Dessert

Pumpkin Dream Cake Recipe

ByElla Hart October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This Pumpkin Dream Cake is a moist, spiced delight layered with creamy frosting and a crunchy graham cracker topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions, it’s a seasonal treat that combines warm autumn flavors with a light, fluffy texture.

A close-up of a square slice of layered cake on a white plate sitting on a white marbled texture, showing four layers in total: the bottom layer is a dense orange pumpkin base with a slightly rough texture, above it is a thick white creamy layer, then a medium brown cake layer with a soft crumb texture, topped with a thick white whipped cream layer decorated with dollops and sprinkled with golden-brown crumbles. Some crumbles are scattered around the plate's edges. The background is softly blurred with warm tones, giving a cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pumpkin puree
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup graham crackers, crushed
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before removing from the pans.
Step 7: Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks.
Step 8: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until smooth to create the frosting.
Step 9: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread half the frosting over it. Add the second layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
Step 10: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the cake as a topping.
Step 11: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
For extra warmth, add a pinch of cardamom to the spice mixture.
Use a food processor to crush graham crackers for a finer crumb topping.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake layers tender and soft.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. It tastes best when served chilled but can be brought to room temperature for a more tender texture. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days.