Watkins Pumpkin Spice Cake๐ |
When fall rolls in, so does the craving for cozy, spice-filled treats — and nothing says autumn comfort like a homemade Watkins Pumpkin Spice Cake. This is more than just a pumpkin spice cake recipe; it’s the best pumpkin spice cake you’ll ever bake. Moist, tender, and bursting with Watkins’ premium spices, it’s topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and finished with a bakery-style spiced sugar sprinkle.
This cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a fall baking tradition in the making. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, bringing a dessert to Friendsgiving, or simply treating yourself, this easy pumpkin spice cake recipe delivers unbeatable flavor with minimal effort.
Why Watkins Spices Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake
Sure, you can use any spices, but if you want the best pumpkin spice cake, Watkins spices are the secret. Their Organic Ground Cinnamon is warm and bold, their Organic Ground Ginger adds a gentle kick, and their Organic Ground Nutmeg plus Organic Ground Allspice create a rich, aromatic depth that makes each bite unforgettable.
Add Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla® for smooth, sweet undertones, and Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt for the perfect balance of flavors, and you’ve got a cake that’s bakery-level good — without the bakery price tag.
The Triple Layer of Deliciousness
This easy pumpkin spice cake recipe is a triple treat:
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Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake – tender crumb and deep flavor.
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Cream Cheese Frosting – silky, tangy, and rich.
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Spiced Sugar Topping – adds sparkle, aroma, and a light crunch.
It’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it one of the best fall baking recipes for entertaining — or indulging solo.
Watkins Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
Servings: 12 slices | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients – Cake
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
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1 cup sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
Ingredients – Cream Cheese Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla®
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Pinch of Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
Ingredients – Spiced Sugar Topping
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp Watkins Pure Ground Cinnamon
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Allspice
Instructions – Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
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In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and Watkins vanilla until smooth.
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In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
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Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix.
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Pour into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely before frosting.
Instructions – Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth.
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Mix in Watkins vanilla and sea salt.
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Spread over the cooled cake.
Instructions – Spiced Sugar Topping
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Mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a small bowl.
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Sprinkle evenly over frosted cake for a bakery finish.

Watkins Pumpkin Spice Cake ๐
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake
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For a spicier flavor, try doubling the cinnamon to 2 tsp and ginger to 1 tsp.
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Texture upgrade: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Presentation trick: Serve with a caramel drizzle for an Instagram-ready dessert.
Why This is the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
The magic is in the balance: pumpkin brings moisture, Watkins spices bring depth, cream cheese frosting adds tang, and the spiced sugar topping ties it all together. Unlike other pumpkin spice cake recipes, this one delivers layered flavors that keep you coming back for more.
This is a dessert that works for cozy nights, coffee dates, or big holiday dinners. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark, print, and make every single fall — because once you’ve had the best, there’s no going back.
Final Slice
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate pumpkin spice dessert idea, you’ve found it. This Watkins Pumpkin Spice Cake is proof that simple ingredients, when done right, can create something extraordinary. So grab your Watkins spices, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen smell like fall in full bloom.
Happy baking!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
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