Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Recipe: A Delicious Fall Dessert

Are you looking for a delicious fall dessert to impress your guests? Look no further than this pumpkin olive oil cake recipe!

This single layer 8 inch cake is bursting with pumpkin and spice flavor and topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

What's great about this cake is how easy it is to make. The moist and fluffy texture comes from the use of olive oil, which also adds a unique flavor to the cake.

This recipe is perfect for a small gathering or just a cozy night in.

And if you're a pumpkin lover, be sure to check out our other pumpkin recipes like pumpkin carrot cake, pumpkin banana muffins, and chocolate pumpkin pie.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

We think you'll love this pumpkin olive oil cake because it's a unique twist on a classic recipe that's perfect for snacking on with coffee or serving at special occasions.

The pumpkin and olive oil make the cake extra moist, so it stays fluffy and delicious for days. Plus, the fall spices give it a warm and cozy flavor that's perfect for autumn. Best of all, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and doesn't require any special equipment, so anyone can make it!

Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Recipe Ingredient Notes

Here are some useful notes on the ingredients for this pumpkin olive oil cake recipe. It's important to use the right ingredients to achieve the best results.

Pumpkin puree- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has added sugar and spices that will affect the recipe's outcome.
Olive oil- A good quality extra virgin olive oil provides moisture and flavor to the cake.
Pumpkin pie spice- This mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the cake.
Butter- Use unsalted, room temperature butter for the frosting.
Cream cheese- Full-fat, room temperature cream cheese is best for the frosting. Avoid using spreadable cream cheese from a tub as it will affect the frosting's consistency.

Other ingredients used in this recipe include salt, eggs, cinnamon, flour, baking soda, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, brown sugar, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie filling, maple syrup, ground clove, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cardamom, milk, sea salt, ground nutmeg, allspice, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.

Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Recipe Step by Step Instructions

To make this delicious pumpkin spice olive oil cake, we will need to follow these simple steps:

Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, we will whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
Mix together the wet ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, we will whisk together the olive oil, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. We will stir until just combined.
Bake. We will pour the mixture into an 8-inch round cake pan sprayed with baking spray and lined with parchment paper. Then, we will bake it for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean when inserted in the center. Finally, we will let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Sift the powdered sugar. We will sift together the powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Beat the butter and cream cheese. In a large mixing bowl, we will beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Next, we will beat in the vanilla and salt. With the mixer on low, we will slowly add the powdered sugar mixture. Once the powdered sugar is no longer visible, we will turn the mixer to medium-high and beat for 1 minute.
Frost the cake. We will use an offset spatula to frost the cake. Finally, we will slice and enjoy!

We can garnish the cake with some extra cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream or serve it with a hot cup of coffee. This cake is perfect for any fall occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Substitutions and Variations

We understand that sometimes you may not have olive oil on hand, so you can use canola or vegetable oil instead. However, please note that pumpkin puree cannot be substituted with pumpkin pie filling as the latter includes spices and sweeteners. For decoration, you can add chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top. This cake is also delicious without frosting, but you can top it with icing, maple caramel sauce, or a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations for cupcakes, bundt cake, loaf, or even gluten-free options.

Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Recipe Expert Tips

When making this pumpkin olive oil cake, we've gathered some expert tips to help ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

Use pure pumpkin puree. Make sure not to grab pumpkin pie filling by mistake. You want to use pure, pureed pumpkin for this olive oil cake and not pumpkin pie filling.
Allow cake to cool completely. Cool cake completely before frosting. The frosting will melt if the cake is still warm.
Use room temperature cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will give you lumpy frosting.
Use an offset spatula to frost the cake. This will help you create a smooth and even layer of frosting.

Following these tips will help you create a delicious and beautifully frosted pumpkin olive oil cake. Whether you're using a square baking pan, bundt pan, or 8-inch cake pan, these tips will help you achieve a perfect result.

Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake Recipe FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this pumpkin olive oil cake recipe:

How long does the cake last in the fridge?
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What can I use as a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
- If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger instead. We haven't made our own blend of pumpkin pie spice, so we can't provide exact measurements of these spices.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes! Double the recipe to make two 8-inch round cakes.

Storage

When it comes to storing pumpkin olive oil cake, there are a few options depending on your needs. If you plan on consuming the cake within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. However, if you have leftover cake that you want to keep for longer, it's best to store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the cake, it's recommended to do so without frosting in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy the frozen cake, defrost it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

More Pumpkin Recipes You'll Love

Looking for more pumpkin recipes to enjoy this autumn season? We've got you covered with these delicious options:

Pumpkin Carrot Cake Cupcakes - a tasty twist on classic carrot cake, these cupcakes are made with pumpkin for a seasonal touch.
Pumpkin Ice Cream - cool down with this creamy pumpkin-flavored ice cream, perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cookies - satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft and chewy cookies that combine the flavors of pumpkin and peanut butter.
Pumpkin Biscotti - enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with these crunchy pumpkin-flavored biscotti, a perfect fall treat.

These pumpkin recipes are sure to impress your guests and add some seasonal flair to your menu.