This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat for fall and the holiday season. With its moist and soft texture, combined with the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices, this cake stands out in any dessert spread. The delightful brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the spiced cake beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy autumn evening, this cake is sure to impress family and friends.

REMEMBER IT LATER

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: This cake combines warm spices like cinnamon and ginger with a hint of pumpkin for a truly unique taste.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, every bite is soft and moist, making it a favorite for dessert lovers.
Versatile Occasion: Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home—this cake fits any occasion.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this delicious cake without hassle.
Impressive Presentation: Topped with creamy brown sugar frosting and adorned with pumpkin seeds, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparing this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing batter and frosting for a consistent texture.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cake layers.

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

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

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cooling on a rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy.
Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Gradually incorporate icing sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Add orange food color if desired for visual appeal.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of brown sugar cream cheese frosting over the top of your pumpkin spice cake. Garnish with pumpkin seeds if you like!

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

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

This delightful pumpkin spice cake is perfect for any gathering. Its rich flavors and creamy frosting make it a standout dessert for fall festivities and holiday celebrations.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the spices in the cake beautifully. Choose a pumpkin spice latte for an extra seasonal touch.

Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream adds a luscious texture that balances the dense cake and frosting.

Top with Nuts

Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy element that enhances each bite, making it even more enjoyable.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside the cake creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

Sprinkling roasted pumpkin seeds on top not only adds flavor but also provides a fun visual appeal.

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

Creating the perfect pumpkin spice cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your pumpkin puree and spices are fresh for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix: Gently fold the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Cool completely before frosting: This helps prevent the frosting from melting and makes for a neater presentation.
Add color wisely: Incorporate orange food coloring gradually to achieve your desired shade without overpowering the natural colors.

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

While this pumpkin spice cake stands alone as a delicious dessert, serving it with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great suggestions:

Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with the flavors in the cake.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness echoes the dessert’s taste, creating a harmonious meal.
Maple Glazed Carrots: These add a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.
Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of soup offers comfort and balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness from cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of both the cake and frosting.
Green Salad with Walnuts: A light salad adds freshness to your plate and complements the fall flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the texture of your cake and frosting. Always bring them to room temperature for better blending.
Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Ignoring oven temperature – An oven that isn’t preheated or at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before baking.
Underestimating cooling time – Frosting a hot cake can cause it to melt and slide off. Allow your cake to cool completely before applying the frosting.

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 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 to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm slices for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of frosting on this cake?

You can definitely swap out the brown sugar cream cheese frosting for other flavors like vanilla or chocolate if you prefer something different.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Cake more moist?

To add extra moisture, consider using Greek yogurt or buttermilk in place of some vegetable oil in the recipe.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you may substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect as a delightful dessert option for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall. Its soft texture and spicy flavors make it an excellent choice for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or raisins, ensuring everyone enjoys this comforting dessert!

REMEMBER IT LATER

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with a rich Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist, spiced cake is infused with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger, making it perfect for fall festivities and cozy gatherings. The velvety frosting adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, ensuring this dessert becomes the highlight of any table. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix white sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For frosting: Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add cream cheese and mix smooth; gradually incorporate icing sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
Frost cooled cake and garnish with pumpkin seeds if desired.

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