Easy Pumpkin Swirl Cake – Moist & Delicious Fall Dessert

Last updated on August 5, 2025

As the autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Pumpkin Swirl Cake wafting through the house. I still remember the first time I tried to bake it. I was eager, armed with my grandmother’s old recipe, but I panicked when it came to the swirling part. Was I supposed to just mix the batters together? Would it end in disaster? Those thoughts danced in my head.

We all have our kitchen fears, don’t we? For many home cooks, that initial attempt can feel daunting. The idea of swirling batters can evoke anxiety, leading to visions of a lumpy, mishmash cake. I’m here to tell you, it’s much simpler than it appears and truly stress-free! This recipe for Pumpkin Swirl Cake will guide you through every step, ensuring you can whip this delightful dessert up—even if it’s your first time. Just picture yourself thinking, “Wow, I can do this!”

Why I Love This Recipe of Pumpkin Swirl Cake

This Pumpkin Swirl Cake is a cherished recipe in my home because it embodies the cozy essence of fall. The creamy pumpkin swirls not only look visually stunning but also infuse the cake with rich, warm flavors that are undeniably comforting. It’s perfect for enjoying alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee while sharing stories with loved ones.

For beginner cooks, this recipe is particularly appealing. The ingredient list is straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow. Plus, I’ve sprinkled in some tips along the way to boost your confidence in the kitchen. This cake teaches you a few baking basics while allowing your creativity to shine through in the beautifully swirled layers. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the warmth of home while working on perfecting your baking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Swirl Cake

Gathering your ingredients should feel like stepping into a warm embrace. Here’s what you’ll need for this Pumpkin Swirl Cake:

Easy Pumpkin Swirl Cake

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin Swirl Cake is a cozy, fall-inspired dessert made with tender cake batter and a spiced pumpkin swirl. Finished with a vanilla glaze or sugar soak, it’s perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essentials:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (149g) vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp (17g) vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups (240g) cake flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) pumpkin purée
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup (113g) sour cream
• 3 tbsp (43g) hot water

Optional Add-Ons (for glaze/soak):

• 3 tbsp (37g) granulated sugar (for soak)
• 1/8 tsp vanilla (for soak)
• 1/2 cup (57g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp (12g) water (for glaze)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Mix Base Batter: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat eggs and granulated sugar until creamy. Slowly mix in the vegetable oil, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Add cake flour gradually, mixing until a thick batter forms.
3. Divide Batter: Transfer about half (1 cup or 350g) of the batter into another bowl. Stir in pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Finish Remaining Batter: Stir sour cream into the remaining plain batter just until combined.
5. Create the Swirl: Alternate spoonfuls of the two batters in the prepared pan. Use a skewer or spatula to swirl once in a figure-8 motion.
6. Bake: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a paring knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Add Glaze or Soak: For a soak, mix hot water, granulated sugar, and vanilla, and brush over cake. For glaze, whisk confectioners’ sugar, water, and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled cake.
9. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Flour Substitute: If you don’t have cake flour, mix 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cornstarch.
• Dairy Substitute: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
• Oil Options: Use melted butter or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a flavor variation.
• Don’t Overmix: Especially once the flour is added—mix just until combined for a tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pumpkin swirl cake, fall loaf cake, pumpkin loaf with glaze, easy pumpkin cake, cozy fall baking, vanilla swirl cake

Essentials:

• 2 large eggs (at room temperature): These are the glue that holds your cake together. Bring them to room temperature by leaving them out for about 30 minutes before you start baking.
• 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar: This will sweeten your cake and help it achieve that golden-brown crust.
• 3/4 cup (149g) vegetable oil: This adds moisture and richness to your cake.
• 1 tablespoon (17g) King Arthur Pure Vanilla Plus: Vanilla enhances flavors; plus, it adds a delightful aroma.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent, making the cake rise.
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt: A little salt enhances the sweetness of the sugar.
• 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached Cake Flour: This flour is perfect for a tender, light texture.
• 1/2 cup (113g) pumpkin purée: Adds flavor and moisture without being too heavy.
• 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is what makes your cake scream autumn! If you don’t have it, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can be a lovely substitute.
• 1/2 cup (113g) sour cream: This ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds a nice tang.
• 3 tablespoons (43g) hot water: Helps dissolve the sugar for the soak or glaze.

Optional Add-Ons:

• 3 tablespoons (37g) granulated sugar: For the sugar soak or glaze; adds sweetness and depth.
• 1/8 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Plus: For flavor in your soak/glaze.
• 1/2 cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted: This will give your glaze a lovely finish.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons (12g) water: To mix with confectioners’ sugar and create a glaze.
• 1/4 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Plus: Just a touch more flavor for your glaze.

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

• You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter, though it may slightly change the flavor.
• If you’re out of cake flour, mix 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cornstarch to reach a similar texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you prefer a healthier option.

How to Make Pumpkin Swirl Cake Step-by-Step

Creating your Pumpkin Swirl Cake will be a delightful journey full of warming scents and cozy moments. Follow along these detailed steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), placing the rack in the middle position. Prepare your loaf pan by lightly greasing it. I recommend using a loaf pan that measures 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ or a pan with at least a 6-cup capacity. For added stability, set the pan on a baking sheet. This is especially helpful if you’re using a specialty pan.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, or with a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the room-temperature eggs and granulated sugar. Beat them together until smooth and creamy—this might take around 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to mix. This helps emulsify the mixture.

Stir in the vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, start adding the cake flour, a little at a time. Gently scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate any dry ingredients that may cling there. Continue mixing until you have a stiff batter with no dry ingredients left.

Step 3: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Take about half of the batter (approximately 1 cup or 350g) and transfer it to a medium-sized bowl. Add the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to this portion, stirring just until blended. Then set this bowl aside.

To the remaining batter, mix in the sour cream. Beat gently, just enough to combine—this should take less than a minute. We don’t want to overmix here.

Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect

Now comes the fun part! It’s time to dollop both batters into the prepared loaf pan. Alternate between the pumpkin batter and the plain batter, adding roughly 2-tablespoon portions. As you do this, let your creativity shine—don’t worry about being precise!

Once you’ve added all the batter to the pan, grab an offset spatula or a wooden skewer and dip it deep into the batter. With a steady hand, make one swift figure-8 motion to create the signature swirl. This one decisive move will make a beautiful pattern in your cake when sliced.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Gently place your loaded loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a paring knife into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let your cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, it’s time to make either the soak or the glaze, depending on your preference.

To create the soak, whisk together hot water and sugar in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla and brush this mixture generously onto the cake. If you prefer a glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, water, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a lovely finish.

Step 7: Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Pumpkin Swirl Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it, and it’ll be good for a few months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing Batter

One of the most common pitfalls for novice bakers is overmixing the cake batter, leading to a tough texture. When adding your flour, mix just until you no longer see dry ingredients. This keeps your cake light and tender.

Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients

Using cold eggs or dairy products can result in a lumpy batter that doesn’t mix well. Always bring your eggs and sour cream to room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter that will bake evenly.

Incorrect Oven Temperature

Always preheat your oven to the proper temperature before baking. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure it’s accurate, as a simple misreading can lead to over- or underbaking.

Being Shy with the Swirls

Don’t be afraid to make bold figure-8s when swirling the batters! A good swirl will provide that stunning aesthetic effect and delicious harmony in flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Swirl Cake

Simply on its Own

I love serving my Pumpkin Swirl Cake on its own, allowing the rich flavors to shine. It’s delicious as a mid-morning or afternoon treat and a perfect companion to your coffee or tea.

Whip up Some Cream

Serve the cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream on top. The creaminess complements the spiced pumpkin wonderfully, creating a truly delightful dessert experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

For a comforting, indulgent dessert, slice your cake and warm it ever-so-slightly in the microwave before serving it with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream is always a hit!

Top with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

If you’re looking for a simple but elegant presentation, dust the top of your cooled cake with some confectioners’ sugar. Not only does this look beautiful, but it adds just the right hint of sweetness on top of the delicious cake.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Experiment with Flavors

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider exploring different flavors! You could swap the pumpkin for sweet potato or even apple butter for a unique twist.

Add Nuts or Chocolate

For added texture and complexity, try folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Chopped pecans or walnuts pair beautifully with the pumpkin flavors.

Make it a Layer Cake

For a show-stopping dessert, use this same recipe to create a multi-layered cake. Just double the ingredients and bake in round cake pans. You can use cream cheese frosting and add layers of pumpkin in between for extra flavor.

Customize the Glaze

Feel free to tailor the glaze to your preferences. Adding a splash of maple syrup for the glaze will make your cake even more fragrant and festive, especially during the fall season.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Baking a Pumpkin Swirl Cake is much easier than it looks. With just a few simple steps, you can create a cozy, homemade cake that will warm your heart and bring smiles to your loved ones. Not only is the process delightful, but you can also personalize it to your taste, making it a truly special addition to your recipe collection.

I encourage you to give it a try! Whether it’s for a family gathering, an afternoon treat, or just to savor the joys of autumn, this cake is a must-bake.

Why not gather your ingredients today and experience the warmth of homemade baking? Share your creations with family and friends, and feel the coziness radiate through your home.

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FAQs About Pumpkin Swirl Cake

Now it’s your turn! Embrace the warmth, gather your ingredients, and start baking. Enjoy this slice of fall goodness!