Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and espresso powder. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: Combine the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Step 5: Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 6: Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Finally, mix in the espresso liquid and beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Step 7: Frost and Decorate: Spread the espresso cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. For an extra touch, dust the top with a little extra pumpkin spice or cocoa powder before serving.
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian