Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe for Fall

Baking a delectable pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake brings pure autumn magic right to your kitchen.

Seasonal flavors dance together in this irresistible dessert that combines warm spices with rich chocolate notes.

Cozy afternoons feel instantly more delightful when sweet aromas fill the air.

Soft, moist cake layers promise a decadent experience for anyone who loves classic fall treats.

chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful surprise and crunch to every single bite.

Creamy frosting creates the perfect finishing touch that makes this dessert impossible to resist.

You’ll want to slice into this cake and savor each incredible moment of indulgence.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake – A Festive Favorite

• Conquer Culinary Complexity: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet masterpiece with simple steps, making you feel like a professional chef without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses, herbs, or adding sun-dried tomatoes to create a personalized dish that matches your taste preferences and keeps dinner exciting.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and hidden vegetables, this stuffed chicken appeals to both adults and kids, turning mealtime into a delightful experience everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Combining lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and creamy cheeses, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or health.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A standard flour that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor and add depth to the cake.

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, orange vegetable puree that adds moisture and rich autumn flavor to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that provide sweetness and help create a tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb in the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the cake.

• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet morsels that add pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.
• Cream Cheese: The base for a tangy and creamy frosting that complements the pumpkin cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cream cheese frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

Layer Cake: Baking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab two 9-inch round cake pans. Generously coat the pans with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Components

• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

The toothpick should come out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 6: Cool The Cake Layers

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Craft Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Layer And Frost The Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.

Carefully position the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth sides and a beautiful top.

Step 9: Final Touches

Optional: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or dust with cinnamon for extra flair. Slice and serve this irresistible autumn-inspired dessert.

Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake

• Swap canned pumpkin with roasted fresh pumpkin for deeper, richer flavor and more authentic taste.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier twist.
• Toast chocolate chips before adding to batter to enhance their nutty, caramelized flavor and add depth to the cake.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture, especially eggs and cream cheese.

Pumpkin Layer Cake – Fun Flavor Mix-Ins

• Autumn Spice Edition: Replace regular spices with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for an intensified seasonal flavor profile.
• Pecan Paradise: Fold chopped pecans into the batter and sprinkle toasted pecans between cake layers for added crunch and nutty richness.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: Create a homemade caramel sauce and drizzle between layers and over the frosted cake for extra indulgence.
• Maple Walnut Wonder: Substitute some sugar with maple syrup and mix crushed walnuts into the batter for a deep, woodsy flavor experience.

Share Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake

• Arrange cake slices on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, scattered chocolate chips, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Serve individual cake slices with a warm mug of spiced chai or pumpkin-flavored coffee. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Create a stunning dessert display by cutting cake into elegant wedges, garnishing with candied pecans, and drizzling caramel sauce. Complement with hot apple cider for a seasonal touch.

Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Right

• Store the layered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring no freezer burn occurs.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving if refrigerated, allowing the frosting to soften and flavors to develop.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cut edges to maintain moisture and prevent the cake from drying out during storage.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• How do I prevent chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before adding to the batter. This helps them stay suspended and distribute evenly throughout the cake.

• What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips complement the pumpkin flavor well. They provide a rich contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help maintain the cake’s structure and texture.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake promises autumnal bliss with rich, moist layers of seasonal spice. Chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting create a harmonious dessert that delights senses and celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsps milk

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
5. Carefully incorporate chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
6. Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
10. Place first cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting evenly across the top, then carefully position second layer.
11. Frost the entire cake, covering top and sides smoothly with remaining cream cheese frosting.
12. Optional: Garnish with additional chocolate chips or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Ensure chocolate chips are evenly distributed by tossing them in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter, preventing them from sinking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s soft and moist texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and pumpkin puree to create a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes more evenly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg