Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need! This recipe has been a cherished favorite of mine for years. There’s something magical about the warm spices and creamy frosting that makes it the perfect dessert for cozy gatherings or even a quiet evening at home. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply enjoying a sweet moment with your family, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or those moments when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take a bite of this soft, spicy cake topped with luscious frosting, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: You don’t need to be a baking expert! This recipe is straightforward and fun.
• Perfect for any occasion: From holiday parties to casual brunches, it fits every event beautifully.
• Moist and flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a deliciously moist cake that everyone will love.
• Great for leftovers: If you have any cake left, it stays fresh and tasty for days—if it lasts that long!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors or toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients! You won’t need anything fancy here; these staples are probably already in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create that rich pumpkin spice flavor we all adore.

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 (optional)
• Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these simple tweaks:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cake an extra crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cardamom or allspice for a new flavor twist.
• Frosting alternatives: Use whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter topping.

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 as it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vegetable oil and pumpkin puree until combined. This mixture helps create that moist texture we love!

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. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix until just blended—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into greased cake pans and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly—try not to sneak too many tastes before it’s frosted!

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools down, let’s whip up that delicious brown sugar cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the cream cheese and blend until smooth. Gradually sift in icing sugar until you reach your desired sweetness.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one layer before adding another on top. Finish by frosting the entire cake and decorating it with pumpkin seeds for that festive touch.

And there you have it—a gorgeous Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting ready to be enjoyed!

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

Making a delicious pumpkin spice cake is all about the details, so here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect bake!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Homemade pumpkin puree has a richer flavor compared to canned, enhancing the overall taste of your cake. Just roast and blend fresh pumpkins for the best results.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting, which leads to a lighter texture in your cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy consistency we want.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. This prevents overbaking, which can dry out your cake.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before adding the frosting. This ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt and creates a beautiful finish.

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

Serving this delightful pumpkin spice cake is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enjoy every slice.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy touch that complements the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top enhances visual appeal while echoing the warm flavors in the cake.
• Toasted pumpkin seeds: Add some crunch by sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds on top for an appealing texture contrast.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea pair wonderfully with this cake, creating a cozy beverage option that enhances its aromatic qualities.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy counterpart to the spiced cake, making each bite even more indulgent.

• Apple cider: A glass of warm apple cider brings out the fall vibes and balances the sweetness of the cake with its tangy flavor.

• Fruit salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table, cutting through the richness of the cake while offering a refreshing contrast.

This pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring each delicious slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it an excellent choice for busy days or upcoming celebrations.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you’d like a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about this delightful recipe, here are some common questions answered!

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting without eggs?

Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help keep your cake moist and delicious.

What’s the best way to decorate my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

For a lovely presentation, you can pipe the frosting onto each slice or spread it generously over the top and sides of the cake. Adding pumpkin seeds on top not only adds crunch but also looks festive!

How long does Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly at room temperature, it lasts about 3 days. If refrigerated, you can enjoy it for up to a week. Just remember that refrigeration may slightly alter its texture.

Can I use different spices in my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Certainly! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preference. You could add nutmeg, allspice, or even cardamom for a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting brings joy to your kitchen and warmth to your table! It’s such a comforting dessert that truly captures the essence of fall. Enjoy making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like gathering around delicious food. Happy baking!