If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy vibes of fall, then this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is just what you need! This cake is not only soft and moist but also packed with warm spices that will make your kitchen smell like a Thanksgiving dream. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this cake brings everyone together with its comforting flavors.

What makes this recipe truly special is the rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s an easy bake that feels like a labor of love, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake has a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Spicy: The mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a warm flavor that spells comfort.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cake! This recipe is sure to become a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time and frost it just before serving, making your life easier!
Festive Appeal: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration, this cake looks as good as it tastes!
Easy to Customize: With simple ingredients, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Get ready to whip up something wonderful with these items:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to personalize your Pumpkin Spice Cake:

Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Incorporate Chocolate: Add chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful surprise.
Try Different Spices: Experiment with cardamom or allspice if you’re feeling adventurous!
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

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 from the moment you pour in the batter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well helps create a nice fluffy texture for your cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper. This step is essential because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined for a tender cake!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is where patience pays off—just wait until you smell that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 6: Prepare Your Frosting

While your cake cools down, beat together unsalted butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add cream cheese followed by icing sugar until smooth. A few drops of orange food color can brighten up your frosting!

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled (this part is important!), spread that luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra touch of fall charm, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top!

And there you have it! A delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every slice!

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

Making this pumpkin spice cake is a joyful experience, and a few tips will help you achieve the best results!

Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works well, making your own puree can add an extra depth of flavor and moisture to your cake.
Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so using the right measurements for ingredients like flour and sugar is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
Let your cake cool completely: Before frosting, make sure your cake is completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting and allows it to set nicely on your cake layers.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to tweak the spices in the cake or add extras like chopped nuts or chocolate chips to customize it to your tastes!

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

This delightful pumpkin spice cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy it.

Garnishes

Pumpkin seeds: A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake.
Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream gives a light and airy contrast while enhancing the autumn flavors.

Side Dishes

Spiced chai tea: The warm spices in spiced chai tea pair beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin spice, creating a cozy experience.
Apple cider: A glass of fresh apple cider enhances the fall vibe and offers a sweet-tart balance alongside your rich dessert.
Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cold, creamy element that contrasts wonderfully with the warm spices of the cake.
Roasted butternut squash salad: This salad brings earthy sweetness and nutty flavors that complement the cake perfectly, making for an inviting meal.

Enjoy making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s sure to become a favorite for all your fall gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it fresh for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Slice the cake into portions for easy thawing.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful cake!

Can I use another type of frosting instead of brown sugar cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the brown sugar cream cheese frosting complements the pumpkin spice flavor beautifully, you can use vanilla buttercream or a simple glaze if you prefer.

What makes this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting so special?

This cake combines the warm spices of fall with the rich sweetness of brown sugar cream cheese frosting, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any autumn gathering!

How long does this Pumpkin Spice Cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s a delightful treat that captures all the flavors of fall and is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every moment of baking and indulging in this delicious cake—happy baking!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with a rich Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake features the perfect balance of warm spices and sweetness, making it ideal for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any festive occasion. Its moist texture and comforting aroma evoke the essence of autumn, ensuring every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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
⅛ tsp Ground black pepper
150 g unsalted butter
80 g Brown sugar
160 g Cream cheese
220 g Icing sugar
Orange food color
Pumpkin seeds

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and black pepper.
Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
Pour batter into a greased pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For frosting, beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy; add cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add orange food coloring if desired.
Once cooled completely, frost the cake and top with pumpkin seeds.