Easy 4-Layer Pumpkin Cake Recipe

A luscious 4-layer pumpkin cake recipe with pumpkin cream topping and caramel drizzle. This easy fall dessert starts with yellow cake mix and makes an impressive centerpiece for fall holidays and Thanksgiving entertaining.

4 layer cake with creamy topping on table with mini pumpkin and candied pecans

This 4-layer pumpkin cake with pumpkin cream frosting is the perfect non-traditional dessert for fall parties. I love to make this for Thanksgiving and even Christmas, as an alternative to the pie table.

It starts with a cake mix but gets elevated with some delicious additions like canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. The canned pumpkin helps keep it moist!

The combination of the cake and pumpkin cream filling is sensational. Adding a caramel drizzle and sugared pecans to the top makes it extra indulgent with crunch that you don’t want to miss.

4 layer cake with candied pecans on top and caramel drizzle

Cake Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy recipe. Full instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

  • Yellow cake mix
  • Canned pumpkin – NOT pumpkin pie filling. You’ll use part for the cake and part for the creamy frosting.
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin pie spice

How to Make It

Use a mixer to beat the cake mix, pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and pumpkin pie spice together in a large bowl until well blended. Pour into greased and floured round baking pans and bake for 28 to 30 minutes.

Cool cake in pans for 10 minutes before removing them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

PARTY TIP: Use four 6-inch cake pans to make the small 4-layer cake seen here. Cook for about 25 minutes.

overhead view of cake on a platter, topped with pecans and caramel

Pumpkin Cream Layer

Here are the ingredients and quick steps to make the creamy topping.

  • Block of cream cheese. Make sure to set it out at room temperature so it can softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Remaining pumpkin from the cake recipe
  • Tub of frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Caramel ice cream topping. You can also use salted caramel topping.

Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese in medium bowl, until creamy. Then add sugar, remaining pumpkin, and spice, and mix well. Gently fold in whipped topping until smooth and creamy.

Top each cake layer with equal amounts of the pumpkin cream. You won’t be covering the sides though. Drizzle the top with about 3 or 4 tablespoons of the caramel topping, or to your taste.

Baking Alternatives


Make this a 2-layer cake by dividing the cake batter into two 9-inch cake pans and bake for 28-30 minutes.

Make a 3-layer cake by dividing the batter into three 8-inch cake pans and bake about 25 minutes.

Make a 4-layer pumpkin torte by baking in two 9-inch pans as above. When cakes are cooled, slice the two layers in half to create four equal layers.

Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean. If it’s clean the cake is done. If it comes out gummy, continue cooking for 2 or 3 minutes.

slice of 4 layer cake on golden plate with cup of coffee

Expert Tips

  • Make this cake for holidays and fall dinner parties. The tall layers make this a beautiful centerpiece on a dessert table and it can feed a small crowd.
  • Make the cake early in the day or a day ahead. The pumpkin cream will be more flavorful, and the cake layers will be moist and delicious. Make sure to cover it well and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Serve this on a low profile cake stand or round platter to show off those luscious layers.
  • Top the cake with my candied pecans for even more decadence.
layered cake on table in an entertaining setting

More Thanksgiving Dessert

There are usually so many pies on the menu, it’s a good idea to change it up and make a cake. This one has all the flavors of the season and you’re guests will devour it!

Easy pumpkin desserts are perfect for Friendsgiving too!

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easy pumpkin cake recipe card

4-Layer Pumpkin Cake with Pumpkin Cream Recipe

Yield: 8-10

A luscious layer cake with fall spices and creamy pumpkin cream. Serve this dessert for Thanksgiving or a fall dinner party.

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
  • 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin; use 1 cup for cake & remaining amount for frosting below
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, divided

Pumpkin Cream Frosting

  • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1  cup powdered sugar
  • remaining pumpkin from cake recipe
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tub (8 oz.) Whipped Topping, thawed
  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • Garnish with candied pecans or toffee candy bits

Instructions

  1. HEAT oven to 350°F.
  2. BEAT cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and pumpkin pie spice in large bowl with mixer until well blended.  Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans.
  3. BAKE for 28 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. 
  4. Cool in pans for 10 min. Remove cake from pans onto wire rack and cool completely.
  5. BEAT cream cheese in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. 
  6. Add sugar, remaining pumpkin, and spice; mix well. 
  7. Gently fold in whipped topping. 
  8. Cut each cake layer horizontally in half with serrated knife.
  9. Build the cake stack on a serving plate, spreading cream cheese filling between layers, and on top. 
  10. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving
  11. Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving and sprinkle the top with toffee bits.  
  12. Refrigerate leftovers.

Did you make this recipe?

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