Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to warm your heart and home, this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just the ticket! There’s something about the aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger wafting through the kitchen that makes every day feel like a cozy fall celebration. This cake is not just a seasonal treat; it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to indulge in something sweet or for family gatherings and holiday get-togethers.

What makes this recipe so special is its soft, moist texture paired with the rich, creamy frosting that brings everything together. Every slice feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you won’t have to be a baking expert to whip up this delightful cake.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice! It’s a great way to get kids excited about fall flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time! This cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for planning ahead for gatherings.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. You probably have many of these goodies in your pantry already!

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or even make it festive for different occasions.

• Add some nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend!
• Spice it up: If you love extra spice, increase the cinnamon or add some cardamom for an aromatic twist.
• Change the frosting: Try using whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.

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 ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly. While your oven warms up, you can prepare your baking pan!

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease and flour a round cake pan (or two if you’re making layers!). This helps prevent sticking and keeps your cake intact when you flip it out later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients first allows the spices to distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth. This mixture will create a moist base full of flavor.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light texture we want.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools down, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add cream cheese gradually and mix until fluffy. Finally, add icing sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency!

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread that luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting on top (and even between layers if you made them!). Don’t forget to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for an added crunch!

Now gather around with friends and family to enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s bound to become everyone’s new favorite!

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

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect pumpkin spice cake!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made pumpkin puree has a richer flavor and moisture compared to canned versions, giving your cake that homemade goodness.

• Mix dry ingredients separately – By whisking your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together before adding them to the wet ingredients, you ensure an even distribution of flavors and a well-risen cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Let it cool properly – Allowing your cake to cool completely before frosting ensures that the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt off, resulting in a beautifully decorated cake.

• Experiment with frosting colors – Adding orange food coloring to your frosting not only enhances the fall aesthetic but also makes the cake pop visually, making it perfect for celebrations.

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

Serving this delicious pumpkin spice cake can be just as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some ideas to present this dessert beautifully and enhance its flavors.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds – Sprinkle lightly toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a nutty crunch that complements the cake’s soft texture.
• Cinnamon dusting – A light dusting of cinnamon adds both flavor and visual appeal, making each slice feel festive.

Side Dishes

• Spiced chai tea – This warm beverage complements the spice notes in the cake perfectly, creating a cozy pairing.
• Apple cider – A chilled glass of apple cider is refreshing and pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of pumpkin spice.
• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, enhancing every bite.
• Roasted sweet potatoes – Their natural sweetness brings out the flavors of fall while adding a nutritious side option.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting will not only taste amazing but also look stunning at any gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing this seasonal treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors over several days! The cake stays moist and delicious, making it an ideal treat to prepare in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per slice or until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different frosting instead of brown sugar cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting complements the Pumpkin Spice Cake beautifully, you could try using vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer.

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

This cake combines cozy fall spices with rich pumpkin flavor, making it a seasonal favorite. The creamy brown sugar frosting adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances the spices!

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?

While pumpkin puree gives this cake its signature flavor and texture, you can substitute it with applesauce if you’re looking for a change. Just keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! It truly captures the essence of fall and is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy baking!