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Pumpkin Galaxy Layer Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Galaxy Layer Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

This Pumpkin Galaxy Layer Cake is a delightful blend of warm pumpkin spices and creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall celebrations like Thanksgiving or cozy afternoons. Featuring moist, swirled pumpkin-infused layers and a fluffy frosting, this cake is both visually stunning and deliciously comforting. It’s easy to make and great for family baking fun.

Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115g) softened butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Swirl Mix:

  • ½ cup (120g) pumpkin purée
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)

Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure an even rise and sweetness.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter.
  4. Create Swirl Mixture: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, fold in the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and cornstarch, stirring well to combine, which creates the flavorful pumpkin swirl.
  5. Layer and Swirl Batter: Spoon alternating layers of the plain batter and pumpkin batter into the prepared cake pans. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the mixtures together to create a galaxy effect without fully mixing them.
  6. Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add cream one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Whip the frosting until light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble and Decorate: Once cakes are completely cool, layer them by spreading a generous amount of frosting between the layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then create soft decorative swirls on top using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
  • Use fresh pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor and texture.
  • Optional cornstarch in the swirl mix helps thicken and stabilize the pumpkin layer.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a non-dairy milk.
  • Use festive sprinkles or edible glitter on top for extra galaxy effect and visual appeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cake, pumpkin swirl cake, cream cheese frosting, Thanksgiving cake, fall dessert, layered cake, easy pumpkin cake, festive cake, cozy fall recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/pumpkin-galaxy-layer-cake-recipe/