This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of spices and sweetness, making it a must-try for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Its moist texture and rich flavors create a delightful dessert that will impress your friends and family. Ideal for Thanksgiving or seasonal festivities, this cake combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the lusciousness of creamy frosting.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar creates a unique taste that captures the essence of fall.
Moist and Tender: This cake remains soft and moist thanks to the addition of pumpkin puree and oil, ensuring each bite is a delight.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, this cake can be enjoyed at parties, potlucks, or as a cozy treat at home.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious dessert without hassle.
Creamy Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich layer that enhances the cake’s flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without spilling, ensuring an even batter.
Electric mixer: Makes it easier to achieve fluffy frosting and well-mixed batter in less time.
Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the cake’s moisture.

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
¼ 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)

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 helps ensure an even bake for your cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine white granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and vegetable oil.
2. Beat until smooth using an electric mixer.
3. Add pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a new bowl:
1. Beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth.
3. Gradually add icing sugar until fully incorporated. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely:
1. Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Optional: Add orange food color to frosting for a festive touch or decorate with pumpkin seeds.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special treat just for you.

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 occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious dessert.

Try it with Coffee

Pair a slice of pumpkin spice cake with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the spices in the cake beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.

Garnish with Nuts

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. This enhances both the taste and presentation.

Serve with Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Create a Cake Platter

Arrange slices on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a beautiful fall display.

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

To achieve the best results with your pumpkin spice cake, follow these simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Opt for homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned for richer flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature for perfectly baked cake.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
Add Extra Spices: Adjust spices based on personal preference, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for enhanced warmth.

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

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin spice cake can create a complete fall experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this sweet treat nicely.

Apple Cider Sangria: A refreshing drink made with apple cider, wine, and fresh fruits that pairs perfectly with dessert.
Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie that balance the sweetness of the cake.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A warm salad featuring roasted squash, arugula, and walnuts that brings out fall flavors.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Spiced Nuts: Serve a bowl of spiced nuts as a crunchy snack alongside your dessert for guests to nibble on.
Pumpkin Soup: Start your meal off right with creamy pumpkin soup that sets the seasonal tone before diving into dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the wrong pumpkin puree – Always use pure pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. This keeps your cake’s flavor authentic.
Overmixing the batter – If you overmix the batter, your cake may turn out dense instead of light. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
Skipping the cooling time – Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting it. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
Not tasting the frosting – Always taste your frosting before using it! Adjusting sweetness and flavors can make a big difference in your final dessert.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Keep any extra cream cheese frosting in a separate container for freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze unfrosted cake layers if possible.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; cover to warm slices gently without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Roast it, blend it until smooth, and measure out the same amount as canned puree.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or using buttermilk can enhance moisture while keeping your cake fluffy.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

What is the best way to frost this cake?

Apply cream cheese frosting once the cake is completely cooled. Use an offset spatula for an even spread!

How should I serve this cake?

This Pumpkin Spice Cake is perfect served warm with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for cozy gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of fall. Its moist texture and rich frosting will impress anyone who tries it. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!

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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert features a moist cake infused with traditional pumpkin spices, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy frosting that adds sweetness and depth. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this seasonal favorite will impress friends and family alike. Its simple preparation makes it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy each slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.

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
¼ tsp Ground black pepper
150 g Unsalted butter
80 g Brown sugar (for frosting)
160 g Cream cheese
220 g Icing sugar
Orange food color (optional)
Pumpkin seeds (for decoration)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat until smooth.
Mix in the pumpkin puree until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For frosting, beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy; add cream cheese and mix until smooth; gradually incorporate icing sugar.
Once cooled, frost the cake and enjoy!

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