Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a treat; it’s a hug in cake form. The combination of spices and the rich pumpkin flavor make it perfect for cozy family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even busy weeknights when you need a little comfort. I love how this cake brings everyone together, and the creamy frosting is simply irresistible!

Not only does this recipe fill your kitchen with warm aromas, but it also makes for a delightful centerpiece at any table. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake has become a cherished favorite in my home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the moist texture and spiced flavor.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just an ordinary day, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and frost just before serving for added ease.
• Deliciously festive: The warm spices make this cake a seasonal delight that celebrates fall flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to whip up this delicious cake! The ingredients are simple and wholesome, making your baking experience enjoyable and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of ginger or add allspice for an extra kick.
• Frosting twist: Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the frosting for a unique flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients together. This ensures you have everything ready to go! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as well—this way, it will be hot when your batter is ready.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. It’s important to mix well so that the sugars dissolve properly, leading to a moist cake.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree

Now stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined. This ingredient is key—it gives our cake its soft texture and rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This step is crucial for maintaining that soft crumb we love in cakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into greased cake pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Letting it bake properly ensures that every slice will be perfectly moist.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While waiting for your cake to cool down completely (very important!), prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then add cream cheese and mix until smooth. Lastly, gradually incorporate icing sugar until you achieve that sweet consistency we crave!

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, spread that luscious frosting on top of your pumpkin spice cake generously—don’t hold back! Decorate with orange food color and sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for an added touch of festivity.

And there you have it—a beautiful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to impress everyone! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Making this pumpkin spice cake is a delightful adventure, and a few tips can help you achieve that perfect slice every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin is convenient, using homemade pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and moisture of your cake. Simply roast and blend fresh pumpkins for a richer taste.

• Let the eggs come to room temperature: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, leading to a fluffier texture. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.

• Don’t skip the spices: The spices in this recipe are what make it truly special. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste, or even add a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting. This prevents melting and ensures that each slice looks beautiful when served.

• Add color wisely: If you choose to use orange food color, do so sparingly. A little goes a long way, and you want your cake to look natural while still being festive.

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

This pumpkin spice cake is not just delicious; it’s also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present it at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting gives an aromatic touch that enhances its fall-themed appeal.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair wonderfully with the flavors of this cake, making each bite even more comforting.
• Apple cider: A glass of spiced apple cider brings out the seasonal tones in your dessert, perfect for autumn gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the spicy cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with apples, pears, and grapes adds a lightness that complements the richness of the cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your pumpkin spice cake will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making your celebrations even easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat slices, remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a quick warm-up, pop slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries about this delightful recipe.

Can I use a different frosting instead of brown sugar cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is delicious, you could also try vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter.

How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake more spiced?

If you love spices, feel free to increase the quantities of cinnamon and ginger. You might also consider adding a pinch more nutmeg or cloves to really amp up that fall flavor profile!

What’s the best way to decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

To make your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting visually stunning, consider topping it with toasted pumpkin seeds or sprinkles of cinnamon. A drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for a delightful addition!

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?

Yes! If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use butternut squash puree or even sweet potato puree as a substitute. Both will give your cake a similar texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Definitely! This recipe yields 12 slices, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings during the holidays. Plus, its rich flavors are sure to be a hit with your guests!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just an ordinary day that needs some sweetness, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!