Layered Pumpkin Spice Delight with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting
Impress your guests this holiday season with this dazzling Layered Pumpkin Spice Delight, a beautiful alternative to traditional pumpkin pie. This cake features moist, spiced pumpkin layers filled with a luxurious molasses-infused cream cheese frosting, delivering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this recipe brings a warm and inviting touch to your dessert table. With its impressive appearance and delightful taste, it's sure to become a new favorite, leaving your friends and family asking for seconds.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons
Baking soda
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons
Vegetable oil
1 cup
Granulated sugar
2 cups
Eggs
4 large (room temperature)
Pureed unsweetened pumpkin
3 cups (canned or homemade)
Cream cheese (brick style)
16 ounces (softened)
Molasses
3 tablespoons
Icing sugar (confectioners)
3 cups (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula after each addition.
6
Fold in the pureed pumpkin until fully incorporated.
7
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the molasses and half of the icing sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined.
11
Add the remaining icing sugar and mix until smooth. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for an additional 1 minute until fluffy.
12
Once the cakes are completely cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally to create four layers.
13
Place the first layer on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
14
Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting in between each layer.
15
Top with the final layer and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, swirling for decoration. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layered Pumpkin Spice Delight?
It is a moist, spiced pumpkin cake featuring layers filled with a luxurious molasses-infused cream cheese frosting, serving as a festive alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size cake pans are required for this recipe?
You will need two 8-inch round cake pans.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
Grease the two 8-inch round cake pans before adding the batter.
What dry ingredients need to be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
How long should I mix the vegetable oil and sugar?
Combine the vegetable oil and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute.
What is the process for adding eggs to the batter?
Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
How should I incorporate the dry ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed and scraping the sides of the bowl.
When do I add the pumpkin to the mixture?
Fold in the pureed pumpkin after the dry ingredients have been mixed into the batter.
How long does the cake take to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What type of pumpkin is used in this recipe?
Use 3 cups of pureed unsweetened pumpkin, either canned or homemade.
How do I make the molasses cream cheese frosting?
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add molasses and icing sugar, beating until fluffy.
What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting?
Brick-style cream cheese that has been softened is recommended.
How much molasses is included in the frosting?
The frosting requires 3 tablespoons of molasses.
Do I need to sift the icing sugar?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted icing sugar (confectioners sugar).
How do I create a four-layer cake from two pans?
Once the two cakes are completely cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally.
How is the cake assembled?
Place the first layer on a platter, spread frosting, and repeat for all four layers, finally covering the top and sides.
What spices give the cake its flavor?
The primary spice used in the cake batter is 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil to ensure a moist texture.
What is the preparation for the eggs?
The eggs should be at room temperature before being added to the batter.
Is this cake suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
How do I decorate the frosting?
You can swirl the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake for decoration.
What should the consistency of the frosting be?
The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and beaten until fluffy.
How many teaspoons of baking powder are needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Can I use granulated sugar in the frosting?
No, the frosting requires icing sugar (confectioners sugar) for a smooth texture.
What tools do I need for the batter?
You will need a medium bowl for sifting, a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and a rubber spatula.
Is the pumpkin used sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifies pureed unsweetened pumpkin.
Should the cakes be warm when frosting?
No, the cakes must be completely cooled before cutting and applying the cream cheese frosting.