Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte
Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte, a stunning Fall dessert made easy. This Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte looks bakery-perfect, but it starts with a simple shortcut: a boxed spice cake mix. Don’t let that fool you. With a few extra ingredients, this cake transforms into a rich, moist, homemade-tasting dessert layered with pumpkin spice flavor in every bite.

Four tender layers of pumpkin spice cake are paired with four layers of a fluffy pumpkin spice cream cheese whipped filling, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkling of pecans. Every slice is a showstopper, elegant enough for Thanksgiving, yet easy enough for a weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Torte

- Starts with a cake mix – no fuss, but tastes totally from scratch
- Eight irresistible layers – four of cake, four of luscious whipped filling
- Perfect balance – light, creamy, and full of cozy pumpkin spice flavor
- Beautiful presentation – makes a stunning centerpiece for any fall table
The Cake Layers Starting with a Spice Mix
Using a spice cake mix gives you a head start, but we “dress it up” with a few key additions: pumpkin purée, milk, butter, and a dash of extra pumpkin spice for that from-scratch taste.
Each layer bakes up tender and moist, full of warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavor. Pro tip: bake your cake in two pans, slice each one in half once cooled, and you’ll have four even layers ready to stack!
Caramel Drizzle and Pecans

A finishing touch of caramel sauce and pecans takes this dessert from delicious to unforgettable. The caramel adds sweetness and shine, while the pecans bring a nutty crunch that complements every creamy bite.
For a bakery-style look, drizzle caramel just before serving so it glistens beautifully over the torte.
How to Assemble the Pumpkin Spice Layered Cake
This Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte starts with a simple spice cake mix but tastes completely homemade! With four layers of moist pumpkin spice cake and four layers of fluffy pumpkin spice cream cheese whipped filling, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Finished with a golden caramel drizzle and crunchy pecans, it’s the perfect easy fall dessert for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any cozy weekend bake.







THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAKE INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Line the bottoms of TWO pie pans with parchment paper, then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, 1 cup of pumpkin, milk, eggs, butter, and 1 teaspoon of spice blend.
- Beat until all the ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into prepared pans (about 2½ cups of batter for each pan).
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the pans, place them on wire racks, and let them cool completely.
- Using a serrated knife, cut each layer in half, resulting in a total of four layers.
FOR THE PUMPKIN SPICE WHIPPED FILLING INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, remaining pumpkin, and remaining spice blend, and beat until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Place one layer of cake on a cake plate or platter, add ¼th of the filling, continue with the next three layers.
- Top with pecans and drizzle with caramel ice cream topping or homemade caramel.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
FOR THE SPICE BLEND INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix together the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
FOR THE HOMEMADE CARAMEL:
- NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO USE STORE-BOUGHT- In a large skillet, cook sugar, water, and syrup over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Bring to a full boil, then cook until the mixture turns a rich, honey-colored color (about 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream, butter, and salt.
- Continue cooking until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool to room temperature before using.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte
Freezing your Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte is a great way to get ahead on holiday baking! The good news is this dessert freezes beautifully, with or without the caramel and pecan topping.
To Freeze Without the Topping
If you’re planning to make your torte in advance:
- Assemble the torte by layering the cake and the whipped cream cheese filling.
- Skip the caramel drizzle and pecan topping for now; they’re best added after thawing.
- Chill the torte in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours to set it.
- Once firm, wrap the entire torte tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Label and freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then unwrap and add the caramel drizzle and pecans just before serving for a fresh-made look and flavor.
To Freeze With the Topping
If you’ve already added the caramel and pecans:
- Place the torte (uncovered) in the freezer for about 1 hour to firm up the topping.
- Once the surface is set, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 weeks.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The caramel may soften slightly as it thaws, but the flavor remains rich and delicious. If desired, drizzle a bit of fresh caramel over the top right before serving to refresh the look.
Tip for Perfect Texture
Always thaw your Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. This keeps the cream cheese whipped filling light and fluffy, rather than watery.
Love to Experiment? Try These Recipe Variations

One of the best aspects of this Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte is its ease of customization. Whether you want to add extra crunch, a touch of chocolate, or a swirl of caramel, there are endless ways to make this fall dessert your own. Each version keeps the same moist pumpkin spice cake layers and fluffy cream cheese whipped filling, just with a fun twist!
CARAMEL APPLE TWIST: Add ½ cup of finely chopped cooked apples or apple pie filling between the layers for a caramel apple pumpkin torte. The sweet apples blend beautifully with the pumpkin spice flavors, especially when topped with extra caramel drizzle.
CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN DELIGHT: Stir 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the cake mix and drizzle the finished torte with chocolate ganache instead of caramel. You’ll have a pumpkin chocolate spice torte that’s rich and decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers.
MAPLE PECAN DREAM: Swap the caramel for a maple syrup drizzle and fold finely chopped pecans into the whipped filling for a nutty crunch throughout. It’s like pumpkin pancakes meets dessert torte, sweet, creamy, and cozy.
BROWN BUTTER BOOST: Use browned butter instead of regular butter in your cake mix. It deepens the flavor and gives your cake a warm, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and caramel.
GINGER SNAP CRUNCH: Add a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies or graham cracker crumbs between the cake and filling for texture and spice. This variation adds a delightful crunch and extra fall flair.
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE TORTE: Mix 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into your cake batter for a pumpkin spice latte-inspired dessert. The subtle coffee flavor enhances the spices and adds depth without overpowering the pumpkin.
MINI DESSERT CUPS: Turn this torte into individual parfaits by layering cubes of pumpkin spice cake, cream cheese whipped filling, caramel, and pecans in small jars or glasses. Great for parties and make-ahead desserts!
Serving Suggestions

This Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte deserves a little spotlight; it’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Serve it as the centerpiece dessert at your Thanksgiving table or fall dinner party. Its tall layers and golden caramel drizzle make it instantly eye-catching.
For a touch of elegance, slice the torte with a long, sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for picture-perfect layers. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for that bakery-style finish.
Pair this fall dessert with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte; the pumpkin spice flavors shine even more alongside something warm and cozy.
If you’re hosting a dessert buffet, smaller slices of this layered torte look stunning alongside other fall favorites, such as pecan pie, pumpkin roll, or apple crisp. However you serve it, this dessert is sure to be the star of your autumn celebration!
EASY PUMPKIN SPICE LAYERED TORTE FAQ

Yes! In fact, this dessert tastes even better the next day. The layers have time to set, and the pumpkin spice flavors deepen overnight. Just keep the torte covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Absolutely. Because of the cream cheese whipped filling, this dessert should be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered and chilled until serving.
Yes! You can freeze the assembled torte or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Definitely. If you prefer from-scratch baking, substitute your favorite pumpkin spice cake recipe. The cream cheese whipped filling and caramel pecan topping pair perfectly with any moist spiced cake.
You can use either homemade caramel sauce or a good-quality store-bought version. For a richer flavor, warm it slightly before drizzling it over the torte.
Of course! Simply skip the pecans or replace them with crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, or toffee bits for a delicious crunch without nuts.
Stored in an airtight container, your Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte will stay fresh for about 4 days. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for holidays or gatherings!
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This Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte is everything you love about fall: sweet, spiced, creamy, and comforting. Starting with a simple spice cake mix, you can create a stunning dessert that looks straight out of a bakery but is surprisingly easy to make at home. The soft pumpkin cake layers, fluffy cream cheese whipped filling, and caramel pecan topping come together for the ultimate fall treat. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving pumpkin spice, this torte is sure to become a seasonal favorite everyone asks for year after year.❤️Sheryl

Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Torte
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- 1 (13.25 ounce) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) solid-pack pumpkin, divided
- ½ cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon spice blend below
For the Pumpkin Spice Whipped Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- remaining spice blend
- ¼ cup store-bought caramel ice cream topping or homemade (recipe below)
- ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
For the Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Homemade Caramel:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Line the bottoms of TWO 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, 1 cup of pumpkin, milk, eggs, butter, and 1 teaspoon of spice blend.
- Beat until all ingredients are combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Pour into prepared pans ( a little over 2 cups of batter per pan).
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. TIP: Not every oven bakes the same; use a toothpick to check if the cake is done.
- Cool cakes completely in the pans on a wire rack. NOTE: I baked the cakes for 20 minutes, and when a toothpick was inserted into the center, a little of the cake came out with it. To avoid overbaking, I let the cakes finish baking in the pan as they cooled.
- Remove from the pans, place on wire racks, and cool completely.
- Using a serrated knife, cut each layer in half for a total of four layers.
For the Pumpkin Spice Whipped Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, remaining pumpkin, and remaining spice blend, and beat until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Place one layer of cake on a cake plate or platter, add ¾ cup of the filling on top, and spread with an offset spatula. Continue with the next three layers.
- For the Top Layer, add the remaining pumpkin spice whipped filling. Spread with an offset spatula. Top with pecans and drizzle with caramel ice cream topping or homemade caramel.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
For the Spice Blend:
- Mix together the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
For the Homemade Caramel:
NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO USE STORE-BOUGHT CARAMEL ICE CREAM TOPPING
- In a large skillet, cook sugar, water, and syrup over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Bring to a full boil, then cook until the mixture turns a beautiful honey color (about 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream, butter, and salt.
- Continue cooking until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the caramel cool to room temperature before using.
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It looks lovely…Can I share a secret please? You can bake your mix in 4 pans instead of two, adjusting the cooking time and saving having to cut your cakes in half…just because I am a lazy cook LOL
Hi Wendy, Thanks for the tip.
This is such an impressive dessert! Sharing on FB later today. Pinned!
I LOVE pumpkin & caramel……such a delicious combination! This cake is a show stopper, Sheryl!