Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. With its soft, moist texture and rich spices, it captures the essence of autumn in every bite. The luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness that complements the cake beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe uses straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously spiced: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg brings warmth and flavor that embodies fall.
• Versatile dessert: Ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers, this cake suits any occasion.
• Moist texture: Pumpkin puree keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender while adding natural sweetness.
• Impressive presentation: The vibrant orange food color and pumpkin seeds add visual appeal, perfect for displaying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious pumpkin spice cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• Baking pan: Using the right size pan helps achieve an even bake for your cake, preventing undercooked centers or burnt edges.

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one by one while mixing. Then incorporate vanilla extract and vegetable oil. Blend until smooth.

Step 6: Combine with Pumpkin Puree

Mix in pumpkin puree until fully integrated into the wet mixture.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while continuously mixing until just combined.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Frosting

While cooling, prepare your frosting by beating together unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add cream cheese and icing sugar gradually while continuing to mix until smooth. Add orange food color as desired.

Step 11: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the cake. Decorate with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake is a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

Individual Slices

• Serve slices of the cake on decorative plates for a simple yet elegant presentation.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.

Festive Platter

• Arrange several slices on a large platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
• Garnish with fresh pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

Coffee Pairing

• Pair each slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea, as the spices in the cake complement these beverages beautifully.
• Consider offering flavored options like chai or pumpkin spice lattes for an enhanced experience.

Ice Cream Side

• Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert choice.
• Drizzle some caramel sauce over the ice cream to elevate the flavor profile.

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake is all about attention to detail. With a few tips, you can ensure it turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh puree provides richer flavor than canned options. If possible, roast your own pumpkin for the best taste.
• Cream Butter and Sugars Well: Take time to cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air into the batter, creating a lighter texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, which is crucial for the cake’s structure.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add dry ingredients to wet ones, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness 5–10 minutes before the suggested baking time. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.

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

To create an unforgettable meal around your pumpkin spice cake, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here’s a selection that balances flavors perfectly.

1. Cinnamon Apple Compote: A warm apple compote cooked with cinnamon enhances the fall flavors of your dessert.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, perfectly complementing the spices in the cake.
4. Chai Tea: A comforting cup of chai tea brings out the aromatic spices in both the tea and the cake.
5. Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears provide a fruity balance that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
6. Maple Whipped Cream: A dollop of maple-flavored whipped cream adds sweetness and richness that enhances each slice of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting and uneven batter. Always allow your ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use kitchen scales for precision, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make your cake dense. Combine your ingredients just until they’re blended for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.
• Frosting too soon: If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt. Wait until the cake cools completely for a perfect finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you achieve success.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

You should avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it contains spices and sweeteners that can alter the flavor of your cake. Stick to plain pumpkin puree for best results.

How do I make my frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. This will enhance the taste of your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting without compromising its integrity.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or applesauce as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil while maintaining moisture in your cake.

How do I customize this recipe?

Consider adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for added texture. You could also spice things up by including additional spices like cardamom or allspice in your cake batter.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various add-ins or decorations to suit any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try—it’s sure to impress family and friends!