Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its soft and moist texture, this cake brings all the warm flavors of fall to your table. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a delightful touch, making it an ideal treat for holidays like Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering. You will love how easy it is to make this cake, and its inviting aroma will fill your kitchen with the essence of autumn.

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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: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Mixtures
• Step 5: Bake the Cakes
• Step 6: Cool Cakes
• Step 7: Make Frosting
• Step 8: Frost the Cake
• How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
• Accompanied by Whipped Cream
• Topped with Chopped Nuts
• Served with Hot Beverages
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• 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 instead of canned?
• How do I make the frosting less sweet?
• Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
• What spices work well with pumpkin spice cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy fall evening at home.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime you crave something sweet.
• Moist Texture: The pumpkin puree ensures that this cake stays wonderfully moist and tender.
• Easy to Decorate: Top it with pumpkin seeds or colorful icing for an eye-catching presentation.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for that fluffy texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure even mixing, bringing all ingredients together seamlessly.

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). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Ground cloves
8. Ground black pepper

Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Add eggs one by one while mixing continuously.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and vegetable oil until fully blended.
4. Fold in pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cakes

Remove cakes from oven:
1. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer cakes onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Frosting

While cakes cool:
1. Beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until fluffy.
3. Gradually incorporate icing sugar; add orange food color as desired.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread frosting generously on top; place second layer on top.
3. Frost sides and top of the cake; decorate with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Now enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving your delicious pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive holiday dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce on top enhances the cake’s sweetness and adds a rich flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the spices in the cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Topped with Chopped Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

Served with Hot Beverages

• Enjoy slices of this cake alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to warm up those chilly fall nights.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include small slices of various desserts alongside your pumpkin spice cake for a delightful variety at gatherings.

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

To achieve the ultimate pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made puree offers richer flavor compared to canned options.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix your batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
• Cool completely before frosting – Ensure your cake has cooled completely to prevent the frosting from melting off.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.

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

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin spice cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.

1. Cinnamon Ice Cream – A scoop of cinnamon ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the spicy cake.
2. Apple Crisp – This warm, fruity dish adds a delightful crunch that works well with pumpkin flavors.
3. Maple Roasted Vegetables – Sweet and savory roasted veggies bring balance and color to your dessert table.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet desserts.
5. Pecan Pie Bars – Another fall favorite, these bars echo similar spice notes found in the pumpkin spice cake.
6. Chai Spiced Nuts – These provide an additional crunch and enhance the spiciness in the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and measuring cups for liquids to ensure the right amounts.
• Ignoring baking times: Ovens vary in temperature. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
• Forgetting to cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt. Let your cake cool entirely before adding the brown sugar cream cheese frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will last up to 5 days while maintaining its flavor.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then 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) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended smoothly.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To balance sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt. This will enhance flavor without overwhelming sweetness.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute some white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but this may alter the texture slightly.

What spices work well with pumpkin spice cake?

Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding cardamom or allspice for extra depth of flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or using different spices based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!