Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion, this cake is sure to impress your guests. The moist texture and rich flavors make it a standout dessert that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
• Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
• How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Individual Slices
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• Garnished with Pumpkin Seeds
• Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting even more flavorful?
• Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
• What’s the best way to decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?
• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The mix of spices and pumpkin creates a cozy taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, every slice is soft and delectable, ensuring no one can resist a second piece.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or casual get-togethers, this cake fits every celebration.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results at home.
• Decadent Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a creamy richness that beautifully complements the spiced cake.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth mixing and fluffy frosting without tiring your arms.
• Baking pan: A quality pan helps achieve even baking and prevents sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake, preventing sogginess after baking.

Ingredients

For this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 150 g White granulated sugar
• 150 g Brown sugar
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 3 Eggs
• 180 ml Vegetable oil
• 400 g Pumpkin puree
• 230 g All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp Ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp Ground black pepper

For the Frosting

• 150 g Unsalted butter
• 80 g Brown sugar
• 160 g Cream cheese
• 220 g Icing sugar
• Orange food color (optional)
• Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a bowl using an electric mixer, beat unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add brown sugar and cream cheese; mix until smooth.
3. Slowly add icing sugar and mix until fluffy. If desired, add orange food color for a festive touch.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place your pumpkin spice cake on a serving plate. Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously on top and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for decoration.

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting can elevate your dessert experience. This cake is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, and there are many delightful ways to serve it.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on a decorative plate for a classy presentation.
• Add a dollop of extra frosting on the side for those who love cream cheese icing.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair the cake with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delicious contrast in flavors.
• Warm the cake slightly before serving it alongside the ice cream for a comforting treat.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Lightly drizzle caramel sauce over each slice to enhance the sweetness.
• Use homemade or store-bought caramel for convenience.

Garnished with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• This also gives a festive touch that fits perfectly with the pumpkin theme.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Serve slices of cake with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea to complement the spices in the cake.
• This pairing makes for an inviting afternoon snack or dessert option.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Opt for freshly made pumpkin puree instead of canned for better flavor and texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature; this helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting for cleaner slices and better adherence.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin spice cake can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement this delightful dessert.

1. Cranberry Sauce: This tart sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Spiced Apple Compote: Warm apple compote spiced with cinnamon pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the rich flavors of the cake.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots: These carrots bring an earthy sweetness that harmonizes well with the spicy notes in the dessert.
5. Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy soup warms up any gathering and matches the autumnal theme perfectly.
6. Chai-spiced Nuts: A mix of nuts seasoned with chai spices can provide an excellent crunchy addition alongside your slice of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin spice cake can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Using stale ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can lead to a flat cake.
• Skipping the sifting step: Sift your flour before measuring it. This prevents clumps and ensures even mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of fluffy.
• Not letting the cake cool completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for better mixing and texture in your frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting.

How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting even more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like allspice or cardamom can enhance the flavor. You might also experiment by mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great! Just ensure it’s well-drained so your batter isn’t too wet.

What’s the best way to decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider topping your cake with toasted pecans or candied ginger for added texture and flavor. Drizzling caramel sauce also adds a delightful touch!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Certainly! You can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, you can customize it with various toppings or mix-ins according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!