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt.
  • In a second medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: 3 large eggs, 1 cup oil and 1 can pumpkin, until well combined.
  • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake at 350˚F for 35-40 min (my oven took 35 min), or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely in pan then spread the top with frosting (see below) and decorate with whole or chopped pecans. I sprinkled pecans over individual slices since my son doesn't eat them.

How to Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Combine all of your frosting ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until combined, then beat on high speed 2-3 min or until fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Notes

*To measure flour, spoon it into a measuring cup and scrape off the top.
**If you're serving it out of a metal pan, line it with parchment paper so you don't scratch up your pan.

Nutrition Per Serving

423kcal Calories55g Carbs5g Protein21g Fat10g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat8g Monounsaturated Fat0.3g Trans Fat80mg Cholesterol268mg Sodium208mg Potassium2g Fiber37g Sugar6062IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C72mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
423
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
10
g
63
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Cholesterol
 
80
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
268
mg
12
%
Potassium
 
208
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
 
55
g
18
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
37
g
41
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
6062
IU
121
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
72
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pumpkin Cake
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 423
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Slice of pumpkin cake on a plate topped with whipped cream cheese frosting

Now the question is when are you going to be making this? At the very least, pin it for later. This one’s a keeper!

This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!
This Easy Pumpkin Cake is done in 4 steps (with frosting)! The moist, delicate crumb and marshmallow-like whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!
4.96 from 465 votes (233 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Beth
    November 2, 2017

    Make this cake! I just made this cake and it’s so delicious. The frosting is perfect and the cake is outstanding. I made it as a 2 layer cake with the Carmel sauce and frosting in the middle and I drizzled the Carmel on top. A new favorite cake!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 2, 2017

      I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe Beth! Thanks for sharing your excellent review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Maureen
    November 1, 2017

    I just made the Easy Pumpkin Cake, but I made it into muffins. Got rave reviews on it and will make it again soon. There is a lot of dough for 12 regular muffins. Next time I will make 18 muffins.
    I also love! the Cream Cheese Frosting. It is so much better than the too sweet frosting that calls for more powdered sugar!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 1, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Maureen! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Connie
    October 31, 2017

    I made this over the weekend and WOW!! This cake is soooooo moist and tons of pumpkin flavor!! I can’t believe how easy it was to make. It really is one of the tastiest pumpkin cakes I have ever made. The cream cheese frosting amount was just perfect too. I can’t wait to make this again! KUDOS!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 31, 2017

      I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy this recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review Connie!

      Reply

  • Lori
    October 31, 2017

    I used whole wheat flour and on cup of applesauce instead of the oil and reduced the sugar to 1 cup. I also added 1 tsp of nutmeg and 1 tsp of vanilla. With the cream cheese frosting it is plenty sweet enough.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 31, 2017

      Thanks for sharing your tips with other readers Lori!

      Reply

  • Lesya
    October 30, 2017

    This cake is SO GOOD! I love the clear and easy to follow instructions. This recipe is fool-proof even for absolute beginners 🤣

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 30, 2017

      I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Lesya! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Linda Barrante
    October 29, 2017

    I make this cake alot but add one cup of white raisins and one cup of chopped walnuts. Rave reviews.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 30, 2017

      Yum, what great additions! Thanks for sharing Linda!

      Reply

  • Pat
    October 29, 2017

    The 1 cup powered sugar has me wondering? My recipes for cream cheese icing call for 4 or 5 cups..and have discovered less than stick of butter works better too.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 30, 2017

      Hi Pat, yes, it really is only 1 cup. It whips really well and if you want the frosting firmer, frost the cake and refrigerate until it stiffens a bit. The cake will be super soft chilled or at room temperature and the frosting is just wonderful. If you like REALLY sweet frostings, you can add more powdered sugar but we love it the way it is.

      Reply

  • Amarie
    October 28, 2017

    I made this cake twice and both times it was dense and not fluffy as described. The flavor was delicious but really wanted a fluffy texture. I checked my ingredients and none were expired.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 30, 2017

      Hi Amarie, I haven’t had that experience so I suspect possibly your leavening is no longer active? This cake is normally super soft and fluffy and rises really well. I would suggest trying again with some fresh baking soda. It can expire sooner than the package date depending on how it is stored (i.e if it is left open, or left open and refrigerated), or maybe baking powder was used by mistake?

      Reply

  • Jo Dee
    October 28, 2017

    Had something similar, but they had added some orange zest to batter. Sort of refreshed the taste.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 29, 2017

      That’s a great suggestions Jo Dee! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Toni
    October 25, 2017

    Can you make this in a bundt cake pan??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 25, 2017

      Hi Toni, I haven’t tried in a bundt pan so I can’t provide advice on that, but I think it’s worth and experiment! If you test it out, let me know how you liked it.

      Reply

  • Kristina bezuglov
    October 19, 2017

    Hey Natasha this is kristina I am 12 years old I made this cake 2 times (this is a really good cake by the way)😍

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 19, 2017

      Hello Kristina! I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe! Thanks so much for following and sharing your wonderful review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sara
    October 18, 2017

    This was delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 18, 2017

      I’m glad you love it Sara! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply

  • Victoria
    October 16, 2017

    I am not usually good at baking, but to my surprise this came out perfect! So delicious 🙂 Thank you for this recipe Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 16, 2017

      My pleasure Victoria! I’m glad to hear the recipe was a success! Thanks for sharing your great review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Kara
    October 14, 2017

    I made this cake this afternoon, I can’t even get icing on it! It’s so moist and delicious, iced or not, definately a must bake for anyone.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 14, 2017

      I’m glad you love the recipe Kara! Thanks so much for sharing!!

      Reply

  • Kristin
    October 13, 2017

    This is an AMAZING cake! SO SO good! PS- Don’t let the cost estimate turn you off — it has never cost me anywhere close to that to make this cake. It uses staples I almost always have on hand, which I love!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 14, 2017

      Awesome! I’m happy to hear how much you love this recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review Kristin!

      Reply

  • Diana Agia
    October 12, 2017

    Thank you so much for sharing the pumpkin cake recipe. I made it and it was superb.
    God bless you.
    Diana

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 12, 2017

      You’re welcome Diana! I’m glad you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing and God Bless!

      Reply

  • Erin
    October 10, 2017

    I made this for my coworker’s birthday because she loves anything pumpkin. It was a hit! I love that it’s not overly sweet and I love that it makes just enough frosting. Love this recipe and will make it again for sure!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 10, 2017

      Awesome! I’m glad to hear that Erin! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • ANNETTE
    October 9, 2017

    Hi Natasha! I made this easy and delicious cake yesterday for my Uncle who loves chocolate…so, following your comment on a review, I substituted 1/2 cup of Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder for a 1/2 cup of the flour. It came out fantastic!! Moist and tender. I frosted with chocolate buttercream and it was a big hit with Uncle. A true Keeper Recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 9, 2017

      Hello Annette! I’m glad to hear how much you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • rutgenesis
    October 4, 2017

    Hi! I have tried so many pumpkin cake recipes all so dense!! I was about to give in my search for a good recipe until I found this one! thank you so much for sharing!! I am making it right now and I know it probably wont come out like it is supposed to be. I realized my baking powde and baking soda were expired (ouch lol), and I did not measure the flour properly (ouuuch), so I know it will be another dense cake for these reasons lol. On top of all I did not have enough pumpkin puree ( maybe a little over 1/2 of the can. However, I will give it another try with the right amounts, measurements and expiration dates ingredients and will keep you posted. I tried the batter and it was already delish!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 4, 2017

      I’m glad to hear you’re giving this recipe a shot! I hope you enjoy it even more the second time around! 🙂

      Reply

  • Ann
    October 3, 2017

    Really good and easy recipe, turned out quite tasty. However, it was quite dense, not light and fluffy. Any clue on what I must have done wrong?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 3, 2017

      Hi Ann, that is definitely unusual. It is supposed to be very soft and fluffy. I am always happy to help troubleshoot. Be sure you are measuring flour correctly and not substituting any of the ingredients. Also, be sure your baking soda and baking powder are still working and not expired. Those sound like the most likely culprits if it did not rise. I hope that helps for next time!

      Reply

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