Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Espresso Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon strong brewed espresso, chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation and Preheating – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients – In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and instant espresso powder. Whisking these together ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Mix the Batter – Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a whisk to fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough or dense cake.
- Step 5: Baking the Cake – Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Step 6: Cool and Frost – Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, chilled espresso, and cinnamon. Beat on high until light and fluffy, then spread evenly over the cooled cake.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian