Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve stumbled upon a true gem: Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories with every bite. The warm spices blend beautifully with the soft, moist cake, making it perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or even just as a little pick-me-up during a busy week.

What makes this pumpkin spice cake stand out is its heavenly brown sugar cream cheese frosting. It’s rich and creamy, complementing the spice of the cake perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply craving something comforting, this dessert will surely bring smiles to everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip this cake up without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good slice of spiced cake; it’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults!
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for fall festivities or casual get-togethers, it’s a cake that fits right in everywhere.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake it a day ahead and let the flavors deepen while you prepare for your event.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates an inviting aroma that fills your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! For this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll find everything you need is pretty simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (for decoration)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to give your cake an unexpected kick.
• Cream cheese swap: For a lighter frosting, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining your baking pans ensures that your cake will come out easily after baking. It’s important because nobody wants to lose any delicious cake stuck in the pan!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. Then add in vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients first helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake that lovely soft texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. It’s crucial to mix these dry ingredients separately so that the leaveners are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cake light and fluffy. Pour the batter into your prepared pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While it’s baking, enjoy that wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool down completely on wire racks (this is super important!), beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then mix in cream cheese until smooth followed by icing sugar. Add orange food color if desired for that festive touch!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once everything has cooled down properly (patience pays off here!), spread that luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously on top of one layer before stacking another on top. Don’t forget to decorate with pumpkin seeds for that extra flair!

And there you have it—your very own Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Making the perfect pumpkin spice cake is all about thoughtful preparation and a few handy tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out as delightful as ever!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works, using homemade pumpkin puree can elevate the flavor and moisture of your cake. Just roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth for a fresher taste.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and more evenly mixed frosting, leading to better texture in both.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until you see no dry flour; this will keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!

• Chill the frosting: For easier spreading, chill your brown sugar cream cheese frosting for about 15 minutes before applying it to the cake. This helps the frosting hold its shape better when decorating.

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake is as fun as baking it! The warm spices and sweet frosting make it an inviting dessert for any gathering. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious treat:

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosted cake for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lightness that complements the rich frosting beautifully.
• Sprinkles of cinnamon: A dusting of ground cinnamon over each slice not only enhances presentation but also adds an extra kick of spice.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm spices in the cake, making each bite more indulgent.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over individual slices for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve alongside a cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy pairing that echoes the flavors in your cake.
• Apple cider: For a seasonal touch, offer chilled apple cider; its tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the dessert.

Enjoy crafting this delectable dessert! Your loved ones will surely savor each bite of this festive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it over several days, making it an ideal choice for busy fall weeks or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness up to one week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date the package before placing it in the freezer.
• The cake can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the cake from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Heat individual slices on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe:

Can I use a different type of frosting on my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting is delightful, feel free to experiment with whipped cream or even a simple vanilla glaze if that’s more your style.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting stays moist?

To keep your pumpkin spice cake moist, avoid overmixing the batter and bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Properly storing leftovers also helps maintain moisture.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is a great make-ahead option. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly until you’re ready to frost and serve.

What can I add to the Pumpkin Spice Cake for extra flavor?

Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. Dried fruits like raisins can also complement the spices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! It’s truly a special recipe that captures the essence of fall and brings warmth to any gathering. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experiences; I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy baking!