Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall and the holidays. With its soft and moist texture, it delivers a delightful taste experience that everyone will love. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a unique twist, making it suitable for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a cozy treat at home. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just indulging in seasonal flavors, this cake stands out for its warmth and inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm spice profile that embodies the essence of autumn.
• Moist and Soft Texture: This cake stays moist thanks to pumpkin puree, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday enjoyment—this cake fits any occasion perfectly.
• Showstopper Presentation: Topped with creamy frosting and garnished with pumpkin seeds, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. With these key items at hand, you’ll find the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining your ingredients without any mess. A large bowl gives you ample space to mix thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating eggs or mixing frosting. It ensures a smooth consistency every time.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather 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
• Pumpkin seeds

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
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 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Ensure everything is mixed smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a fluffy texture!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools down:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.
3. Gradually add icing sugar while mixing until fully incorporated.
4. If desired, add orange food color for decoration.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.

Step 10: Garnish

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and an appealing finish.

Enjoy each slice of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake can elevate any gathering, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some delightful ways to present your cake that will impress your guests.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of pumpkin spice cake topped with a dollop of brown sugar cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect balance of moist cake and creamy sweetness.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops! Crumble the cake, mix with frosting, and roll into balls. Dip in orange candy coating for a festive treat.

Layered Dessert

• Create a layered dessert by alternating layers of crumbled cake and frosting in individual cups. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.

Mini Cupcakes

• Bake mini versions of the pumpkin spice cake and frost them individually. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties or as take-home gifts.

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

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour and sugars. This ensures the right texture for your cake.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Test for doneness: Check your cake with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

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

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can enhance the overall flavor experience. Consider these complementary options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm cup of spiced apple cider adds a cozy touch that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of pumpkin spice.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
   This salad combines roasted butternut squash with greens, nuts, and a light dressing, creating a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
3. Candied Pecans
   Sweet candied pecans offer an excellent crunchy side that balances the softness of the cake while adding flavor depth.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Tender carrots glazed with maple syrup provide a sweet yet earthy side dish that complements the spices in your dessert.
5. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses paired with fruits creates an inviting platter that contrasts nicely with the rich sweetness of the pumpkin spice cake.
6. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce can add brightness to each bite, making it an ideal companion for this delicious dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, avoiding common mistakes can lead to a better result.

• Incorrect measurement of ingredients: Always use a kitchen scale for precision. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can make it tough.
• Not checking the oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heating. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and cake rise.
• Frosting while the cake is warm: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The pumpkin spice cake 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 in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one slice at a time for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and heat each slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Cake so moist?

The inclusion of pumpkin puree and vegetable oil contributes to its moist texture, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.

Can I customize the frosting for my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the frosting or even incorporate maple syrup for extra sweetness.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Spice Cake rises properly?

Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid overmixing your batter, as this can affect how well the cake rises.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different spices or toppings. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!