**Ingredients:**
**For the Cake:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For Decoration:**
- Orange and black food coloring gel
- Halloween-themed cake toppers or decorations
**Instructions:**
**For the Cake:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
**Assembling and Decorating the Cake:**
1. Once the cakes have cooled, level the tops if necessary to create even layers.
2. Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
4. Use orange and black food coloring gel to tint some of the frosting, creating Halloween-themed colors. You can pipe decorations like pumpkins, spiders, or other spooky designs on the cake.
5. Decorate the cake with Halloween-themed cake toppers, candies, or any other decorations you like.
6. Slice and serve your delicious Halloween Pumpkin Cake to enjoy!
Remember to get creative with your decorations to give your cake a spooky and festive Halloween look. Happy baking and Happy Halloween!
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