Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that wraps you in warmth, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is the epitome of fall flavors, combining soft, spicy pumpkin goodness with a luscious frosting that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings, and trust me, it never fails to bring smiles all around the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to evoke the comforts of home and the joy of togetherness. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a chilly evening, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll whip up this cake in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a slice of this moist, flavorful cake—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake it ahead of time and frost it just before serving for an effortless dessert.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm and inviting taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile dessert: Great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create 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
• Pumpkin seeds

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to customize your cake:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cake a nice crunch.
• Spice it up: Increase the spices if you’re feeling adventurous—more cinnamon or ginger can amp up the flavor!
• Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich surprise.
• Swap the frosting: Try using a vanilla buttercream or whipped cream for a different topping experience.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and those lovely spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. This step is key because mixing them evenly ensures every bite has that fantastic fall flavor.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. The moisture from the pumpkin gives this cake its signature softness while adding natural sweetness.

Step 3: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! This helps keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pour the batter into a prepared baking pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down completely on a wire rack, it’s time to whip up that delicious brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Beat together butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add cream cheese and icing sugar while mixing until smooth. Don’t forget to add a touch of orange food color for that festive flair!

Step 6: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake is cooled completely (this is important!), spread that gorgeous frosting on top. Feel free to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top as a delightful garnish!

And there you have it—a scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite with friends or family; it’s sure to become a cherished tradition!

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

Making the perfect pumpkin spice cake is a delightful journey, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking success!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Fresh pumpkin puree enhances the flavor and moisture of your cake. If you can, roast a pumpkin and blend it for that homemade touch!
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently combine your ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake; we want it soft and airy!
• Check for doneness – 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 masterpiece.
• Chill the frosting – Allow your brown sugar cream cheese frosting to chill slightly before frosting the cake. This makes it easier to spread and gives it that perfect texture.

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

Serving this scrumptious pumpkin spice cake can be as fun as baking it! There are many creative ways to present this delightful treat at gatherings or family dinners.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds an extra layer of flavor and lightness.
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar not only looks beautiful but adds an extra hint of sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple cider – This warm drink complements your pumpkin spice cake perfectly, bringing out those cozy flavors associated with fall.
• Roasted butternut squash salad – The sweetness of roasted butternut squash paired with greens creates a wonderful contrast to the rich cake, making it a perfect side dish.
• Maple-glazed carrots – Sweetened with maple syrup, these tender carrots bring another layer of seasonal flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the cake.
• Vanilla ice cream or dairy-free alternative – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is a classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the moist cake. For a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond milk ice cream.

Enjoy every slice of this delicious pumpkin spice cake – it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy fall days or holiday gatherings! You can easily bake it in advance and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• If you prefer your cake warmed in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful cake!

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

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without any added spices.

How can I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting more festive?

You can add decorations like candy corn, chocolate shavings, or even edible glitter on top of the frosting. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg dust also adds a lovely touch!

What can I substitute if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you run out of brown sugar, you can create your own by mixing white granulated sugar with a little molasses (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar). Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar as a substitute.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace regular flour in this recipe. It will still yield delicious results!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a heartwarming addition to any fall gathering. Its soft texture and rich flavors will surely impress your family and friends. I hope you enjoy making this delightful cake as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your baking experience – I would love to hear how it turns out for you!