Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall and holiday celebrations. With its soft texture, spicy flavors, and rich frosting, it’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply indulging at home. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes this cake a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm spice profile that’s perfect for the season.
• Moist Texture: Pumpkin puree ensures that this cake stays moist and tender, making every bite enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a luscious sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual gathering, this cake impresses every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking your delicious pumpkin spice cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan provides even baking, essential for achieving the perfect texture.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake so it cools evenly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

To create your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll 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
• Pumpkin seeds

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or oil. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking after baking.

Step 3: Mix 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 ingredients together until they are well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the 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 from oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

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

Mix until creamy and smooth. Gradually add icing sugar until fully incorporated.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Once cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over your pumpkin spice cake using a spatula. Add orange food color as desired for decoration and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for crunch.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delicious 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 with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance its flavors and presentation.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake perfectly, enhancing the overall taste.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast to the rich frosting.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the cake.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor to each slice.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh slices of apple or pear can create a refreshing balance against the sweetness of the cake.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange small slices of the cake alongside other fall-inspired treats for a festive dessert spread.

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out moist and flavorful.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances flavor compared to canned options.
• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting flour and spices can help prevent lumps and ensure even mixing.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
• Check doneness carefully – Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
• Cool completely before frosting – Allowing the cake to cool helps the frosting stay intact without melting.
• Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container for freshness, ideally in the refrigerator.

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

Pairing delicious side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake can create a memorable meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Compote – This warm dish offers sweetness and spice, making it an excellent complement.
2. Cranberry Sauce – The tartness balances well against the rich flavors of the cake.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness enhances the overall fall theme of your meal.
4. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts – These add a savory element that contrasts nicely with dessert.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots – The sweet glaze brings out earthy flavors that pair well with pumpkin spice.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide a nice balance to sweet desserts, enhancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoiding improper measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure that eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a better texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Ovens vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Not using fresh spices: Spices lose their potency over time. Always use fresh cinnamon, ginger, and other spices to give your Pumpkin Spice Cake its signature flavor.
• Neglecting frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick or too thin, adjust by adding more cream cheese or icing sugar to get the right spreadable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing odors.
• It lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap: Make sure they are tightly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
• It 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) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?
You can serve it plain or topped with extra pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake can last up to five days.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Is Pumpkin Spice Cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and festive gatherings due to its warm flavors.

What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too thin, add more icing sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s an excellent choice for fall festivities and can be customized with additional flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!