Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need! There’s something magical about the warm spices and soft texture of this cake that makes it feel like a big hug on a chilly day. It’s one of those recipes that has become a staple during family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a special occasion, this cake will surely bring smiles to everyone around the table.

Baking this cake not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also offers a perfect way to make memories with loved ones while preparing something truly delicious. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a wonderfully spicy taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Dessert: Kids and adults alike adore this sweet treat, making it great for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with brown sugar cream cheese frosting and pumpkin seeds, it looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Everything comes together beautifully to create a moist and flavorful cake that will wow your friends and family.

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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based cream cheese for the frosting.
• Spice It Up: Increase the spice levels by adding extra cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne pepper for heat!
• Frosting Twist: Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the frosting for a unique sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. Properly greasing the pans ensures that your cake will come out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Mixing these wet ingredients first helps create a flavorful base for your cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. This step is important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial as proper baking time allows flavors to develop fully.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Allowing them to cool completely ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 7: Make Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting! Beat together unsalted butter, brown sugar, cream cheese, icing sugar, and orange food color until smooth. The brown sugar gives it a lovely caramel-like taste that’s simply irresistible!

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are cool, place one layer on your serving platter. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before placing the second layer on top. Finish by frosting the top and sides with any remaining frosting.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for decoration! This not only adds crunch but also makes your cake visually appealing.

Now you’re ready to slice into this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite!

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

Baking is all about having fun and making delicious memories, so here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfectly!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh pumpkin puree gives your cake a richer flavor and better texture than canned. If you have the time, roast and blend your own pumpkin for the best results.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them combine more smoothly, leading to a fluffier cake and cream cheese frosting.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until there are no dry spots. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gently folding keeps it light and airy.

• Cool completely before frosting: Always allow your cake to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Add spices to taste: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference! If you love cinnamon or ginger, add a bit more for an extra flavor boost that suits your palate.

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

Serving this delightful pumpkin spice cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds not only add a crunchy texture but also bring a delightful nutty flavor that complements the spices in the cake.
• Cinnamon stick: Placing a cinnamon stick on top of each slice adds an inviting aroma and enhances the fall vibes of your dessert.
• Edible flowers: A sprinkle of edible flowers can make your cake look stunning and provide a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a creamy balance to the spiced cake while keeping everything plant-based.
• Apple cider: A glass of chilled apple cider pairs perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin spice, making it an ideal beverage choice for fall gatherings.
• Roasted autumn vegetables: A side of roasted squash or sweet potatoes brings warmth to your meal and complements the flavors in the cake nicely.
• Vanilla ice cream: For those who enjoy a warm dessert experience, serving warm slices of cake alongside creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and taste.

Enjoy serving up this pumpkin spice cake at your next gathering—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it in advance and enjoy it later, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap.
• For added protection, place wrapped cake in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without frosting; frost once thawed.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator.
• To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Enjoy your delicious cake warm or at room temperature!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

For a soft and moist cake, ensure you don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until combined and avoid overbaking—check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.

Can I substitute different sugars in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with coconut sugar or other sweeteners. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How long does the brown sugar cream cheese frosting last?

The frosting can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. Just give it a good stir before using!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as I am! It’s truly a special treat that captures the essence of fall and holidays. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it all by yourself, every bite is sure to bring warmth and joy. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!