Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cake that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only soft and moist but also bursting with warm spices that will make your home smell incredible. Every bite is a delightful reminder of cozy autumn days, perfect for family gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, or just a little treat during a busy weeknight.

What makes this recipe so special? The combination of pumpkin puree and a blend of aromatic spices creates a cake that’s truly comforting. And let’s not forget the brown sugar cream cheese frosting—it adds a rich sweetness that complements the cake perfectly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice, making it an instant hit at any gathering.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake in advance and frost it just before serving, saving you time on busy days.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg brings out the best of fall in every slice.
• Gorgeous Presentation: With its rich color and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a delicious dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

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 decoration)

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Want more heat? Increase the amount of ground ginger or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those avoiding gluten.
• Try different frostings: If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, consider using whipped coconut cream for a lighter topping.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your cake pans ensures an easy release once baked. In a large bowl, whisk together the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making your cake light and airy.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the vegetable oil and pumpkin puree along with vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also keeps the cake moist—this is key to achieving that tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; gently folding helps maintain that soft texture we love!

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for about 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during baking will be irresistible!

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool down completely on wire racks, prepare the frosting by beating together unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in cream cheese and icing sugar until creamy—and don’t forget a splash of orange food color if you want that festive touch!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, layer your cakes with sumptuous frosting between each layer and generously cover the top and sides. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Enjoy every slice of this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s truly a celebration of fall flavors!

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

Baking can be a magical experience, and these tips will ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, creating a lighter texture in your cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients prevents the gluten from developing too much, which keeps your cake nice and tender.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. This prevents overbaking and ensures moistness.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting off, giving you that beautiful layered look.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste! A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance those warm fall flavors even more.

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

Serving this delightful cake is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some ideas to make your dessert table shine!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light, airy touch that complements the richness of the frosting.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and enhances the flavor profile.
• Fresh cranberries: For a pop of color, add fresh cranberries around the base of the cake. They bring a tart contrast that balances sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm spices of the cake.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over individual slices adds an indulgent touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Apple cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, making for an inviting fall dessert experience.
• Roasted butternut squash salad: A side salad with roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette brings freshness to balance out the richness of the cake.

Enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s sure to become a favorite at your fall gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use other types of frosting instead of brown sugar cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting is a perfect match for this pumpkin spice cake, you can use any frosting you prefer such as whipped cream or chocolate ganache.

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

To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

What variations can I try with this pumpkin spice cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture, or even sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter. Get creative with flavors by adding a pinch of cardamom or using maple syrup instead of brown sugar!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the flavors of fall that brings warmth to your home. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening or sharing it during holiday gatherings, it’s sure to delight everyone. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every slice!