Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of soft, spicy, and moist cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or cozy family dinners, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and festive charm. The unique combination of spices and the addition of brown sugar in both the cake and frosting elevate this dessert to a new level of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with pumpkin create a delightful taste that embodies fall.
- Moist Texture: This cake stays moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, making it irresistible.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any autumn gathering.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up this cake.
- Showstopper Presentation: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting and pumpkin seeds make it visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up mixing ingredients for a light and fluffy batter without much effort.
- Baking pan: Ensures even cooking; a 9×13 inch pan is perfect for this recipe.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following 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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it reaches the right temperature before baking your cake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree using an electric mixer until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:
1. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan:
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
2. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually incorporate icing sugar until desired consistency is reached.
4. Add orange food color if desired.
Step 8: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled:
1. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an extra touch.
Enjoy your 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 with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s for a fall gathering or a holiday celebration, these serving suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your cake.
Enjoy with Coffee
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The warmth of the coffee complements the spices in the cake.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Top each slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the moist cake and creamy frosting.
Garnish with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch. This adds texture and enhances the nutty flavors in the frosting.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
- Accompany slices with fresh apple or pear slices. Their natural sweetness balances the spiciness of the cake perfectly.
Create a Festive Platter
- Arrange slices on a decorative platter with seasonal fruits like figs and pomegranates. This makes an eye-catching presentation for guests.
Drizzle Extra Frosting
- Offer additional brown sugar cream cheese frosting on the side. Guests can customize their slice according to their taste preference.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor and moisture in the cake compared to canned options.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, are crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely: Cooling allows the frosting to set properly without melting off.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly when at room temperature.
- Decorate creatively: Use pumpkin seeds and orange food color to make your cake visually appealing for celebrations.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that mirrors the spices in your cake, enhancing its fall essence.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A hearty salad that adds sweetness and complements the spicy notes of the cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: Crunchy, sweet nuts provide an excellent contrast to the soft texture of the cake.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots add color and balance out the rich flavors of your dessert.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A simple drizzle over both cake and sides brings extra sweetness that pairs well.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These cookies echo similar spices found in pumpkin spice, creating a harmonious dessert table.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Light and creamy, this dish provides a refreshing break from rich desserts while still keeping it festive.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses that contrast nicely with sweet desserts, adding sophistication to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a pumpkin spice cake can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices are essential for flavor. Check the expiration dates and opt for new ones if needed.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and taste. Use kitchen scales and measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and cream cheese should be at room temperature for a smoother batter. Take them out ahead of time.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Ignoring oven temperature calibration: An inaccurate oven can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s baking at the right temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different frosting instead of brown sugar cream cheese frosting?
Yes! You can try vanilla buttercream or chocolate frosting for different flavors.
How do I know when my pumpkin spice cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.
What variations can I make to this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?
You could add nuts, chocolate chips, or even raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an inviting dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. Its warm spices create a cozy atmosphere, while the creamy frosting adds delightful richness. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips to make it uniquely yours!
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and tender cake is infused with warm spices and real pumpkin puree, making it an irresistible treat for your autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, enhancing each bite. Whether you serve it for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee, this cake is sure to impress family and friends with its festive charm.
Ingredients
- 150 g white granulated sugar
- 150 g brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 400 g pumpkin puree
- 230 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 160 g cream cheese
- 220 g icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 ml vegetable oil
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 80 g brown sugar
- orange food color
- pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with whipped brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
