This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate dessert for any fall gathering or holiday celebration. Soft, moist, and infused with warm spices, this cake brings the cozy flavors of autumn to your table. Topped with a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting, it is perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, festive parties, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will make it a standout treat that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting taste that captures the essence of fall.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Dessert: Whether for Thanksgiving or a casual get-together, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.
Moist Texture: The pumpkin puree ensures the cake remains incredibly moist, making each bite delightful.
Irresistible Frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy finish that takes the cake to the next level.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your pumpkin spice cake, 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 and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cake pans (9-inch)
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a light and fluffy cake texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your cake.
Cake pans: Using proper-sized pans helps the cake bake evenly for the best results.

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
Pumpkin seeds

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). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine both sugars—the white granulated sugar and brown sugar—with vegetable oil.
Add in eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.
Gradually add icing sugar; mix until well blended and fluffy.
If desired, add orange food color for an extra festive touch.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread an even layer of frosting on top.
2. Carefully place the second layer on top; frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
3. Garnish with pumpkin seeds if desired.

Now enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful way to bring the flavors of fall to your table. This cake pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its spiced goodness.

With a Hot Beverage

Coffee – A rich, dark roast complements the spices and sweetness perfectly.
Tea – Choose a chai or spiced tea for an aromatic pairing.
Hot Chocolate – For a cozy treat, serve this cake with creamy hot chocolate.

As a Festive Dessert

Thanksgiving Dinner – This cake makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Birthday Celebrations – Add candles and serve it as a special birthday treat.
Potluck Events – Its unique flavor will impress friends at any gathering.

Garnished with Toppings

Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and enhances the richness of the frosting.
Candied Nuts – Sprinkle some candied pecans or walnuts for added crunch and sweetness.

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

To achieve the perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, pay attention to these essential tips.

Use fresh pumpkin puree – Fresh puree offers better flavor compared to canned options.
Sift dry ingredients together – This ensures even distribution of baking powder and spices for a consistent rise.
Room temperature ingredients – Bring your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture in your cake.
Cool completely before frosting – Allow your cake to cool fully; this prevents the frosting from melting off.
Add spices gradually – Adjust spice levels according to your taste preference for a personalized flavor profile.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your meal. These suggestions complement the cake’s flavors beautifully.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness balances the spiciness of the cake.
Maple-Glazed Carrots – The glaze enhances the fall flavors present in both dishes.
Apple Salad – A fresh apple salad adds crispness and a tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Rich mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that pairs well during holiday meals.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – The savory elements of bacon enhance the overall flavor experience.
Spiced Nuts Mix – A bowl of spiced nuts provides a crunchy, savory snack alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to avoid dense or dry cake.
Overmixing the Batter: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in your cake.
Skipping the Cream Cheese Frosting: Don’t miss out on the brown sugar cream cheese frosting! It adds richness and flavor, making the cake irresistible.
Not Testing for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your cake is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice until warm.
Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert:

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting?

To make this cake, combine wet ingredients like pumpkin puree and eggs with dry ingredients such as flour and spices. Bake until golden brown, then frost with creamy brown sugar icing.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to your batter.

What spices are best for Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create that classic pumpkin spice flavor. Adjust according to your taste!

How can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even raisins into the batter for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an ideal treat for fall festivities or cozy gatherings. Its moist texture paired with rich frosting offers endless customization options. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with a luscious Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist and spiced to perfection, this cake is an irresistible treat for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. The rich, creamy frosting enhances the cake’s warm spices, making it a beloved dessert that will delight family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

150 g white granulated sugar
150 g brown sugar
180 ml vegetable oil
400 g pumpkin puree
230 g all-purpose flour
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
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
160 g cream cheese
220 g icing sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, combine white and brown sugars with vegetable oil. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add pumpkin puree and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
For frosting: Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy; add cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
Frost cooled cakes as desired.

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