Fall is the perfect time to indulge in warm, spiced treats, and what could be better than a rich, moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake? This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of pumpkin, aromatic spices, and gooey chocolate chips to create a delicious cake that’s perfect for any fall celebration—from Halloween to Thanksgiving, or even just a cozy afternoon treat. With layers of pumpkin cake and a creamy frosting, this cake is as beautiful as it is scrumptious. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this delectable fall dessert!
What is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake?
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake is a rich, moist cake made with pumpkin puree, warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and loaded with sweet chocolate chips. Each bite combines the earthy, natural sweetness of pumpkin with the melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey goodness, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. This cake typically consists of multiple layers, filled and topped with a luscious frosting—often cream cheese or buttercream—to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and pumpkin.
This cake is perfect for fall because it captures the essence of the season: pumpkin! Whether for a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving dessert table, this cake will impress with both its taste and appearance.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and the frosting:
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
- Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon
- Ground cloves – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Pumpkin puree – 1 ½ cups (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – ¾ cup, packed
- Vegetable oil – 1 cup
- Eggs – 4 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Mini chocolate chips – 1 ½ cups (mini chips work best for even distribution)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese – 8 oz (softened)
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened)
- Powdered sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Heavy cream – 2-3 tablespoons (for thinning the frosting to your desired consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chocolate chips or curls – for decoration
- Pumpkin seeds – for a rustic, fall garnish
- Cinnamon dusting – for a touch of extra spice
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake (Variations)
Here are a few optional ingredient variations if you want to make adjustments to the recipe:
- Dark chocolate chips – Swap out mini chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup – Substitute ¼ cup of sugar with maple syrup for a hint of natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin spice mix – If you don’t have individual spices, you can use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice mix instead of the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter to make this cake vegan and dairy-free.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure it’s a blend designed for cakes and baked goods for the best texture.
- Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by ¼ cup each for a less sweet cake, or replace them with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
- Butter instead of Oil: You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer, more decadent cake texture.
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make an excellent addition to the cake batter if you enjoy a bit of crunch in your desserts.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to baking the perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well-combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Divide the Batter:
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake the Cake Layers:
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prepare – Grease and flour two 9-inch pans, and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk together pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine – Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Bake – Divide batter between pans and bake for 28-32 minutes.
- Cool Completely – Allow cakes to cool on wire racks before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between additions. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Chill the Frosting:
If the frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before frosting the cake.
How to Assemble the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
Once your cake layers have cooled completely and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake:
1. Level the Cake Layers:
Use a serrated knife to gently level the tops of each cake layer if needed. This ensures an even, flat surface for stacking.
2. Frost the First Layer:
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
3. Add the Second Layer:
Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Press down slightly to ensure the layers adhere.
4. Frost the Entire Cake:
Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a rustic look, you can leave the frosting slightly textured.
5. Decorate:
Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Frosting While Warm: Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake is stunning on its own, but you can take the presentation to the next level with these tips:
- Serve with Extra Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake right before serving.
- Top with Mini Pumpkins or Candy: Add small edible pumpkin decorations or fall-themed candies to the top of the cake.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pumpkin and chocolate pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
To serve this delicious cake, simply slice it into wedges and serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Presentation
Ideas for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake For a beautiful presentation, consider these ideas:
- Decorative Cake Stand: Display the cake on a rustic wooden or gold cake stand for a fall-themed look.
- Pumpkin Garnish: Place mini pumpkins or edible leaves around the base of the cake for a festive touch.
- Layered Serving Plates: Serve each slice on a fall-themed plate with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature will make for smoother batter and frosting.
- Chill the Cake Before Slicing: For cleaner slices, chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Store the Cake: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake?
A: Yes, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with pumpkin, you can use buttercream or even a whipped ganache for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake is a show-stopping dessert that will elevate any fall gathering with its deliciously moist texture, warm spices, and bursts of chocolate. Whether you’re serving it for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving, or simply to celebrate the arrival of autumn, this cake is sure to be a hit. With a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and a stunning presentation, it’s the perfect sweet ending to any fall occasion. So, preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking this fall favorite!
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake is a perfect fall dessert featuring layers of moist pumpkin cake studded with chocolate chips, topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Keywords like "pumpkin cake," "fall dessert," and "pumpkin chocolate chip cake" make it easy to find. With easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, blending warm pumpkin spice with rich chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency for spreading.
To Assemble:
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides.
- Optionally, garnish with chocolate chips or pumpkin spice for decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
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