Pumpkin Spice Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cake tough.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake and dust with a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor and decoration.
4. Slice and serve your delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake. Enjoy!

This cake is a perfect treat for autumn gatherings or any time you crave the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices.