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Spiced Pumpkin And Pecan Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze
CakeMedium

Spiced Pumpkin And Pecan Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Spiced Pumpkin And Pecan Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze is one of my favorites because it turns a simple loaf of cake into a cozy autumn hug that I can share with friends and family. I first made it on a crisp fall morning and the scent of pumpkin, cinnamon, and toasted pecans filled my kitchen – it instantly set the mood for a warm gathering. What I love most is how the cake balances sweet and nutty flavors with a moist, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The pumpkin puree brings natural sweetness, while the whole‑spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger gives the batter depth. The pecans are toasted until golden, adding a crunchy burst that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb. The cream cheese glaze, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar, adds a silky, tangy finish that brightens the flavors and keeps the cake from feeling heavy. A little tip I learned after a few trial runs: let the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking. This lets the flour absorb the liquid fully, giving the cake an extra fluffy, even rise. Also, toast the pecans in a dry skillet just before mixing to release their oils and enhance their flavor. If you try this, I'd love to hear about it—just drop us a quick note and let us know how your batch turned out. Happy baking!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

3

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.

5

Stir in pumpkin puree and vegetable oil until smooth.

6

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, then gently fold in the chopped pecans.

7

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8

For the glaze, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

9

Add milk gradually until the desired drizzling consistency is reached.

10

Allow the cake to cool slightly, then drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top before serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store this Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Cake to keep it fresh?

Because this cake features a cream cheese glaze, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days when properly chilled. Bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour in this pumpkin cake recipe?

For this medium-difficulty recipe, substituting all-purpose flour can affect the texture significantly. If necessary, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but be aware that the crumb might be slightly denser. Do not omit the baking powder and baking soda, as they are crucial for lift in combination with the pumpkin puree.

What is the best way to ensure my Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Cake bakes evenly at 350°F?

To achieve an even bake in your 9x9-inch pan, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the batter inside. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of the 45-minute cook time to prevent the center from sinking. Use the toothpick test near the center to confirm doneness.