Cinnamon Pumpkin Cake with Praline Pecan Glaze and Caramel Drizzle

This Cinnamon Pumpkin Cake with Praline Pecan Glaze and Caramel Drizzle is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. With a soft, spiced pumpkin cake base, a rich praline pecan glaze, and a sweet caramel drizzle, this cake is a heavenly treat that will become a seasonal favorite. The combination of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves paired with the crunchy pecans and silky caramel brings out a comforting yet indulgent taste that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy autumn afternoons.

The light, fluffy texture of the pumpkin cake contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery glaze and the added crunch of the pecans. Every bite of this cake feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal dessert for holidays like Thanksgiving, or any time you want to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. The caramel drizzle adds the final touch of sweetness, elevating the flavor profile and making this cake as delicious as it is beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Fall Flavors

This cake combines classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweetness of pumpkin, making it the ultimate autumn dessert.

2. Irresistible Glaze and Drizzle

The praline pecan glaze adds richness and a wonderful texture to the cake, while the caramel drizzle makes every bite more indulgent.

3. Moist and Fluffy Texture

The pumpkin puree gives the cake a moist and tender crumb, ensuring that every slice is light yet satisfying.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy to prepare and comes together in less than an hour, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

5. Perfect for Sharing

The cake yields 8 slices, making it the perfect size for small gatherings, or you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Caramel sauce

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and richness.
• Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and use a dairy-free cream alternative for the glaze to make this cake vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending them well into the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Praline Pecan Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from the heat.

Step 8: Glaze and Drizzle the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, pour the praline pecan glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake as a perfect fall dessert, and enjoy the blend of spices, nuts, and caramel with every bite.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense texture. Over-mixing can lead to a heavy cake.
• Test for Doneness: Always check the cake with a toothpick or cake tester before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
• Customize the Glaze: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the praline pecan glaze for added flavor.

How to Serve

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it the perfect dessert for a cozy fall evening. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. The praline pecan glaze and caramel drizzle add the perfect finishing touches that will leave everyone wanting more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its softness and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without the glaze and caramel drizzle?

Yes, you can make the cake without the glaze and caramel drizzle for a simpler version. The cake itself is still flavorful and moist on its own.

2. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains additional spices and sugar that may alter the flavor of the cake.

3. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, you can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. The cake will need a bit longer to bake through, so start checking around 35 minutes.

4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.

5. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives to pecans in the glaze, depending on your preference.

6. How do I make the caramel sauce?

You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by melting sugar, butter, and cream together until smooth.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter will give the cake an extra burst of flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Drizzle the glaze and caramel sauce just before serving for the best presentation.

9. Can I use non-dairy cream for the glaze?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, for a dairy-free option.

10. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Pumpkin Cake with Praline Pecan Glaze and Caramel Drizzle is the ultimate fall dessert. With its blend of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and indulgent toppings, it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or enjoying it on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Print