Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is like a warm hug on a chilly day. The rich flavors of pumpkin and spices blend beautifully, making it not just a treat but a celebration of the season. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this cake brings smiles and warms hearts.

What makes this recipe even more special is its delightful frosting. The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a luscious touch that perfectly complements the soft and moist cake. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to desserts for Thanksgiving and beyond!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll find this recipe accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this cake—it’s perfect for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake it in advance and store it for those busy days; it stays fresh and tasty.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these items to bring your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting to life:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your cake.
• Spice It Up: If you love extra spice, consider adding more ground ginger or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Frosting Twist: Experiment with different frosting flavors like maple or vanilla for a unique touch.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly while you’re mixing the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Mixing these ingredients together first helps to create a smooth batter by fully incorporating all the flavors before adding dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into greased cake pans (you can use two round pans or one rectangular pan). Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allowing it to cool properly ensures that it retains moisture without falling apart when served.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add cream cheese and icing sugar gradually until smooth. Adding orange food color can give a lovely hue reminiscent of fall leaves!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, generously spread that luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting over your cake layers or top if using one layer. Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and festive flair!

And there you have it—a delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo with your favorite cup of coffee. Enjoy every bite!

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

Making a delicious pumpkin spice cake is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect result!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature allows for better incorporation and a smoother batter, leading to a more tender cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cake’s light texture. Overmixing can create a dense cake that isn’t as enjoyable.

• Check your spices: Fresh spices can make a huge difference in flavor. If your baking spices are old, consider replacing them for a more vibrant taste in your cake.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cake to cool fully prevents the frosting from melting off. A well-cooled cake will hold its shape and make for easier decorating.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices or even a hint of maple syrup to the frosting for an extra kick of flavor. It’s all about making it yours!

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

This delightful cake is not only scrumptious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully at any gathering!

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the cake.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an aromatic touch that enhances the fall vibes of your dessert.
• Maple syrup drizzle: Drizzle some pure maple syrup over the slices before serving for an added layer of sweetness and autumn flavor.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea complement the warm spices in the cake perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream which adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
• Apple cider: Warm apple cider is another fantastic complement, enhancing the cozy feeling while balancing out the sweetness of the cake.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a light contrast to the richness of the cake, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy every slice of this wonderful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors without the last-minute rush. Here’s how to store and preserve it:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For individual slices, consider using a container that separates each piece.

Freezing

• Cool the cake completely before freezing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm each slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake will last up to 5 days. If frozen, it can be enjoyed for up to 3 months!

Can I substitute other spices in Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. Nutmeg or cardamom can add a lovely twist along with the classic pumpkin spice flavors.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan-friendly option while keeping your cake moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! This sweet treat not only brings warmth and comfort but also creates wonderful memories during fall gatherings and holidays. Don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones – it’s sure to be a hit! Happy baking!