Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings and festive occasions. Its soft, moist texture combined with the warm spices and sweet frosting makes it a delightful treat for family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy night in, this cake brings warmth and joy to every table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, brown sugar, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home. It fits any occasion!
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant orange frosting topped with pumpkin seeds adds a festive touch that looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: The addition of pumpkin puree keeps the cake moist and tender, making every bite simply heavenly.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process, ensuring your batter is smooth and fluffy.
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and prevents cake from sticking.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
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
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
- 1/8 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 (as needed)
- Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
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. This will prevent sticking and help the cake come out smoothly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Ground cloves
Ground black pepper
Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together:
White granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Vegetable oil
Pumpkin puree
Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Add in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in icing sugar until fluffy. Add orange food color as desired.
Step 8: Frost Your Cake
Once cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over your pumpkin spice cake. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an extra touch!
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this moist and flavorful cake.
Pair with a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cake.
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea enhances the seasonal flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, serve with a creamy hot chocolate.
Garnish Ideas
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness to each slice.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and aesthetic appeal.
- Cinnamon Stick: Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for a festive touch.
Festive Plating
- Cake Stand: Display on a decorative cake stand for an elegant presentation.
- Seasonal Decor: Surround the cake with mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for visual appeal.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Achieving the perfect pumpkin spice cake requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor and moisture compared to canned versions.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture in your cake.
- Check Doneness Early: Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done; it should come out clean from the center.
- Chill the Frosting: Chilling the brown sugar cream cheese frosting makes it easier to spread smoothly on the cake.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that work well together.
- Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds contrasting textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully.
- Pecan Pie: The richness of pecan pie complements the spiced notes of the cake perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish brings sweetness and warmth, making it a cozy addition.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cake nicely.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, like sharp cheddar, adds savory elements to round out flavors.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These seasonal favorites echo the spices found in your cake for a cohesive dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
-
Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always let these ingredients come to room temperature before using them.
-
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep it light and fluffy.
-
Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
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Skipping the cooling process: Cutting the cake while it’s warm can cause it to crumble. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for best results.
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Using outdated spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check your spice cabinet and replace any that have been sitting around for too long.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth.
How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
What if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is runny, add more icing sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving, you can customize it by adding nuts or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
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 warm embrace of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home, this cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with aromatic spices and rich pumpkin puree. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, it offers a sweet finish that will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 150 g white granulated sugar
- 150 g brown sugar
- 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
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 160 g cream cheese
- 220 g icing sugar
- orange food color (as needed)
- pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- In another bowl, beat the sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before preparing the frosting by beating butter and brown sugar together, then adding cream cheese and icing sugar until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake and garnish with pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
