Pumpkin Pound Cake

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Pumpkin pound cake combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices into a moist, dense cake that's perfect for any occasion.

pumpkin pound cake partially sliced.

Pumpkin Pound Cake

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of fall to warm your heart and home.

One of the season's most beloved ingredients, pumpkin, takes center stage in our delicious Pumpkin Pound Cake.

This recipe is a celebration of autumn, combining the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin with a medley of warm spices to create a cake that's as flavorful as it is comforting.

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin spice perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin, resulting in a cake that's the very essence of fall.

The pumpkin flavor is subtle, not overpowering, and it adds a wonderful moistness to the cake that's irresistible.

Whether you're hosting a fall gathering, looking for a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, or simply craving something sweet and seasonal, this Pumpkin Pound Cake is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients needed to make pumpkin pound cake: flour, sugar, butter, 2 eggs, pumpkin puree, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pumpkin spice,  and brown sugar.

Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used for pound cakes, providing a tender yet sturdy crumb.

Seasonings & Spices: Salt, plus a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. You can adjust the amounts to suit your preferences.

Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar, provides sweetness and moisture.

Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute richness and structure to the cake.

Pumpkin Puree: For best results, use canned pumpkin puree or make your own from fresh pumpkin.

Melted Butter: Consider using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a light and airy texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Pound Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a loaf pan. Lining it with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

Next, you'll need to combine your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.

Dry ingredients with a bowl of flour, plate with spices and salt, and small bowl of baking powder and baking soda.
Dry ingredients all in one bow.
Dry ingredients mixed together.

In a separate bowl, you'll combine the pumpkin puree and eggs. You can do this with a whisk or an electric mixer on a low setting. Once they're well mixed, add in the melted butter and sugars. Continue mixing until everything is well blended.

Pumpkin puree and eggs in bowl.
Eggs and pumpkin mixed together.
melted butter, granulated and brown sugar added to pumpkin mixture.
Wet ingredients all mixed together.

Now, it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Once all of the flour has been added, your batter is ready to bake.

A bit of dry mix added to pumpkin mix.
Dry ingredients mixed into wet ingredients.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes. You'll know the cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pumpkin pound cake batter in cake pan.
Baked pumpkin pound cake.

After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to remove and slice.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Pound Cake!

Two slices of pumpkin pound cake on a plate.

Serving Ideas

This cake is so good on its own, but if you want to "spice" things up a bit, add some of the following:

  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of a slice of this cake is delicious.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside or on top of the cake makes for a classic dessert pairing.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and a hint of buttery flavor.
  • Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans over the cake for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.
  • Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice Latte: Serve a slice of this cake with a warm cup of apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy, autumnal treat.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Pumpkin Pound Cake

Top down view of pumpkin pound cake with two slices on a plate.

Here are some tips for making sure you make the best pound cake:

  • Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh. Spices lose their potency over time, so if yours have been sitting in the cupboard for a while, it might be time to replace them.
  • Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to a tough cake. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
  • Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking the cake for doneness around the 50-minute mark. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Use Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you're short on time or don't have all the individual spices, you can substitute them with 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.

Leftovers

Slices of pumpkin pound cake on a plate.

If you end up with any leftover Pumpkin Pound Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

If you wrap it in plastic wrap or stick in an air tight container, you can store this in the fridge for 5-7 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature.

You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat.

Leftover pound cake also makes a delicious base for a trifle or bread pudding.

top down view of pumpkin pound cake sliced.

Pumpkin Pound Cake

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dessert, pound cake, pumpkin pound cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Jenny Blinkhorn
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Pound Cake. Brimming with warm spices and rich pumpkin puree, this cake is a perfect treat for cozy afternoons.
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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • cup granulated sugar
  • cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices
    1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • In a separate bowl with a whisk or an electric mixer on low combine pumpkin puree and eggs until well mixed.
    1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 eggs
  • Add in melted butter and sugars and continue mixing until well blended.
    ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • Gradually add in the flour mixture, stirring after each addition until all of the flour has been added.
  • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out of the center clean.
  • Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

Ingredient Temperature: For the best results, make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature before you start mixing. 
Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Nutritional Information: Nutritional values provided for this pumpkin pound cake recipe are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 5003IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

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