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 and holiday gatherings. Its soft, moist texture and warm spices make it a comforting choice for any occasion. The luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the cake, making it a standout treat at Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a unique taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Moist and Tender: This cake stays moist thanks to the addition of vegetable oil and pumpkin puree, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a festive dessert or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with brown sugar cream cheese frosting and garnished with pumpkin seeds, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delightful cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly blending ingredients effortlessly.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls to ensure no batter is left behind, promoting even mixing.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Essential for shaping the cake evenly; ensures even baking for the perfect texture.

Ingredients

This pumpkin spice cake is soft, spicy, and moist. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting makes a delicious dessert. It’s great for fall and the Holidays!

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). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. White granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Vegetable oil

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree

Gently fold in 400 g of pumpkin puree into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Ground cloves
8. Ground black pepper

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

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

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter, brown sugar, cream cheese, icing sugar, and orange food color until creamy and smooth.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Cover the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting.

Step 10: Garnish

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for decoration before serving your delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake!

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

This pumpkin spice cake is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoying a slice of pumpkin spice cake with a warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting treat.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of creaminess that complements the cake’s spices beautifully.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Pair your slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious hot-and-cold contrast that guests will love.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that contrasts well with the soft texture of the cake.

Decorate with Pumpkin Seeds

• Use roasted pumpkin seeds as a crunchy garnish. They provide both visual appeal and a hint of nuttiness.

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

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

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly made puree ensures vibrant flavor compared to canned versions.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar can greatly affect the cake’s texture.
• Don’t overmix batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat presentation.
• Adjust spices as desired: If you love bold flavors, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon or ginger.

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

While this pumpkin spice cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with oats and cinnamon pairs wonderfully, offering a nice fruit contrast.
2. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy texture that balances well with the spiced cake.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice adds sweetness and richness that’s irresistible.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness to the table, balancing the richness of the cake.
5. Chocolate Mousse: The airy texture of chocolate mousse creates an elegant pairing that is sure to impress.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars add another layer of autumnal flavor, complementing the spices in the cake beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a pumpkin spice cake can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Using the wrong type of pumpkin: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has added sugars and spices that can alter your cake’s flavor.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping ingredient temperature checks: Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese should be at room temperature for better mixing. Take them out of the fridge before you start.
• Neglecting to check for doneness: Ovens vary in temperature. Always perform a toothpick test; if it comes out clean, your cake is done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Container: Keep it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Duration: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
• Container: Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting special?

This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, combining warm spices with rich brown sugar frosting, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it until smooth before using it in this recipe.

How can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans or incorporate chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftover slices covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added nuts, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Try this comforting dessert today!