This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall and the holiday season. With its moist texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or any celebration. The creamy frosting adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the spiced cake. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or simply indulging yourself, this cake will surely impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and brown sugar creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that everyone loves.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is ideal for seasonal celebrations like Thanksgiving or cozy fall get-togethers.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, every bite is soft and delicious.
Versatile Frosting Options: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting can be adjusted in sweetness to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before starting. This will ensure you have everything at hand when you need it.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spatula
9×13 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spilling.
Electric mixer: Makes whipping the frosting quick and easy, achieving a smooth texture.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

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). This ensures even baking for your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Add vanilla extract and eggs; beat until well blended.
3. Slowly mix in vegetable oil and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into your prepared pan:
1. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat unsalted butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add brown sugar and cream cheese; mix until smooth.
3. Slowly incorporate icing sugar until desired sweetness is reached. Add orange food color if desired.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cool:
1. Spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to serve! Enjoy each slice as you celebrate the flavors of fall!

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

Serving your delicious pumpkin spice cake is a delightful experience. This cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and add to the festive atmosphere.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

Coffee: The warm spices in the cake complement a rich cup of coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Chai Tea: The blend of spices in chai tea enhances the cake’s flavor, creating a cozy pairing.

Top with Whipped Cream

Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spiciness of the cake.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Experiment with vanilla or cinnamon-infused whipped cream for an extra touch.

Add Seasonal Fruits

Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Sliced Apples: Crisp apple slices can provide a refreshing crunch alongside each slice of cake.

Serve as Part of a Dessert Platter

Dessert Board: Include slices of pumpkin spice cake along with other seasonal treats like cookies and brownies for a festive dessert spread.
Mini Cupcakes: Bake mini versions of the pumpkin spice cake for easy serving at gatherings.

Garnish Creatively

Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon powder can enhance presentation and flavor.

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake involves attention to detail in both baking and frosting. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert shines.

Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree will give your cake a richer flavor compared to canned options.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
Check Doneness Early: Use a toothpick to test doneness; your cake may bake faster than expected due to its moisture content.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before applying frosting for better adherence and appearance.

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 great options that complement its flavors beautifully.

Apple Cider Donuts – These sweet donuts echo fall flavors perfectly, making them an ideal companion to your cake.
Pecan Pie – The richness of pecan pie harmonizes well with the spicy notes of the pumpkin spice cake.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or brie, provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds decadence and enhances the flavors further.
Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with soft cake.
Pumpkin Soup – Serving a small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup as an appetizer sets a cozy fall theme before dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor.

Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. This ensures consistent results.
Using cold eggs or butter: Allow your eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and better rise.
Overmixing the batter: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a fluffy one.
Skipping the cooling time: Let your cake cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Not checking oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
item It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
item Microwave: Heat each slice for 15-20 seconds until warm.
item Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess moisture for the best results in your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, consider using less icing sugar or adding a pinch of salt. This will balance out the flavors without compromising texture.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, this cake freezes well! Just follow the storage instructions above to keep it fresh for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, it allows customization with various spices or toppings to suit your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect treat for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations. This moist cake, made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of aromatic spices, is topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting that adds the ideal amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this delicious dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to make and delightful to taste, it’s the ultimate seasonal dessert that captures the essence of autumn.

Ingredients

Scale

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
150 g unsalted butter
80 g brown sugar
160 g cream cheese
220 g icing sugar
orange food color
pumpkin seeds

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In one bowl, mix sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, oil, and pumpkin until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
Pour batter into the pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before making the frosting; beat butter, brown sugar, cream cheese, and icing sugar until smooth.
Frost the cooled cake and garnish as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American