Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe That Wows

Fall baking reaches new heights with this decadent pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake that combines rich seasonal flavors.

Warm spices dance through each tender crumb, creating a dessert that sparks pure comfort.

Chocolate chips add delightful bursts of sweetness throughout the moist pumpkin-infused layers.

Creamy frosting blankets each slice with luxurious smoothness, making every bite a celebration of autumn’s bounty.

The cake balances rustic charm with elegant presentation, perfect for weekend gatherings or special occasions.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft this showstopping dessert that promises to impress and delight.

Cake Variations for Pumpkin and Chocolate Fans

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Maintain the same measurements and baking technique.
• Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative. Ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Reduced Sugar Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated and brown sugar. Select sugar-free chocolate chips to lower overall sugar content while keeping delicious flavor profile.

Serving Up Layered Pumpkin Cake

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve this cake at a fall-themed dinner party with warm apple cider and soft candlelight to create a magical seasonal atmosphere.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Complement the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy a slice alongside a steaming mug of spiced coffee or a creamy latte for an indulgent afternoon treat that warms both body and soul.
• Holiday Presentation Wow: Garnish with candied pecans, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or mini chocolate chips around the base to make this cake a stunning centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Halloween celebrations.

Storing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place unwrapped cake in freezer for 1 hour, then wrap completely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keeps frozen for 2-3 months.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in refrigerator for best texture.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen cake, thaw overnight in refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before enjoying.

FAQs

• Why use both granulated and brown sugar in this recipe?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with the cake’s structure, creating a more complex and rich taste.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips all work well. You can even mix different types to create a unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent my chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake during baking.

Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Layered Cake Perfection

• Craft Seasonal Delights: Elevate your baking game with this delectable pumpkin chocolate chip layer cake that captures the essence of autumn's warmth and comfort.
• Wow Guests Easily: Impress friends and family with a professional-looking dessert that requires minimal baking skills and delivers maximum flavor impact.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Create a show-stopping dessert in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all experience levels who want a delicious homemade cake without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake's texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic fall flavor to the pumpkin cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich color, and signature pumpkin flavor to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a soft crumb.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a caramelized flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.

• Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout the cake for bursts of sweet chocolate flavor.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for smooth spreading.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting's consistency to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Generously grease two round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper.

This ensures your cake will release smoothly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients until they’re evenly combined.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

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

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent mixture.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix gently until just combined.

Carefully fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Patience here ensures perfect frosting later.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Splash in vanilla extract and a touch of milk if needed to reach the ideal spreading consistency.

Step 8: Assemble the Layer Cake

Once cakes are totally cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.

Gently place the second layer on top.

Frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides with smooth, even strokes.

Step 9: Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle additional chocolate chips across the top or dust with a light coating of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for Rich, Moist Pumpkin Layer Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a moist, tender cake texture.
• Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• Chill the cake layers for 30 minutes before frosting to create cleaner, more precise frosting lines.
• Swap cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal flavors dance in this delightful Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Layer Cake, blending warm spices with rich chocolate. Moist layers promise comfort and indulgence, inviting bakers to savor autumn’s sweetest celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cake Base):

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate and Decoration:

• 1.5 cups mini chocolate chips
• 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Extra mini chocolate chips
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin seeds
• Chocolate curls

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and preparing two 9-inch cake pans with grease and parchment paper lining.
2. Create the dry mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin puree with vegetable oil, both sugar varieties, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing. Carefully incorporate chocolate chips throughout the batter.
5. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Prepare the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, gradually introducing powdered sugar while beating until light and fluffy.
9. Enhance frosting with vanilla extract, adjusting consistency with milk if necessary.
10. Once cakes are entirely cooled, apply a generous frosting layer between cake layers, then cover the entire exterior with remaining frosting.
11. Optional: Embellish the cake with additional chocolate chips or a delicate dusting of cinnamon for visual appeal.

Notes

• Replace vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-fat version of the cake that maintains moisture and tenderness.
• Toast chocolate chips before folding into batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the overall taste profile of the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, to ensure smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture that prevents lumpy frosting.
• Swap regular chocolate chips with dark chocolate or sugar-free chips for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar dietary modifications that still deliver rich chocolate flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 47 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg