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. With its moist texture and warm spices, it’s perfect for gatherings, Thanksgiving, or simply indulging on a cozy evening at home. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish, making it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a rich and inviting taste that warms the soul.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and the right balance of wet ingredients, this cake stays moist for days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served at a dinner party or as an afternoon snack, this cake fits perfectly into any setting.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful cake with ease.
• Perfect for Holidays: This cake is a festive addition to any fall celebration or holiday feast.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing batter and frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess and allows for easy mixing of dry and wet components separately.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect rise.

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan in advance will ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until smooth.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

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

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add icing sugar while continuing to beat until fluffy. Adjust with orange food color if desired.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

1. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top of your pumpkin spice cake. Garnish with pumpkin seeds if you wish.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for sharing or savoring alone!

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. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, presenting your cake beautifully is essential. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

For a Cozy Family Gathering

• Cupcakes: Transform the cake into cupcakes for easy serving and personal portions.
• Mini Slices: Cut smaller slices to allow everyone to enjoy a taste without overindulging.

At a Holiday Party

• Decorative Platter: Arrange slices on a festive platter, garnished with pumpkin seeds and cinnamon sticks.
• Accompanying Drinks: Serve with spiced apple cider or warm chai tea for a comforting pairing.

As a Dessert Option

• A La Mode: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Add fresh whipped cream as a light topping to balance the sweetness of the frosting.

Save this!

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Opt for homemade pumpkin puree for richer flavor compared to canned options.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake moist and fluffy.
• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it briefly before spreading on the cake.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some perfect complements.

1. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy sauce that balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg add crunch and flavor contrast.
3. Apple Salad: A refreshing salad combining tart apples and walnuts provides a crisp side option.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, pairs well with the spice flavors of the cake.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: This comforting side dish offers rich flavors that go wonderfully with pumpkin spice.
6. Caramel Drizzle Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits drizzled with caramel complement both sweet and spicy notes of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a pumpkin spice cake can be simple, but there are common errors that can lead to disappointing results. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature – Always preheat your oven to the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
• Overmixing the Batter – Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Substituting Ingredients Without Care – Not all substitutes work well in baking. Stick closely to the recipe for best results, especially with sugar and flour types.
• Skipping the Cream Cheese Frosting – The brown sugar cream cheese frosting elevates this cake. Don’t skip it; it adds necessary moisture and flavor.
• Not Letting Your Cake Cool – Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Save this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covered, for around 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, fresh pumpkin can be pureed and used as a substitute for canned pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and smooth.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking for best results.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can mix white granulated sugar with molasses as a substitute or use coconut sugar if you prefer a healthier option.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or adjusting spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors!