Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its moist texture and delightful spices, this cake offers a warm embrace on chilly evenings. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish that makes it suitable for gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging at home. Its unique blend of flavors ensures that every bite is a treat, making it an instant favorite for pumpkin lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and brown sugar creates an irresistible taste that’s perfect for the season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly, allowing anyone to create a stunning dessert.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family gathering, this cake fits perfectly into any celebration.
• Moist Texture: The addition of pumpkin puree keeps the cake incredibly moist, ensuring it stays fresh longer.
• Eye-Catching Decor: Top it with pumpkin seeds and a touch of orange food color for a festive appearance that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your preparation process.

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 thorough mixing of ingredients for a smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan helps in even baking, preventing burnt edges while keeping the center perfectly cooked.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

To make this 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 from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures

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

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make Frosting

While cooling, prepare your frosting by creaming together unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth. Gradually mix in icing sugar until well combined.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Once cooled completely, frost your cake generously with brown sugar cream cheese frosting. For added flair, use orange food color as desired and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top.

Enjoy your homemade 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 any occasion. This delightful dessert is not only perfect for fall but also a great treat for gatherings and celebrations.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on each slice adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the frosting.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Slices of apple or pear can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake, adding an enjoyable crunch.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts or pecans on top bring a nutty flavor and additional texture, making each bite more satisfying.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully, creating a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

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

To ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much, which can make the cake dense.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.

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

Enjoying pumpkin spice cake is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm fruit mixture that enhances the spices in your cake while adding moisture.
2. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through sweetness, providing balance and freshness on your plate.
3. Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears add elegance and a contrasting texture alongside the moist cake.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with pumpkin flavors, creating a harmonious meal.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to rich desserts like this one.
6. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet vegetables echo fall flavors, enhancing your pumpkin-themed dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the texture of your frosting. Always let these ingredients sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Improper measurements can lead to a dense cake. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugars.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; lumps are okay!
• Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different, and yours may run hotter or cooler. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Forgetting to grease the pan – A cake that sticks to the pan can be frustrating. Always grease your baking pan well with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the batter.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake has cooled completely before sealing it.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat. Place slices in and cover until heated, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree or even butternut squash puree as an alternative.

How do I make pumpkin spice seasoning?

Mix equal parts cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a homemade pumpkin spice blend.

Can I use different frosting?

Certainly! You could try vanilla buttercream or whipped cream if you prefer something lighter than cream cheese frosting.

What is the best way to decorate this cake?

You can add pumpkin seeds on top for crunch or drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for fall gatherings and festive occasions. Its moist texture paired with sweet, spiced flavors makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or swapping out spices according to your taste preferences!