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 the warm spices creates a comforting treat that everyone will love. The addition of rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting elevates this cake to a new level of deliciousness, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting flavor that screams comfort.
Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for Thanksgiving or any fall-themed event, this cake will impress your guests.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this delightful cake.
Moist Texture: Pumpkin ensures the cake stays moist, making each bite heavenly.
Versatile Frosting Options: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting pairs well not only with this cake but other desserts too.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a smooth batter and fluffy frosting quickly.
Baking pan: A good-quality baking pan ensures even cooking, which is key to a perfectly baked cake.
Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows your cake to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

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

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 step ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Ground cloves
8. Ground black pepper

Mix them until they are well incorporated and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. White granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Vegetable oil
6. Pumpkin puree

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools, prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting by beating together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Cream cheese

Once smooth, gradually add icing sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

After your cake has cooled completely, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting across the top using a rubber spatula.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top of your frosted cake before slicing into twelve delicious pieces! Enjoy!

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

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday parties. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

Pair with Coffee

Rich Brewed Coffee – The warm flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cake perfectly.
Pumpkin Spice Latte – Enhance the pumpkin experience by pairing it with a seasonal latte.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the cake.
Cinnamon Ice Cream – For an extra kick, serve with cinnamon ice cream to mirror the cake’s flavors.

Top with Whipped Cream

Classic Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream adds a lovely texture to each slice.
Cinnamon-Infused Whipped Cream – A twist on tradition that ties in beautifully with the cake’s spices.

Garnish with Nuts

Chopped Pecans – Sprinkle over the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
Candied Walnuts – Sweet and crunchy, these add a festive touch to your serving.

Serve with Fresh Fruits

Sliced Apples – Tart apples contrast well with the sweetness of the frosting.
Cranberries – Add a pop of color and tartness, perfect for fall gatherings.

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

Creating the ultimate Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for making it even better.

Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree – Fresh puree enhances flavor compared to canned versions. It can make your cake taste more vibrant.
Check Oven Temperature – Always use an oven thermometer. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and avoids undercooking or burning.
Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow the cake to cool fully before adding frosting. This prevents melting and sliding off.
Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference. More ginger or nutmeg can enhance warmth!
Decorate Creatively – Use orange food coloring in frosting or garnish with pumpkin seeds for visual appeal!

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake is a great way to create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat.

Roasted Butternut Squash – Sweet and savory, this dish brings out the fall flavors nicely.
Maple Glazed Carrots – Their sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.
Candied Sweet Potatoes – A comforting side that echoes fall vibes while adding richness.
Brussels Sprouts Salad – A fresh salad balances sweetness; add nuts for crunch!
Apple Crisp – Warm apple crisp is perfect alongside pumpkin spice flavors, enhancing that cozy feeling.
Cheese Platter – Include sharp cheeses for contrast; it makes an elegant addition at gatherings.
Pumpkin Soup – Keep it on theme! A creamy soup warms up any meal before dessert is served.
Pecan Pie Bars – For those who want more dessert options, these bars are rich and satisfying!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

Using Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. A scale can help ensure you use the right amount of flour and sugar.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a soft and fluffy texture.
Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can affect baking time and texture. Make sure your oven is preheated before placing your cake inside.
Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can result in an uneven batter. Allow them to come to room temperature for better mixing.
Skipping the Frosting Step: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; it adds richness and moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
It will last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes for a warm treat.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place slices in a pan on low heat, covering with a lid, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make this delightful cake, combine all wet ingredients first, then mix in the dry ones until just combined. Bake and frost once cooled.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree or even sweet potato puree as a substitute, but ensure it’s thick enough.

What are some variations of this recipe?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, spice levels can be adjusted based on personal preference.

How long does this cake last?

The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months if properly stored.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert perfect for fall gatherings and holidays. Its moist texture and rich frosting make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!

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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm embrace of autumn with this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations, this cake is a delightful blend of soft, moist pumpkin and aromatic spices. Topped with rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting, each slice is a comforting treat that will leave your guests asking for more. Easy to prepare, this cake captures the essence of the season while ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

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
150 g unsalted butter
80 g brown sugar
160 g cream cheese
220 g icing sugar
orange food color
pumpkin seeds

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In one bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: sugars, eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree; mix until smooth.
Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow cake to cool before preparing the frosting by mixing butter, brown sugar, and cream cheese; gradually add icing sugar.
Frost cooled cake and garnish as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American