Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for fall and the holidays. Its soft, spicy texture combined with a rich frosting makes it an irresistible treat for gatherings or cozy nights in. The unique blend of warm spices and creamy sweetness sets this cake apart, making it ideal for celebrations or simply enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to pumpkin puree and oil, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy making this delightful cake.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat any day of the week.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting and pumpkin seeds add a beautiful touch that makes this cake a showstopper.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious 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: Ensures your batter is mixed thoroughly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps to bake evenly, giving your cake the perfect shape and consistency.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cake to cool properly, preventing sogginess while maintaining its structure.

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 once it goes into the oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the cake after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar until fully incorporated. If desired, mix in orange food color for decoration.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once completely cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top of the cake using a spatula. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy this delightful treat as part of your fall festivities or any day you crave something special.

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

This delightful pumpkin spice cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy evening at home. With its rich flavors and creamy frosting, it can be enjoyed in various ways.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice topped with extra brown sugar cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Coffee Companion

• Pair a slice with your favorite coffee or tea to enhance the warm spices of the cake.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a festive platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a beautiful presentation.

Mini Cupcakes

• Bake miniature versions of the cake and frost them individually for easy serving at parties or events.

Layered Dessert

• Create a layered dessert by cutting the cake into layers, adding frosting between them, and garnishing with pumpkin seeds.

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

Achieving the perfect pumpkin spice cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully moist and flavorful.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Opt for homemade pumpkin puree for the best flavor; it significantly enhances the taste of your cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them mix better, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if it’s done. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Let it cool completely: Allow the cake to cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off and ensures even spreading.

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

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavor profile beautifully.

1. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds airiness and balances the richness of the frosting.
2. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider provides a cozy beverage option that pairs well with fall flavors.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice adds a sweet touch that enhances every bite.
4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted walnuts or pecans offers crunch and complements the spices in the cake.
5. Cinnamon Ice Cream: Scoop cinnamon-flavored ice cream alongside your cake for an extra chilly treat that contrasts nicely.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and provides freshness against richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be challenging. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Wrong Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven accurately before placing the cake inside.
• Overmixing Batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Using cold eggs or butter affects the batter’s consistency. Let them come to room temperature for better results.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the Cooling Process: Cutting into the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, 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 puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess moisture.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What is the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How long does it take to bake?

The baking time is approximately 60 minutes, but check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for fall gatherings or holidays, you can customize it by adding nuts or spices as per your taste. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful dessert that will impress everyone!