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 soft and moist texture coupled with a rich frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply enjoying on a chilly day. This cake stands out with its warm spices and sweetness, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm and inviting taste that is perfect for the season.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the cake.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is suitable for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 12 slices, this cake is ideal for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures that your batter is well combined and fluffy, leading to a light cake texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients helps achieve consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need 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 even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper)

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1. White granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Oil
5. Vanilla extract
6. Pumpkin puree

Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar

Add cream cheese and mix until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar until smooth. Adjust color using orange food color if desired.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top of your pumpkin spice cake.

Step 10: Garnish (Optional)

Top with pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and festive touch!

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting at any gathering or as a delightful treat!

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

Serving pumpkin spice cake is all about enhancing its warm, spicy flavors. Pairing it with delightful accompaniments can elevate the dessert experience for your guests or family.

Enjoy with a Cup of Coffee

• Coffee complements the spices in the cake and adds a warm touch. Choose a medium roast for balanced flavor.

Pair with Hot Apple Cider

• The sweetness of hot apple cider harmonizes beautifully with pumpkin spice, making it a delightful fall beverage option.

Add Whipped Cream on Top

• Light and airy whipped cream can balance the richness of the brown sugar cream cheese frosting.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely against the warmth of the cake, creating a delicious temperature contrast.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

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

To achieve a moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree has more moisture and flavor compared to canned options, enhancing your cake’s taste.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to gluten development.
• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done. This prevents drying out.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool completely to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt off when applied.

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

Complementing your pumpkin spice cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert spread. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts with cinnamon and nutmeg brings crunch and adds warmth.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring apples and pears offers freshness that balances the rich flavors of the cake.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, providing a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
4. Cinnamon Rolls: These soft rolls echo similar flavors, making them an ideal brunch companion alongside your cake.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice enhances sweetness and adds depth.
6. Chai Tea: This spiced tea is perfect for sipping alongside dessert, complementing the pumpkin spice notes beautifully.
7. Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles provide an elegant touch that pairs well with spiced desserts.
8. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings comforting textures and flavors that harmonize nicely with pumpkin spice cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin spice cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor of your cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a soft, moist one.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Not letting ingredients come to room temperature: Cold eggs and cream cheese can result in a lumpy frosting. Allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
• Skipping the cooling process: If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting may melt. Let it cool completely before applying frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice 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 canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for a lighter option.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting more festive?

Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries as toppings for added texture and flavor.

Can I modify the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences or add others like cardamom or allspice.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting is not just a seasonal treat; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding different spices or toppings like nuts and fruit. Try this recipe, and enjoy its delightful flavors!