Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fall dessert. It’s soft, moist, and packed with warm spices that evoke the cozy vibes of autumn. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness, making this cake perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Its unique flavors and festive appearance will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Make the Frosting
• Step 5: Frost the Cake
• How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pair with Coffee
• Add Whipped Cream
• Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds
• Serve Warm
• Create Mini Desserts
• Pair with Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
• What makes the brown sugar cream cheese frosting special?
• How can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?
• Can I make this cake gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking this cake is a breeze even for beginners.
• Moist Texture: The addition of pumpkin puree ensures that every slice is incredibly moist and tender.
• Delicious Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level with its creamy richness.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth baking. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving that perfect cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve smooth batter and fluffy frosting in less time.
• Baking pan: A quality baking pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Cooling rack: This allows the cake to cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Fold in pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
3. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth.
3. Gradually add icing sugar; mix until combined and fluffy. Add orange food color as desired.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a rubber spatula. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an extra touch!

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting at any fall gathering!

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

Serving pumpkin spice cake is a delightful experience, especially when paired with the rich flavors of brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this seasonal dessert.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy a slice of pumpkin spice cake alongside your favorite brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and add an extra layer of sweetness.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and a festive touch that complements the flavors.

Serve Warm

• Heat the cake slightly in the microwave before serving for a warm, comforting dessert experience that brings out the spices.

Create Mini Desserts

• Cut the cake into smaller squares and serve them in individual cups as mini desserts at gatherings or parties.

Pair with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside a slice of cake makes for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

PIN THIS!

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake can elevate your dessert game. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Opting for fresh pumpkin instead of canned can enhance the flavor and moisture of your cake.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture in your cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold ingredients together to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely so that the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

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

Choosing side dishes that complement pumpkin spice cake can enhance your meal presentation. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp pairs beautifully, adding contrasting flavors and textures.
2. Gingerbread Cookies: The spiciness of gingerbread cookies echoes the flavors of pumpkin spice, making them a great match.
3. Cranberry Sauce: This tart sauce provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
4. Pecan Pie: Rich and nutty pecan pie offers another layer of fall flavors that guests will love.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements pumpkin well while adding heartiness to your meal.
6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle over each slice enhances both flavor and presentation, making it more indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin spice cake can be a delightful experience, but small mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugars.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.
• Not adjusting for altitude: If you’re at a high altitude, you may need to adjust baking times and ingredients. Research specific adjustments for your area.
• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and frosting.
• Using expired baking powder or soda: Check the expiration dates on your leavening agents. Fresh ingredients are key to achieving the right rise.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering more about this delicious pumpkin spice cake? Here are some common questions answered.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-drained and smooth for the best texture.

What makes the brown sugar cream cheese frosting special?

The brown sugar adds a rich flavor that complements the spices in the cake, creating a delightful balance of sweetness.

How can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture or swap spices based on your personal preference.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, keeping an eye on the moisture balance.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Enjoy this delightful dessert that will surely warm hearts and homes!