Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert, look no further! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat to cozy up with. The blend of warm spices and pumpkin creates a moist, tender cake that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s a favorite in my kitchen—and I’m sure it’ll become a cherished recipe in yours too! Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or just want to indulge on a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress.

This delightful dessert is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors and creamy frosting make it a hit at birthday parties, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of tea. Trust me; once you share this cake, you’ll be getting requests for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy: Each bite bursts with warm spices that capture the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this cake comes together quickly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat—perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time, and store it in the fridge for easy serving later.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich flavor that elevates the cake beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of baking! For this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need items you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Experiment by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for everyone to enjoy.
• Frosting twists: Try swapping the cream cheese frosting with whipped coconut cream for a lighter option.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly. Don’t skip this part!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mixing these first helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly throughout your cake batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Beat them together until smooth. The oil keeps the cake moist while the pumpkin adds flavor and color—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. We want it light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While it bakes, enjoy that intoxicating aroma wafting through your home!

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down completely on a wire rack (patience is key!), whip together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add cream cheese and icing sugar gradually until it’s smooth and fluffy. If desired, mix in orange food color for an extra festive touch!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top of your pumpkin spice cake. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for decoration if you’d like! Slice into generous pieces and get ready to share smiles all around.

And there you have it—a delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy every delicious bite!

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

Baking is an art, and with a few helpful tips, you can create the most delightful pumpkin spice cake that will impress everyone at your table!

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients ensures precision, leading to a perfectly moist and fluffy cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamier frosting.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture. You want lightness in every bite!

• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done! Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

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

Presenting your pumpkin spice cake beautifully can make all the difference during gatherings or holiday celebrations. Here are some creative ideas to serve this delicious dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top adds an aromatic touch and enhances the autumn vibe of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the spicy cake and is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Candied Pecans: These sweet little bites add crunch and texture, making each forkful even more delightful. Their nutty flavor works beautifully with pumpkin spice.
• Apple Crisp: The warm, sweet flavors of apple crisp echo the spices in your cake, creating a comforting dessert duo perfect for chilly evenings.
• Hot Apple Cider: A warm drink like spiced apple cider complements your pumpkin spice cake wonderfully and enhances that cozy fall ambiance.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to bake, serve, and enjoy this scrumptious pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting!

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, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store and extend the life of your delicious cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for extended freshness; it will last about a week in the fridge.
• For best results, keep the frosting separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• This will keep your cake fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you want a warm slice, you can reheat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use other types of frosting for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! While brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake, you can use vanilla buttercream or even a whipped coconut cream as alternatives.

What makes Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting so special?

This cake is incredibly moist and features warm spices that evoke the cozy flavors of fall. The creamy brown sugar frosting adds a sweet contrast that makes every bite delightful!

Can I substitute pumpkin puree in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas for a different flavor profile while keeping it moist.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly, this cake can stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings friends and family together during those chilly seasons. Enjoy every moment of baking and sharing this delightful treat. Happy baking!