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 holiday celebrations. Its soft, moist texture combined with rich spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that everyone will love. Topped with creamy brown sugar frosting, this cake stands out on any dessert table and is sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg makes each bite a taste of fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a cozy family dinner.
• Moist and Soft Texture: Pumpkin puree keeps the cake moist, ensuring it stays delicious from the first slice to the last.
• Irresistible Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth batter without lumps, making mixing quick and easy.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan helps achieve even baking for that perfect texture.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.

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 (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: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine white granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Add vanilla extract and eggs. Beat together until fluffy.
3. Slowly mix in vegetable oil and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan:
1. Level it out with a spatula.
2. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools:
1. In a bowl, beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and icing sugar; mix until smooth.
3. Add orange food color to achieve desired hue.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is cooled:
1. Spread the frosting evenly over the top.
2. Garnish with pumpkin seeds if desired.
3. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Now you’re ready to impress with your homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving your delicious pumpkin spice cake is an opportunity to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative and delightful ways to serve this cake that will impress your guests.

Classic Slice

• Serve a traditional slice of the pumpkin spice cake topped with a generous dollop of brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a classic look and taste.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a swirl of fresh whipped cream on top of the frosting for added richness and a light texture that complements the spices in the cake.

Festive Garnish

• Top each slice with pumpkin seeds or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch that enhances both appearance and flavor, making each serving special.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.

Drizzle of Caramel

• Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting to add sweetness and an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the pumpkin spices.

Coffee Companion

• Offer slices with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea; the warm beverages complement the spices in the cake perfectly, making it ideal for fall gatherings.

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree gives better flavor than canned, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense texture; mix just until combined for a light, fluffy result.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfect. This prevents overbaking.

• Cool completely before frosting: Letting the cake cool ensures that your frosting won’t melt off, allowing it to hold its shape beautifully.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices according to your taste preference; this can elevate your pumpkin spice experience even further.

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

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin spice cake can enhance flavors and create a well-rounded dessert table. Consider these options:

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds fruity notes and crunch, balancing out the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

2. Pecan Pie: The nutty flavors in pecan pie complement the spices in pumpkin perfectly, making it an ideal pairing during holiday meals.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness resonates well with pumpkin flavors, creating harmony on your plate.

4. Spiced Chai Latte: This aromatic drink not only warms you up but also pairs wonderfully with spiced desserts like this one.

5. Caramelized Pears: These sweet, tender fruits offer freshness that contrasts nicely with rich desserts like pumpkin spice cake.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses (like brie or goat cheese) adds savory elements that balance out the sweetness of your dessert.

7. Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy chocolate mousse provides a rich chocolate flavor that complements spicy desserts effectively.

8. Baked Cinnamon Apples: These sweet treats echo fall flavors and provide delicious warmth alongside your spiced cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, avoid common pitfalls to ensure your cake is delicious and perfectly baked.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep it fluffy.
• Using fresh pumpkin instead of puree: Fresh pumpkin contains more moisture, which can affect the texture. Always use canned pumpkin puree for consistency.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
• Skipping the frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it if you want the full experience of this dessert!
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Oven temperatures vary; always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting 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

• You can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat one slice at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this delightful recipe.

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.

Can I use another type of frosting?

Yes! While brown sugar cream cheese frosting is delicious, you can opt for whipped cream or chocolate ganache as alternatives.

How should I decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider topping your cake with toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added visual appeal and flavor.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the batter or used as a topping for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or swapping out frostings to suit your taste!