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. With its soft, moist texture and warm spices, this cake is an ideal dessert for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The standout feature is the rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting that elevates the cake to a new level of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices and pumpkin creates a warm, comforting taste that embodies the spirit of fall.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Versatile Decoration Options: Top your cake with pumpkin seeds or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and butter ensures a cake that’s tender and stays fresh longer.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures that your batter is well mixed, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: Using the correct size helps ensure even cooking and prevents overflow during baking.

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 (for decoration)

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) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Beat Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In another bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate icing sugar until well blended. If desired, add orange food color to achieve your preferred hue.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. Decorate with pumpkin seeds as desired.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice into pieces and serve this delicious pumpkin spice cake at your next gathering or enjoy it as an everyday treat!

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake is just as important as baking it. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and textures.

For a Festive Gathering

• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light and airy contrast to the rich frosting.
• Pair with Hot Beverages: Complement the cake with hot apple cider or spiced tea for a warm, cozy feel.
• Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

As Individual Slices

• Add a Side of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs well with the spiced flavors of the cake.
• Plate with Fresh Fruit: Serve slices alongside sliced apples or pears to balance the sweetness.
• Use Decorative Plates: Presenting the cake on beautiful plates elevates its appearance for special occasions.

For Casual Enjoyment

• Enjoy with Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee enhance the spices in the cake, making it perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Pack for Lunches: Individual slices make an excellent addition to lunchboxes, offering a sweet surprise during the day.

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

Baking the perfect pumpkin spice cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delightful every time.

• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree for a richer taste compared to canned versions.
• Boldly Measure Accurately: Use weight measurements for flour and sugar for consistent results in texture and flavor.
• Boldly Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Boldly Allow Cooling Time: Let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the icing.
• Boldly Experiment with Spices: Adjust spice levels according to your preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavors.

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

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Bold Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds fruity sweetness that complements the spices in the cake.
2. Bold Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: These provide a crunchy contrast and can be served as a snack alongside your dessert.
3. Bold Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes can balance out sweet flavors and create a comforting meal pairing.
4. Bold Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach salad dressed lightly can bring freshness that offsets richness from the frosting.
5. Bold Butternut Squash Soup: A small cup of this soup offers warm, savory notes that pair wonderfully before dessert.
6. Bold Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries add an unexpected twist while still keeping with fall flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a pumpkin spice cake can be simple, but there are pitfalls to watch for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance the flavor of your pumpkin spice cake. Make sure your cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are fresh for the best taste.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups specifically designed for this purpose to avoid overly dense or dry cake.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can affect the mixing process. Allow these ingredients to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep your pumpkin spice cake light and fluffy.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a slice covered with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I substitute other types of sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or maple sugar as alternatives to granulated and brown sugar, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better results.

What variations can I try with Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or incorporating chocolate chips for added flavor.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover brown sugar cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for fall gatherings and holidays. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it an irresistible dessert option. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or experimenting with different spices!