Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in the cozy embrace of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need. This cake is not only soft and moist but also bursting with warm spices that make it a perfect treat for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a family reunion or just to enjoy on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

What makes this pumpkin spice cake truly special is the rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting that complements the spices beautifully. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together with simple steps—perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this deliciously spiced cake, making it great for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake it ahead of time and frost just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s simply divine.
• Festive Presentation: Top it off with pumpkin seeds and a touch of orange food color for a cheerful look!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple yet wholesome, bringing out the best flavors in your pumpkin spice cake. Gather these goodies, and let’s get started on this delicious adventure!

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet surprise, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Up Frosting: Mix in some additional spices or even maple syrup into the frosting for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Grease two round 9-inch baking pans with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the cakes once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Mixing dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Combining them well is key to achieving that rich flavor we love in pumpkin spice desserts.

Step 5: Blend Together

Gradually fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cakes are cooling down, prepare your frosting by beating unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add in cream cheese and mix until smooth before gradually incorporating icing sugar. Don’t forget to add some orange food color to brighten things up!

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once your cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Top with pumpkin seeds for decoration if desired.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice up your gorgeous creation and serve it at room temperature. I hope you enjoy every bite of this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do!

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

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make this pumpkin spice cake even more scrumptious!

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, opt for homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Fresh puree offers a richer flavor and moisture that enhances the cake’s texture.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting, preventing lumps.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check if it’s done—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

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

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

Presenting your pumpkin spice cake is just as important as baking it! With a few creative touches, you can elevate this delightful dessert for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin Seeds: Toast some pumpkin seeds lightly in a pan and sprinkle them on top of your frosted cake. They add crunch and a lovely visual appeal.

• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of your frosted cake with cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth that enhances the spiced flavors of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Whipped Coconut Cream: A light whipped coconut cream complements the rich flavors of the cake while adding a refreshing element that balances sweetness.

• Apple Crisp: The warm, sweet flavors of apple crisp pair beautifully with pumpkin spice, making it an excellent side dish for fall gatherings.

• Chai Tea: Serve slices of cake alongside a cup of chai tea. The aromatic spices in chai harmonize perfectly with the flavors in your pumpkin spice cake.

• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that enhances both presentation and flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your pumpkin spice cake will not only taste heavenly but also look stunning on any dessert table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, which is ideal for busy holiday weeks or any occasion when you want a sweet treat ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual pieces for easy serving later.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and type of cake.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy with a dollop of extra frosting if desired!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree in Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Just remember that you’ll need about 2 cups of pureed pumpkin for this recipe.

How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavors by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the frosting or incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cake batter.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a special treat that captures the warmth and comfort of fall. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy afternoon snack, I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures and how your version turned out. Happy baking!