Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall. Its soft and moist texture, combined with a warm blend of spices, makes it perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. The creamy brown sugar frosting elevates this dessert to a new level of deliciousness, ensuring it’s a standout at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a cozy day at home, this cake fits right in.
• Moist and Soft Texture: This pumpkin spice cake stays moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil, making each bite delightful.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this cake ready in no time.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the cake and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your batter is well combined and fluffy, which is key for a light cake.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring your cake bakes perfectly without burning.

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
• Pumpkin seeds (for decoration)

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
2. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow cooling on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

1. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually incorporate icing sugar; adjust sweetness as desired.
4. Add orange food color for an appealing look if desired.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

1. Once cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously over the top of your pumpkin spice cake. Decorate with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Enjoy this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering!

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

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some delightful ways to present this moist, flavorful cake.

For a Cozy Family Gathering

• Warm slices – Serve the pumpkin spice cake warm for an extra comforting touch.
• Accompany with tea – Pair it with a cup of spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy experience.

At Holiday Parties

• Garnish with nuts – Top your cake slices with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Festive plates – Use seasonal-themed plates to enhance the presentation during holiday gatherings.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the spices beautifully.
• Drizzle caramel sauce – A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness.

For Coffee Breaks

• Pair with coffee – Enjoy slices alongside a steaming cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Add whipped cream – Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

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

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Fresh puree enhances the flavor compared to canned versions.
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Test doneness properly – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Cool completely before frosting – This prevents melting and ensures neat frosting application.
• Store in an airtight container – Keeps your cake moist and fresh for longer.

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

Complementing your pumpkin spice cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair wonderfully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that balances out the spiciness of the cake.
2. Cinnamon Applesauce – Adds a fruity element that works well with pumpkin flavors.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad – A savory option that brings warmth to your table.
4. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts – A sweet-savory side that contrasts deliciously with the cake’s richness.
5. Spiced Nuts Mix – Crunchy, spiced nuts offer a great texture and flavor complement.
6. Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots echo the natural sugars in the cake while adding color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes while baking, especially with a recipe as delightful as Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using cold ingredients: Always allow eggs and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps in creating a smooth batter and frosting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture you want.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. Incorrect measurements can alter the cake’s texture and flavor significantly.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven completely before baking. An uncalibrated oven can cause uneven baking, affecting the final result.
• Skipping the frosting preparation: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are well softened for the frosting. This ensures a creamy and spreadable consistency without lumps.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake separate from frosting if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, just make sure it is properly cooked and blended until smooth.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake even spicier?

Feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon or ginger according to your taste preference for an extra kick!

What can I substitute for brown sugar in the frosting?

You can use regular granulated sugar or coconut sugar as alternatives. However, this may change the flavor slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only soft and moist but also perfectly captures the essence of fall. It’s versatile enough to be customized—add nuts or chocolate chips if you like! Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate; give it a try!