Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

An extremely moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. This cake is rich in pumpkin spice and has a delightful texture that makes it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying at home. With its easy preparation and standout flavor, this cake will surely become a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger creates a warm, inviting aroma.
• Moist Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and cream cheese ensures that every bite is soft and delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy fall evening, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool speeds up the mixing process, ensuring smooth batter consistency.
• Baking pan: Using the correct size pan helps achieve even baking and the right texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs. Mix well using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl:
1. Beat softened cream cheese with white sugar until creamy.
2. Mix in vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In yet another bowl:
1. Combine light brown sugar, white sugar, butter (softened), flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder.
2. Mix until crumbly using your fingers or a fork.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

In your prepared baking pan:
1. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the bottom evenly.
2. Spread cream cheese filling on top carefully without disturbing pumpkin batter.
3. Pour remaining pumpkin batter over cream cheese filling gently.
4. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow cake to cool before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Serving pumpkin cake with cream cheese and streusel topping can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this moist and flavorful cake.

Pairing with Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the spices in the cake, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Tea: Choose a spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy pairing that complements the pumpkin flavor.
• Milk: A classic glass of milk balances the sweetness of the cake nicely.

Adding Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra layer of flavor, cinnamon ice cream enhances the spice profile of the dessert.

Garnishing Ideas

• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream on top adds a fluffy element to each bite.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce brings an indulgent touch that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Perfecting your pumpkin cake ensures it’s moist, flavorful, and visually appealing. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold choice of spices: Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant flavor profile in your cake.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to blend smoothly for better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake than desired.
• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean but not dry.
• Cool completely before icing: Allow the cake to cool fully so the cream cheese frosting adheres properly without melting.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain moisture and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal when serving pumpkin cake. Here are some wonderful options.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots and squash provides a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
2. Apple Crisp: The tartness from apples pairs beautifully with the richness of pumpkin cake.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a nice balance between sweet and savory elements on your table.
4. Salad with Nuts: A fresh salad topped with nuts adds crunch and complements the soft texture of your cake.
5. Pumpkin Soup: For those who love pumpkin, serving soup as an appetizer sets a cozy theme for your meal.
6. Chocolate Mousse: The rich chocolate flavor serves as an indulgent counterpoint to pumpkin’s sweetness.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad helps cleanse the palate after enjoying rich desserts like pumpkin cake.
8. Biscuits or Scones: Soft, flaky biscuits or scones make for delightful snacking alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the measurement: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons.
• Ignoring room temperature: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the texture. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time instead of testing for doneness can result in an undercooked or overcooked cake. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean.
• Forgetting to preheat: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor or texture.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice for about 20-30 seconds on high power. Check if it’s warm enough.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions people often ask about making Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping:

How do I make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Adjust baking times as needed.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin is great; just ensure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly before using it in the recipe.

What is the best way to add spices to my Pumpkin Cake?

Mix spices evenly into the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

How long does Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping last?

When stored properly, this cake can last up to five days in the refrigerator or several months when frozen.

Can I customize the streusel topping?

Yes! Feel free to add nuts or oats into your streusel mix for extra crunch or different flavors!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is not only delicious but also versatile. Its moist texture and delightful spices make it perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding different spices or toppings, making it your own special dessert!