Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a family favorite that I cherish every autumn. The rich spices mingle beautifully with the pumpkin, creating a cake that’s as delightful as it is comforting. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight treat, a gathering with friends, or a festive holiday celebration, this cake never fails to impress!

What truly makes this recipe special is how simple it is to make while still delivering an indulgent taste. The moist texture of the cake paired with the creamy, sweet frosting is simply irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, sparking joy and smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices.
• Family-approved: Everyone loves the warm spices and creamy frosting, so it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can bake this cake a day or two in advance and simply frost it before serving!
• Perfect for occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or an afternoon coffee break, this cake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delicious cake. You might already have many of these staples in your pantry!

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 adjust it to suit your tastes.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ginger.
• Use different frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Make cupcakes: Pour the batter into cupcake liners instead of a cake pan for easy-to-serve treats!

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 ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly through your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Gradually mix in vegetable oil and pumpkin puree. The combination creates a moist base packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cake light and airy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watching your cake rise is one of my favorite parts!

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down, let’s make that delicious brown sugar cream cheese frosting! Beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until smooth; then add cream cheese and icing sugar. Mix until fluffy and creamy.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top. If you want to add some color or fun decoration, sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds or even use orange food color in your frosting!

Now you have a lovely Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s ready to wow everyone! Enjoy every bite!

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

Baking a cake can be an adventure, so here are some pro tips to ensure your pumpkin spice cake turns out perfect every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Freshly made pumpkin puree offers a richer flavor and better moisture compared to canned. If using canned, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin without added ingredients.

• Room temperature ingredients – Bringing eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gentle mixing keeps it soft and airy.

• Check for doneness – Ovens vary, so insert a toothpick in the center of the cake around the 50-minute mark. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

• Let it cool completely – Allowing the cake to cool before frosting is crucial; otherwise, the frosting may melt into a gooey mess instead of staying beautifully on top.

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

Serving your delicious pumpkin spice cake is all about presentation! Here are some delightful ideas to make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a lovely crunch and aesthetic appeal while enhancing the fall flavors of your cake.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives not only an inviting aroma but also complements the spiced flavor beautifully.
• Edible flowers: Adding a few bright edible flowers can bring color and elegance to your cake, perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative is light and fluffy, providing a sweet and creamy contrast that pairs well with the spiced notes of the cake.
• Apple cider: A warm cup of apple cider enhances those fall flavors. Its sweetness complements the spices in your cake perfectly.
• Roasted autumn vegetables: A savory side like roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes balances out the sweetness of your dessert and adds seasonal flair.
• Hot herbal tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or chai, provides warmth and pairs beautifully with this spiced delight.

Enjoy making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Your friends and family will surely love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or simply want to enjoy this delightful treat throughout the week, knowing how to store it properly will ensure it remains fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to one week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For quick reheating, microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat as this can dry out the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you along your baking journey!

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

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.

How should I store Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.

Can I use other types of frosting on my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting is delicious, you can also try whipped coconut cream or any other frosting you love.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Spice Cake stays moist?

Make sure not to overbake your cake. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking and use a toothpick to check for doneness. Additionally, storing it properly helps maintain its moisture.

What occasions are best for serving Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

This cake is ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or any festive occasion where warm spices bring comfort and joy.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do! It’s a special recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones or indulge in a slice (or two) all by yourself. Happy baking!