Pumpkin Cake Method

• Set the oven rack to the middle position. Heat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the pan, turn, and tap the pan to lightly coat the bottom and sides. Tap out any extra flour that remains.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until combined, about 15 seconds.
• Fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture and stir until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
• Spread the pumpkin cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 33 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack for about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
• In a stand mixer, beat softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until just incorporated. Gradually increase speed to medium, beating until light and fluffy, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
• Add half of the softened cream cheese and beat on medium until incorporated, about 15 seconds. Add the remainder of the cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds.
• Add maple syrup and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and smooth, scraping the bowl as needed, about 30 to 45 seconds.
• Frost the cooled cake evenly and sprinkle with optional chopped nuts or toppings. Slice and serve.