Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall. Its moist and spicy cake pairs perfectly with the creamy, sweet frosting, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and holidays. The warm flavors of cinnamon and ginger create a cozy atmosphere, ensuring this cake stands out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and brown sugar creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a fall afternoon, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious dessert without stress.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the frosting and pumpkin seeds make this cake visually appealing for guests.
• Versatile: Serve it as a simple dessert or dress it up for special events!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating your delicious pumpkin spice cake.

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: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for even baking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to organize your ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

This pumpkin spice cake is soft, spicy, and moist. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting makes a delicious dessert. It’s great for fall and the Holidays!

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

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

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Ground cloves
8. Ground black pepper

Whisk these together until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. White granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Vegetable oil
4. Eggs
5. Pumpkin puree
6. Vanilla extract

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing gently until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Cool Down

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Cream cheese

Add icing sugar gradually until reaching your desired consistency, then mix in orange food color as desired.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly across the top of your pumpkin spice cake.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal before slicing into pieces to serve! Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends!

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 this delightful dessert experience. Here are some creative suggestions to ensure your cake is enjoyed to its fullest.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake perfectly, enhancing the flavors and making for a cozy treat.

Add Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious texture that balances the richness of the frosting and brings a lightness to each bite.

Top with Nuts

• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake and creamy frosting.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream provides a creamy, cool contrast to the warm spices of the cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes for an eye-catching presentation that guests will love.

Create Mini Cakes

• For individual servings, bake the cake in small ramekins or muffin tins and frost each one for a fun twist on presentation.

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

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Spice Cake, consider these helpful tips for perfecting both texture and flavor.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances flavor and moisture compared to canned options.
• Room temperature ingredients – Make sure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Don’t overmix – Gently mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check for doneness – Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when your cake is done baking.
• Chill the frosting – Allow the cream cheese frosting to chill before spreading for easier application and better texture.
• Decorate creatively – Use pumpkin seeds or edible flowers as garnishes to enhance visual appeal while adding crunch.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Slices – Sautéed apple slices seasoned with cinnamon make a warm, fruity side that complements the cake’s flavors.
2. Candied Pecans – Sweet, crunchy pecans provide an irresistible contrast in texture while echoing fall flavors.
3. Pumpkin Soup – A smooth pumpkin soup served as an appetizer can set the tone for a pumpkin-themed meal.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar can balance out sweetness with savory notes.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts add a hearty touch that pairs well with dessert.
6. Chocolate Fondue – Offer chocolate fondue alongside fruit and marshmallows for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Make sure your cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are fresh for the best taste.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts to ensure the cake rises perfectly.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese should be at room temperature for better incorporation, resulting in a smoother batter and frosting.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
• It stays 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, then store them in an airtight freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place the slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it to trap warmth, and heat 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 canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. It saves time and provides consistent results.

How do I make the brown sugar cream cheese frosting?

Simply beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and icing sugar until smooth, then spread over cooled cake.

What other toppings can I add?

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. You could also sprinkle cinnamon on top.

How long does this cake last?

Stored properly in the fridge, this cake can last up to 5 days. In the freezer, it will keep well for about 3 months.

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 different spices or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful dessert that everyone will love!