Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to celebrate autumn and the holiday season. Its soft, moist texture combined with warm spices creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a sweet finishing touch that enhances the cake’s flavors. This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices blend beautifully with pumpkin, making each bite a treat.
• Moist Texture: Pumpkin puree ensures the cake stays soft and fluffy, perfect for any occasion.
• Festive Appeal: Ideal for fall celebrations, this cake adds a seasonal touch to your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, it’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting complements not just this cake but can be used on other desserts too.

Tools and Preparation

To create your exquisite pumpkin spice cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make baking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the batter and frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking throughout the cake for the best texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

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

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Ground cloves
Ground black pepper

Whisk together until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
White granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree

Fold in the pumpkin puree gently until blended into the wet mixture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

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

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While cooling, prepare your brown sugar cream cheese frosting by beating together:
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Add cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporate icing sugar until fluffy.

Step 10: Decorate Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting over your pumpkin spice cake. Optionally, garnish with orange food color swirls and pumpkin seeds for added flair!

Now you have an irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting ready to serve! Enjoy it at your next gathering or keep it as a sweet treat just for yourself.

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

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Casual Tea Time

• Pair with a warm cup of chai or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Festive Gatherings

• Serve on a beautiful platter at family gatherings and holiday parties to impress guests.

Dessert Bar

• Create a dessert table featuring this cake alongside other seasonal treats for a fun and festive display.

Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy a slice with coffee for a sweet morning boost, perfect for leisurely weekends.

Kids’ Party Snack

• Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters for an exciting addition to children’s parties.

Celebration Layer Cake

• Stack layers of pumpkin spice cake with frosting in between for a stunning celebration cake.

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

Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices together aerates them, preventing lumps and ensuring even distribution.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Check oven temperature: An oven thermometer ensures you bake at the right temperature, preventing undercooking or burning.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool entirely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting or sliding off.

• Add spices to taste: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; add more cinnamon or ginger if you love extra warmth!

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dessert well.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors of the cake.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A savory salad balances the sweetness of the cake while adding texture.

3. Candied Pecans: Sweet and crunchy pecans make for a great topping or snack alongside slices of cake.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots: These tender carrots add sweetness and earthiness that pairs nicely with pumpkin.

5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that complements the spices beautifully.

7. Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses which can contrast nicely with the sweet notes of pumpkin spice cake.

8. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station for an indulgent drink option that kids and adults will love!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a pumpkin spice cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always allow your ingredients to reach room temperature for smooth results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Improper measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Ovens vary, so relying solely on time may not yield perfect results. Always check your cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
• Forgetting to Grease the Pan: A stuck cake is disappointing. Make sure you grease and flour your baking pan properly before pouring in the batter.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making pumpkin spice cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin properly, as it should be smooth and not too watery.

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

When stored correctly, this delicious cake lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

What can I add to customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mixing in chocolate chips for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin spice cake is a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of fall and holiday celebrations. Its moist texture paired with brown sugar cream cheese frosting makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings! Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors at your next gathering.