Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that fills your home with the warm scents of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need! This cake is not only incredibly soft and moist, but the spicy aroma is sure to draw everyone into the kitchen. It’s a recipe I hold dear to my heart, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe box!

The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes this cake a true seasonal delight. And let’s not forget about that luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting—it adds an irresistible sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and few ingredients, you’ll have this delicious cake ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Everyone will love the rich flavors and moist texture—perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy evening at home, this cake fits right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can bake it a day in advance and frost it just before serving!
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your own twist with various mix-ins or toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Cake comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

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 (optional)
• Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add in some allspice for an extra kick.
• Frosting Fun: Try swapping out the brown sugar frosting for classic vanilla cream cheese if you prefer a different taste.
• Mini Cakes: Bake batter in muffin tins for cute individual portions perfect for parties!

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

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time while beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in vegetable oil and pumpkin puree until everything is smooth. This step creates a rich base that holds all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your cake to remain light and fluffy! Pour this luscious batter into a greased cake pan.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down on a wire rack, it’s time to make that scrumptious frosting! In a bowl, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add cream cheese and continue mixing until fluffy. Gradually sift in icing sugar until well combined. If desired, add orange food color for a festive touch.

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely (this is important!), spread an even layer of frosting on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for an extra crunch!

There you have it—a delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every slice with friends and family; they won’t be able to get enough!

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

Baking can be a breeze with the right tips up your sleeve! Here are some helpful hints to ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother batter and frosting, resulting in a fluffy texture.

• Don’t skip the spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor of your cake. If possible, use freshly grated nutmeg or ground ginger for an aromatic kick that makes your cake truly memorable.

• Check for doneness: Every oven is different! To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures you get smooth, beautiful layers.

• Store properly: To keep your cake moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for several days—if it lasts that long!

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

Presenting your pumpkin spice cake can turn a simple dessert into a delightful experience! Here are some ideas to make serving extra special.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top of your frosted cake for an added crunch and festive look.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting not only enhances flavor but also adds warmth and elegance to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully, making it a cozy pairing.
• Apple cider: A glass of chilled or warm apple cider brings out the fall flavors in your dessert and is perfect for gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve a slice of cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that balances sweetness with creaminess.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free alternative, whipped coconut cream adds richness while enhancing the pumpkin flavor without overpowering it.

Enjoy creating this delicious pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.

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, making it an ideal dessert for busy days or holiday gatherings. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, slice a piece and microwave on high for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat the whole cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option that works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

How should I store my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it!

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

This cake is free from animal-derived gelatin and pork, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. Always check ingredient labels if you’re catering to specific dietary needs.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture or sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! It’s a comforting treat that brings warmth and joy, perfect for any gathering or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience and any personal touches you add—happy baking!