If you are looking to cozy up your baking game this season, the Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the absolute winner you need. This cake combines the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin and a medley of spices with a decadently smooth cream cheese frosting sweetened with brown sugar for that extra depth. Every bite brings a tender, moist texture balanced perfectly by the tangy, luscious frosting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m so excited to share this recipe that has become a favorite in my kitchen and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how straightforward and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. Each one plays a pivotal role: the pumpkin puree provides moisture and that lovely autumn flavor, the spices add warmth and complexity, and the brown sugar in both the cake and frosting lends a rich, caramel undertone that ties everything together perfectly.
- White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create a tender crumb texture.
- Brown sugar: Provides warmth and moisture, enhancing the cake’s richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic background note that pulls all flavors together.
- Eggs: Key for binding and giving structure to the cake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft throughout.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, creating a moist base with iconic pumpkin flavor and color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, ground black pepper: This blend of spices brings authentic warmth and that perfect pumpkin spice profile.
- Unsalted butter: Used in the frosting for creaminess without overpowering sweetness.
- Brown sugar (for frosting): Adds depth and caramel notes to the frosting.
- Cream cheese: Creates the tangy smoothness that perfectly balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious finish.
- Orange food color: Optional, but enhances that classic pumpkin-orange frosting hue.
- Pumpkin seeds: Perfect for garnish, adding a festive crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly tender.
Step 2: Mix Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white granulated sugar and brown sugar first. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which will help create a gorgeous cake texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Oil and Pumpkin Puree
Slowly add in the vegetable oil followed by the pumpkin puree. Mixing these in until smooth ensures your batter has a rich, uniform consistency that will translate to moistness after baking.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all those delicious spices — cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter. This will maintain the cake’s light and tender texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is perfectly baked through without drying out.
Step 7: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake bakes, mix the unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy. Then add the cream cheese and icing sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you want that signature pumpkin frosting color, add a few drops of orange food coloring now.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with pumpkin seeds for a festive crunch that adds both texture and charm. Slice, serve, and prepare to be amazed by every bite.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding pumpkin seeds as a garnish brings a delightful crunch and a little nutty flavor that complements the smooth frosting. For a little extra flair, try a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce to amplify the cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy pumpkin spice latte. If you want to add a small accompaniment, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream enhances the moist, spiced goodness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for serving at a gathering, or layering it with extra frosting to create a fancy layer cake twist. You could also pipe some extra frosting to create decorative swirls, making it perfect for holiday parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and the cake moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe at a later date, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy its flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the easiest option. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin without added spices or sweeteners.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil for butter?
You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly denser. Oil helps retain moisture better, which is ideal for this cake.
Is it necessary to use all these spices?
While you can adjust to taste, the blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of black pepper creates the classic deep and warm pumpkin spice flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. Baking times can vary slightly with your oven, so keep an eye on it as it nears the 60-minute mark.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before frosting your cake for easy spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly one of those delightful treats that feel like home in every bite. Its blend of aromatic spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and that indulgent frosting makes it hard not to fall in love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this cake is bound to bring smiles and warm memories. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to autumn favorite too!
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Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful autumn treat that combines the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of black pepper with rich pumpkin puree. Topped with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting and garnished with crunchy pumpkin seeds, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy fall celebrations.
Ingredients
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
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, combine the white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and light in texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the vegetable oil and pumpkin puree into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground black pepper to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake is baking or cooling, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add cream cheese and icing sugar, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and evenly combined. Add orange food color if desired to enhance the autumnal look.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with pumpkin seeds if desired to add texture and decoration. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- You can substitute pumpkin puree with fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin for a homemade touch.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle warmth that enhances the spices, but adjust to taste.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness instead of relying solely on time due to oven variations.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
