Irresistible Pumpkin Cake – Perfect Layered Fall Dessert
Indulgent pumpkin cake with layers of spiced cake, cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping. The ultimate fall dessert that’s absolutely irresistible!
Introduction
This pumpkin cake is the ultimate indulgent fall dessert that absolutely lives up to its bold name! This decadent layered pumpkin dessert combines moist spiced pumpkin cake, rich cream cheese layer, silky pumpkin pudding, and fluffy whipped topping to create a dessert so incredibly delicious, it’s almost sinful. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or whenever you want to create something that will have everyone begging for the recipe, this pumpkin cake delivers maximum wow factor with layers of complementary textures and warm spice flavors that capture the essence of fall in every bite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12-15 people
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon additional cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Pumpkin Pudding Layer:
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Cinnamon for dusting
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, vanilla, and extra cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Bake the Foundation
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan before assembly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Make Fresh Whipped Cream
In a clean bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip – you want it light and fluffy.
Step 6: Begin Assembly
Using a fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake. This helps the layers meld together beautifully. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire cake surface.
Step 7: Add Pudding Layer
Carefully spread the pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution to all corners of the pan.
Step 8: Top with Whipped Cream
Spread the fresh whipped cream over the pudding layer, creating an even, smooth top that covers the entire surface.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream in decorative patterns. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and dust lightly with cinnamon. Add mini chocolate chips if desired.
Step 10: Chill and Set
Cover carefully with plastic wrap (don’t let it touch the top) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial for proper layer setting.
Step 11: Serve in Style
Cut into generous squares and serve chilled. Each piece should show all the beautiful layers when properly assembled and chilled.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing
- Cake Cooling: Let cake cool completely before assembly to prevent melting layers
- Pudding Consistency: Make sure pudding is properly set before layering
- Whipped Cream Texture: Don’t overwhip cream – soft peaks are perfect
- Assembly Order: Follow layer order exactly for best structural integrity
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process – overnight is even better
Delicious Variations:
Chocolate Pumpkin Version: Use chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips between layers
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure pudding is gluten-free
Lighter Version: Use sugar-free pudding, light cream cheese, and sugar-free whipped topping
Boozy Adult Version: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the cream cheese layer
Nutty Delight: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts between each layer
Caramel Apple Twist: Layer in diced caramel apples for extra fall flavor
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store covered for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they meld together.
Freezer Storage: This cake doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and pudding layers, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Can be assembled up to 2 days in advance. Add final garnishes just before serving for best presentation.
Component Prep: Bake the cake layer 1-2 days ahead and store wrapped. Prepare other components the day of assembly.
Serving Tips: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts that show off the beautiful layers.
Party Planning: This recipe easily serves 12-15 people, making it perfect for large gatherings and potluck events.
Recipe Variations for Special Diets
Diabetic-Friendly Version:
- Use sugar-free cake mix and pudding
- Replace powdered sugar with powdered erythritol
- Use sugar-free whipped topping or make with sugar substitute
Dairy-Free Option:
- Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative
- Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream
- Use dairy-free milk for pudding preparation
Reduced-Calorie Version:
- Use light cake mix and fat-free pudding
- Replace some cream cheese with Greek yogurt
- Use light whipped topping instead of heavy cream
Perfect Occasions for This Decadent Dessert
This show-stopping pumpkin cake is ideal for numerous fall and winter occasions:
Thanksgiving Dessert: Alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that will wow your guests Halloween Parties: Perfect fall flavor that’s more sophisticated than typical Halloween treats Holiday Gatherings: Impressive dessert for Christmas parties and family celebrations Potluck Events: Always a crowd-pleaser that travels well and serves many people Autumn Dinner Parties: Elegant ending to fall-themed meals and seasonal entertaining Birthday Celebrations: Special occasion cake for fall birthday celebrations
