Embracing the Enchantment of Autumn Baking

There’s an undeniable charm that sweeps in with the autumn season, isn’t there? As the air turns crisp and leaves transform into a breathtaking tapestry of gold and crimson, a particular kind of magic descends. For me, it’s a season of reflection, coziness, and an irresistible call to the kitchen. I often find myself stepping away from the daily digital rush, much like I am now, pen and paper in hand, soaking in the twilight and the distant sounds of laughter and play. This deliberate pause allows me to truly savor every moment, especially the anticipation of fall baking. From the comforting aromas that fill the house to the joy of sharing homemade treats, autumn truly reigns as my favorite time of year. And what could be more quintessentially autumnal than a truly spectacular pumpkin spice cake?

Elevating a Classic: The Secret to an Extraordinary Pumpkin Spice Cake

Just as I’ve embraced breaking from my ordinary routine to enjoy the season, this Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe transcends the ordinary. It takes a beloved fall classic and elevates it to new heights with a truly exceptional ingredient: Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk. This isn’t just any milk; it’s an experience in itself. Imagine the richest, creamiest texture, reminiscent of gourmet ice cream, infused with buttery pumpkin notes and a delicate whisper of spice. It’s so decadent, you might find yourself simply enjoying a glass on its own, satisfying every pumpkin craving with a single sip. It has also become an indispensable partner to my morning espresso, adding a seasonal twist that’s simply divine.

What makes Promised Land Dairy milk so special? It comes from a pampered herd of Jersey cows, renowned for producing milk of superior quality. While they yield smaller quantities, their milk boasts higher levels of calcium and protein, making it a wholesome and richer choice – a testament to quality over quantity. This premium pumpkin spice milk isn’t just for drinking; it’s a versatile addition to your fall baking repertoire. Think fluffy pancakes, chewy cookies, tender scones, and, of course, the star of today’s show: a show-stopping cake. Incorporating this milk into our recipe infuses every bite with unparalleled richness and a depth of pumpkin spice flavor that truly sets this cake apart.

Unveiling the Layers: A Symphony of Fall Flavors

So, what exactly makes this pumpkin spice cake so irresistibly good? It begins with a tender, moist butter cake base, generously enriched with pure pumpkin puree. The warm, inviting embrace of classic fall spices—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—is carefully balanced to create a harmonious flavor profile that sings of autumn. But the true magic happens when these flavors are further amplified by the addition of Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk. This premium milk doesn’t just add moisture; it deepens the overall spice notes and provides an unmatched creaminess that transforms the cake from simply delicious to truly unforgettable. Every forkful is a celebration of fall, a comforting hug in cake form.

Crowning this magnificent cake is a dreamy Swiss meringue buttercream. Unlike traditional buttercreams, Swiss meringue is celebrated for its incredibly silky, smooth texture and remarkable stability. It’s light, airy, and melts delicately in your mouth. To take this frosting from excellent to extraordinary, we incorporate a splash of that same Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk. This simple addition infuses the buttercream with subtle pumpkin spice notes, perfectly mirroring the cake’s flavors and adding another layer of creamy indulgence. I issue a gentle warning: this frosting is so good, you might find yourself struggling not to eat it straight from the bowl! The temptation is real, folks.

Mastering the Art of Decorating Your Fall Centerpiece

While the flavors within this cake are undoubtedly the star, the presentation plays a crucial role in making it a true centerpiece. I would be remiss not to share a few thoughts on decorating this beautiful creation. Even if you’re not a professional cake decorator, a few simple techniques can elevate your cake’s visual appeal to match its exquisite taste. For this particular cake, I wanted the decorations to be as bold and inviting as the flavors themselves, creating a visual feast for the eyes.

I envisioned a charming, viney wreath of buttercream, serving as a rustic backdrop for a collection of fall-inspired flowers. Picture delicate chrysanthemums, cheerful white daisies, an abundance of lush greenery, and even a handful of tiny buttercream pumpkins nestled within the foliage. The color palette speaks to a cozy farmhouse fall aesthetic, with warm oranges, subtle creams, and various shades of green, evoking the season’s natural beauty. And the aroma that wafts from this cake? It practically cries out, “EAT ME NOW!” This decorative touch transforms your pumpkin spice cake into more than just a dessert; it becomes an edible work of art, perfect for Thanksgiving tables, fall gatherings, or simply to brighten a cozy autumn evening. Don’t be shy to experiment with your own creative touches, making this cake uniquely yours.

The Recipe: Your Journey to Fall Baking Bliss

Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

Rated: 4.8 from 11 reviews

Indulge in this exceptionally moist pumpkin cake, delicately spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, crowned with a luscious pumpkin spice buttercream frosting.

• Author: Carrie Sellman
• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 mins
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
• Yield: One 8″ Round Cake (3 layers)
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Cake

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree

For the Pumpkin Spice Buttercream:

• 6 egg whites
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, cubed, slightly softened
• ½ cup salted butter, cubed, slightly softened
• 3 tablespoons Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk

Instructions

Make the Pumpkin Spice Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and lightly flour three 8″ round pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
5. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with the Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl.
6. Gently mix in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
7. Divide the cake batter evenly between the three prepared 8″ round pans.
8. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Pumpkin Spice Buttercream:

1. Combine the egg whites and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined.
2. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (creating a double-boiler) without letting the bottom of the bowl touch the water. Whisk constantly until the egg mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) on a candy thermometer. Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and transfer it to your stand mixer.
3. Using the whisk attachment, beat the egg white mixture on high speed for 8 to 10 minutes. Continue beating until the bowl is no longer warm to the touch and the meringue is fluffy, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
4. Switch to the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cubed unsalted and salted butter, a few pieces at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture may look curdled at first, but keep mixing.
5. Finally, add the Promised Land Dairy Pumpkin Spice Milk. Continue mixing on low to medium-low speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the buttercream is perfectly silky and smooth.

Notes for Success

• If, at any point during the buttercream preparation, it appears curdled, don’t worry! Just keep mixing; it will come together. If the buttercream seems too soupy, try placing the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, then resume mixing.
• For the cake pictured with elaborate decorations, I made two batches of frosting. One batch is typically sufficient to fill and generously frost the cake itself. The second batch was prepared, often without the pumpkin spice milk, specifically for piping intricate buttercream flowers and designs.
• For the buttercream chrysanthemums and daisies, I used pastry tip #81. For the whimsical vines and small pumpkins, tip #233 worked beautifully. The larger greenery was created with tip #104, and for filling in the leaves, tip #366 was ideal. You can find a helpful tutorial for creating similar leaves and wreaths HERE.
• Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

This post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Promised Land Dairy. Your support for our valued sponsors keeps delicious content coming!

Explore More Fall Baking Delights: Pumpkin Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, you’re in luck! We have an array of delightful pumpkin recipes that are perfect for autumn. From cupcakes to bundt cakes, there’s something to satisfy every pumpkin craving. Don’t stop at this amazing Pumpkin Spice Cake; dive into more seasonal baking with these fantastic ideas:

• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
• Baileys Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Tiramisu Cake
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake
• Pumpkin Spice Free Printable