This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations. Its soft, moist texture combined with a delightful blend of spices makes it a seasonal favorite. The rich and creamy frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, ensuring this cake becomes a staple in your recipe collection for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic taste that captures the essence of fall.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree and vegetable oil, this cake is incredibly moist and tender with every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake without any hassle.
- Versatile Occasion: Ideal for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or cozy family gatherings—this cake fits any celebration perfectly.
- Stunning Presentation: Topped with brown sugar cream cheese frosting and garnished with pumpkin seeds, it looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment at hand makes all the difference in achieving that perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is well mixed, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
- Baking pan: A proper-sized pan allows for even baking and optimal rise in your cake.
- Cooling rack: Cooling the cake on a rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation around the dessert.
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’s ready to go in.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gradually mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Stir in pumpkin puree until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add brown sugar and cream cheese; mix until smooth.
- Slowly incorporate icing sugar until desired consistency is reached. Add orange food color if desired.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for added texture and presentation.
Now you have an exquisite Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting ready to delight your guests! Enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
This delightful pumpkin spice cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
For a Cozy Night In
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
- Pair with spiced tea or coffee to enhance the flavors of the cake.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Present it on a festive platter, adorned with pumpkin seeds for an eye-catching display.
- Slice into smaller pieces for guests to enjoy as part of a dessert buffet.
For a Morning Treat
- Enjoy as a sweet breakfast option, paired with yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
As Party Favors
- Package individual slices in clear bags tied with twine for guests to take home.
- Include a small card with the recipe to share the joy of baking!
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Achieving the perfect pumpkin spice cake is easy when you follow these simple tips. Keep these in mind as you bake your delicious dessert.
- Choose fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor and moisture; it can make all the difference in your cake’s texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation into the batter.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife to avoid dense cake caused by too much flour.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cake.
- Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before applying frosting to prevent melting or sliding off.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Pair your pumpkin spice cake with these delightful side dishes that complement its spiced flavors perfectly.
- Spiced Apple Cider – A warm beverage infused with cinnamon and cloves that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness enhances the flavors in your dessert while adding a hearty side option.
- Maple Glazed Carrots – These tender carrots add a delightful sweetness that balances well with the spiced notes of the cake.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberries offers a refreshing contrast, making every bite more exciting.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of rich, sweet cake.
- Pumpkin Soup – Keep the theme going by serving this creamy soup as an appetizer before indulging in dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ones to ensure consistency.
Overmixing the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light, fluffy cake.
Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cake rise properly.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting and an unattractive presentation.
Using Cold Ingredients: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay 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 or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices listed in this recipe. Just use about 2-3 teaspoons depending on your taste preference.
How do I make my cake more moist?
Ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately, especially liquids like pumpkin puree and oil. Adding applesauce can also enhance moisture without altering flavor significantly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just frost it right before serving for best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using vegan cream cheese or a whipped coconut cream as an alternative in the frosting recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its soft texture and rich flavors make it appealing during fall and holiday celebrations. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor!
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and flavorful cake combines pumpkin puree with a medley of spices, creating a cozy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or celebration. The luscious cream cheese frosting, infused with brown sugar, adds an irresistible layer of sweetness, making each bite a taste of fall bliss. Whether served at Thanksgiving or enjoyed during a chilly evening at home, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your recipe collection.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 80 g brown sugar
- 160 g cream cheese
- 220 g icing sugar
- orange food color
- pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vegetable oil and pumpkin puree.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat unsalted butter until creamy; mix in brown sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, frost with the cream cheese mixture and garnish with pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg