Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of fall, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not just any cake; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, infused with spicy goodness. I love making this cake during family gatherings and holiday celebrations—it’s always a hit! The delightful combination of soft pumpkin cake topped with sweet, creamy frosting makes it an irresistible treat for everyone.

What I adore about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those special occasions when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this cake has become such a beloved favorite in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy: The blend of spices in this cake creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin spice! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake a day or two in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
• Moist and Soft: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and careful baking, each slice melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Decoration: Top it off with festive pumpkin seeds or even some orange food color for that extra autumn flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is simple and requires wholesome ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies for a delightful baking experience!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients or toppings to suit your tastes.

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add nutmeg for an even spicier flavor kick.
• Chocolate twist: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
• Fruity addition: Mix in some dried cranberries for a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps streamline the process and ensures you won’t forget anything important. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Blend them well before adding eggs and vanilla extract. This step is crucial because it creates a fluffy base for your cake. Then gently fold in the pumpkin puree—this will give your cake its moist texture and rich flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices including cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light and airy! Pour this beautiful golden batter into a greased baking pan.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack—this helps maintain its moisture.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down, let’s whip up that heavenly brown sugar cream cheese frosting! Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add cream cheese next; mix until creamy and fluffy. Gradually sift in icing sugar while mixing—this adds sweetness without being overpowering!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled, generously spread that luscious frosting on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for added texture!

And there you have it—a stunning Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that brings all the cozy vibes right into your kitchen! Enjoy every slice with family and friends during those lovely fall moments.

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

Baking this delightful pumpkin spice cake can be even more enjoyable with a few handy tips!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: If possible, make your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkins. It enhances the flavor and moisture of the cake, giving it that homemade touch.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and frosting, resulting in a beautifully textured cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients after adding the wet ones. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool entirely on a wire rack before spreading on the frosting. This prevents melting and ensures that each slice looks gorgeous when served.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can create an even more aromatic experience!

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

Serving this pumpkin spice cake is just as important as baking it! The right presentation can truly enhance its appeal for any gathering.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy texture and a pop of color.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of cinnamon powder adds an extra layer of flavor while making the cake visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dairy-free alternative that pairs perfectly with the spiced flavors of the cake, offering a light and creamy contrast.
• Apple cider: Serve alongside a chilled glass of apple cider to complement the autumnal flavors in your dessert.
• Chai tea: The warm spices of chai will enhance the cozy feel of your pumpkin spice cake, making it an excellent pairing for a chilly day.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cake.

Enjoy creating this delightful dessert that not only tastes incredible but also brings warmth and joy to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal delight whenever the craving strikes! Here’s how to store and manage your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Keep any extra frosting in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week as well.

Freezing

• For longer storage, wrap individual slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the date!
• Thaw frozen cake slices overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices in the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! You can substitute about 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice for the combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. It will give you that warm fall flavor without measuring out multiple spices.

How do I achieve a smooth frosting on my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

To get that smooth finish on your frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Beat them together thoroughly before adding icing sugar. This will create a light and airy frosting!

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based butter to make this recipe completely dairy-free while still enjoying its rich flavors.

How should I decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You could top it with toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans for added crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for beautiful finishing touches!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Its soft texture and delightful flavors are perfect for sharing during the fall season or any holiday gathering. Enjoy making it as much as I do; there’s just something so comforting about baking! Happy baking, and may every slice bring warmth and joy!