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 gatherings and holiday celebrations. Its soft and moist texture, combined with a delightful blend of spices, makes it a standout choice. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying the season’s flavors at home, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy taste that evokes autumn vibes.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful cake without stress.
• Versatile Decoration: The neutral base allows for creative decorations, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Moist Texture: Pumpkin puree keeps the cake incredibly moist, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious pumpkin spice cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps the cake bake evenly, resulting in perfect texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time you bake.

Ingredients

To make the delicious 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

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until combined.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue mixing until fluffy.
3. Gradually add icing sugar; mix well until smooth.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once cooled:
1. Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of your pumpkin spice cake.
2. Optionally decorate with orange food color or sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for added flair.

Now you have a delightful pumpkin spice cake ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for any occasion where you want to bring comfort and joy through delicious flavors.

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 your dessert experience. Consider these delightful suggestions to enhance your presentation and flavor pairings.

Pair with a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake beautifully.
• Tea: Choose a spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy pairing.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting.

Add Seasonal Fruits

• Pears: Sliced, fresh pears add a juicy contrast to the spiced cake.
• Apples: Caramelized apples can enhance the festive feel of this dessert.
• Cranberries: Tart cranberries provide a nice balance to the sweetness.

Garnish Creatively

• Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and color.
• Candied Ginger: Chopped candied ginger adds an extra zing that complements the spices.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can make each slice look inviting.

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

Creating the perfect pumpkin spice cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For optimal flavor, consider using homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough cake; mix until just incorporated.
• Check Baking Time Early: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before adding frosting for easier spreading.

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

Complementing your pumpkin spice cake with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the moist cake.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal and add freshness alongside rich flavors.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce can elevate each slice with an indulgent touch.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, offering a savory contrast to sweet cake.
6. Chocolate Ganache: Rich chocolate ganache drizzled over slices adds decadence and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin spice cake can be fun, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using stale spices: Fresh spices are key to achieving vibrant flavors. Always check your spices for freshness before using them in the recipe.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accurate measurements for each ingredient.
• Skipping the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugars well contributes to a fluffy texture. Take your time with this step for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir gently.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes evenly at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place a slice on a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common queries about making pumpkin spice cake.

Can I substitute other sweeteners in Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! You can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as alternatives, but adjust quantities accordingly.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or using melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil can enhance moisture levels.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s thick enough and has been well-drained before using it in the recipe.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

You can try a whipped coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a delicious twist!

How should I decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider topping it with pumpkin seeds, edible flowers, or even drizzling caramel sauce for added flair!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an inviting dessert perfect for fall gatherings and holidays. Its soft texture and warm spices create comfort in every bite. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor! Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t regret it!