Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any time you’re craving a sweet treat with seasonal spices. The cake features a tender crumb infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, studded with mini chocolate chips for melty pockets of sweetness. It’s topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting that balances the spices and sweetness beautifully.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup butter (softened)
- 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and eggs until fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time to avoid lumps. Add vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of mini semi-sweet.
- You can make the cake a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator.
- If pumpkin puree is not available, canned pumpkin works perfectly.
- To make the cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Keywords: Pumpkin cake, chocolate chip cake, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese frosting, autumn dessert