Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Its soft and moist texture, combined with a creamy frosting, makes it an ideal dessert for various occasions like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or cozy gatherings. The warm spices and pumpkin flavor create a comforting experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a rich and inviting taste that embodies the spirit of fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, this cake can be whipped up by bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Beautiful Presentation: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds an elegant touch, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake holds up well over time, allowing you to prepare it ahead of your event without sacrificing freshness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand will make preparation quicker and easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures the batter is mixed thoroughly for that perfect texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps the cake bake evenly without sticking or burning.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake so it cools evenly without becoming soggy.

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). Grease your baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

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

Step 7: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add icing sugar until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in orange food color to achieve desired hue.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful dessert will surely impress your guests during any fall gathering or holiday celebration.

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake is a delightful experience that can enhance its flavors. Here are some great suggestions to make your dessert even more enjoyable.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy a slice of pumpkin spice cake alongside a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and sweetness.

Serve with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully, creating a delicious contrast to the warm spices.

Decorate with Pumpkin Seeds

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

Create a Dessert Platter

• Include slices of cake with assorted fall-flavored treats, like apple pie or pecan tarts, for a festive display.

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake enhances its taste and texture. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality pumpkin puree to ensure the best flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a neat finish.

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

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can create an exciting meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.

2. Caramelized Pears
   Sweet caramelized pears add a fresh fruit contrast that enhances the overall experience.

3. Gingerbread Cookies
   Serve gingerbread cookies as a side treat for extra holiday cheer alongside your cake.

4. Roasted Nuts
   A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and richness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

5. Autumn Salad
   A salad with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans offers a refreshing bite against the rich cake.

6. Herbed Cheese Platter
   An assortment of herbed cheeses can provide savory notes that pair nicely with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes can happen while baking, but with a little attention, you can ensure your Pumpkin Spice Cake comes out perfectly.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Always use the correct measuring tools to ensure the right proportions of each ingredient.
• Skipping the sifting step: Sifting flour and dry ingredients helps incorporate air and prevents clumping. Don’t skip this step for a lighter cake!
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended to keep it fluffy.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese mix better at room temperature, leading to a smoother batter and better texture.
• Opening the oven door too early: Every time you open the oven, heat escapes. Keep the door closed until your cake is set to prevent it from collapsing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them 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 the cake on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering them until warmed through, which takes about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar that could alter the flavor of your cake. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for best results.

How can I make this Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum if needed.

What can I use instead of brown sugar in frosting?

You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or raw cane sugar as alternatives that maintain sweetness without losing flavor.

How long does the frosting last?

The brown sugar cream cheese frosting lasts up to one week when stored properly in the fridge. Make sure it’s sealed well!

Is this recipe suitable for other occasions besides fall?

Absolutely! The warm spices make this Pumpkin Spice Cake perfect for any celebration throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a seasonal delight; it’s soft, flavorful, and versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping spices according to your taste preferences. Give this delightful dessert a try and wow your guests!