This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Its soft and moist texture combined with warm spices makes it irresistible. The luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich, sweet finish that elevates this cake to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a cozy family gathering, or just enjoying a slice with your coffee, this cake is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and brown sugar creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of fall.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy success with this recipe.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake shines at holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas but is also great for casual get-togethers.
Moist and Tender: The use of pumpkin puree ensures that each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Versatile Frosting Options: While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting is divine, you can easily experiment with different toppings if desired.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures smooth batter.
Baking pan: A good quality baking pan helps achieve even baking for your cake.

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 (optional)
Pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

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 ensures that your cake bakes evenly once you mix all the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal easier after baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Ground cloves
Black pepper

Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
White granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin puree

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Add in cream cheese and icing sugar gradually. Beat until fluffy. If desired, add orange food color for added flair.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of your pumpkin spice cake. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for an extra touch!

Now you have a delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every bite.

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

Serving your pumpkin spice cake is just as important as baking it. With its rich flavors and delightful frosting, this cake can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its taste and presentation.

For a Cozy Evening

Warm slices: Serve the cake warm, straight from the oven for a comforting experience.
With a hot beverage: Pair it with chai tea or spiced coffee to complement the flavors.

For Celebrations

Decorative plates: Present slices on decorative plates for special occasions like Thanksgiving or birthdays.
Garnish with nuts: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

As a Sweet Snack

Individual servings: Cut into smaller squares for a perfect afternoon snack.
Add whipped cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence.

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

Perfecting your pumpkin spice cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delightful every time.

Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree gives the best flavor compared to canned options.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when perfectly baked.
Chill the frosting: Allow your brown sugar cream cheese frosting to chill before spreading; this helps it set better.
Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain moisture.

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

When serving pumpkin spice cake, consider adding side dishes that complement its sweet and spicy profile. Here are some great options:

Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.
Apple cider salad: A crisp salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette adds freshness.
Cinnamon-spiced nuts: Offer a crunchy contrast with flavored nuts as a side snack.
Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a creamy, dreamy addition.
Ginger snaps: These cookies echo the ginger flavor in the cake, enhancing its spices.
Mulled wine: Serve warm mulled wine for a cozy drink option that complements dessert nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin spice cake can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the wrong pumpkin puree: Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures consistency in texture and flavor.
Skipping the frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting is essential. Don’t skip it; it adds moisture and sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
Not letting the cake cool properly: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat a slice on high for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering it with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common inquiries about making pumpkin spice cake.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Spice Cake is moist?

Using fresh ingredients and measuring accurately will help. Also, avoid overbaking your cake; check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use different spices in my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste or even add nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.

What if my Cream Cheese Frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, add more icing sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible treat perfect for fall gatherings and holidays. Its warm spices paired with creamy frosting create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different food colors for festive occasions!

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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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

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Description

Experience the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with a luscious Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert features a moist and tender cake infused with warm spices, making it the perfect addition to any autumn gathering or holiday celebration. The creamy frosting, rich in brown sugar, adds an irresistible sweetness that beautifully complements the spiced cake. Whether served at Thanksgiving or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a chilly day, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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 (for frosting)
80 g brown sugar (for frosting)
160 g cream cheese (for frosting)
220 g icing sugar (for frosting)
orange food color (optional)
pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In one bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and spices.
In another bowl, beat the sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow cooling before frosting with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cream cheese, and icing sugar.

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