A bakery-style pumpkin layer cake stacked high with creamy vanilla frosting, gooey caramel, and a fall sprinkle explosion.

This Pumpkin Party Sprinkle Cake brings all the fun of fall straight to your dessert table. With soft pumpkin layers, buttery caramel, and fluffy vanilla frosting, it’s a little bit classic and a whole lot of celebration. Topped with candy corn and sprinkles, it’s the kind of cake that turns any fall get-together into a party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy pumpkin cake layers with real pumpkin puree.
• A gooey caramel center that melts into every bite.
• Classic vanilla frosting that pairs perfectly with the spice.
• A simple box mix glow-up that looks bakery-made.
• Instant party vibes with candy corn and sprinkles galore.

Ingredient Notes

• Cake mix: Use a yellow cake mix- it keeps the texture light while letting the pumpkin shine.
• Pumpkin puree: Be sure to grab 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Adjust based on your spice preference- start with 1 teaspoon for mild or 2 for bold.
• Caramel sauce: Look for a thick jarred caramel, not the squeeze bottle ice cream topping.
• Frosting: Using salted butter balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Sprinkles and candy: Fall jimmies, candy corn, and mellowcreme pumpkins create the signature “party” look.

Before You Bake

Do I need to use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
No, regular milk works great here! It keeps the cake moist and smooth.

Can I use pumpkin spice cake mix instead of yellow?
You can, but it will make the flavor more intense. Yellow cake mix gives the perfect neutral base for layering.

Should the caramel be warm or room temperature when layering?
Warm it just slightly if it’s too thick to spread, but not hot or it’ll melt the frosting barrier.

Pumpkin Party Sprinkle Cake

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ⅓ cup milk

Filling

• 1 jar thick caramel sauce (not the runny ice cream kind)
• 2–3 teaspoons milk or cream to loosen caramel, if needed

Frosting

• 2 sticks salted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream

 

Decorations

• Fall-themed jimmies
• Assorted candy corn and mellowcreme pumpkins

Instructions

Bake the cakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, eggs, oil, melted butter, vanilla, and milk.
3. Add cake mix and pumpkin pie spice; stir just until smooth.
4. Divide evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes or until the centers spring back when touched.
6. Cool completely before assembling.

Assemble

1. Level the cooled cakes if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a plate. Pipe or spread a rim of buttercream around the edge as a “dam.”
3. Warm caramel slightly if too thick. Spoon inside the border and spread gently to the edge.
4. Add the second cake layer.
5. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for 15 minutes.
6. Frost generously, pressing sprinkles into the sides while still soft.
7. Finish with candy corn and mellowcreme pumpkins on top.

FAQ

How do I store this Pumpkin Party Sprinkle Cake?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature. Assemble and frost the next day for a fresh, bakery-style finish.

Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely. Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

What type of caramel works best?
Use a thick, spoonable caramel sauce rather than a pourable ice cream topping.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with pumpkin and gives the cake a tangy twist if you want a richer flavor.

Sprinkle of Fun

Serve this cake as the star dessert at your Halloween costume party! Set it on a sprinkle-covered table surrounded by candy corn, mini pumpkins, and twinkle lights. After the costume contest, slice it up and let everyone enjoy a piece while trading their favorite trick-or-treat memories.