Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting: Irresistibly Decadent Delight

Stepping into the warm embrace of autumn, I always find myself reaching for familiar flavors that capture the essence of the season. Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting quickly becomes a cherished favorite. The aroma that fills the kitchen brings back memories of family gatherings, where each slice of cake was a shared moment of joy.

In our family, baking this cake was more than just a culinary task; it was a ritual. The blending of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—created a symphony of scents that signaled the arrival of fall. Each ingredient played its part, and together, they formed a masterpiece that we eagerly anticipated.

The true magic of this Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a testament to how basic pantry staples, when combined thoughtfully, can transform into something extraordinary. This cake is a gateway to cherished memories and the heartwarming comfort of home-baked goodness.

Now, let’s dive into the creation of this delectable cake, ensuring each step brings you closer to a delightful slice of autumnal bliss.

Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delicious fall flavors with our Pumpkin Spice Cake topped with rich Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting. Learn how to bake this seasonal treat now!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (240g)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
• 1/4 cup applesauce (60ml)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Add the brown sugar and beat until well combined.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until smooth and creamy.
11. Mix in the vanilla extract.
12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
13. Slice and serve the cake once frosted.

Notes

• Enhance the frosting by adding a hint of ground cloves or nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting for a lighter option that doesn’t compromise taste.
• Personalize the cake by mixing chopped nuts or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 4g

Keywords: 1. Pumpkin Spice Cake, 2. Cream Cheese Frosting, 3. Brown Sugar Frosting, 4. Fall Dessert Recipe, 5. Homemade Pumpkin Cake, 6. Spiced Cream Cheese

Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake

Fundamentals

The foundation of any great Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting starts with selecting quality ingredients. Using all-purpose flour provides the perfect structure, while the harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the cake with warmth. These spices, combined with the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree, create a cake that captures the essence of fall.

Incorporating both granulated and brown sugar adds complexity to the sweetness, balancing the spices beautifully. The moist texture of the cake is achieved by combining vegetable oil and applesauce, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Eggs and vanilla extract bind everything together, rounding out the flavor profile.

Preparation/setup

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coat of grease. This ensures your Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting releases smoothly, maintaining a pristine presentation. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of spices.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Mixing the pumpkin puree, sugars, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract creates a rich and aromatic batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.

Mastering the Art of Frosting

Technique

The Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious complement to the Pumpkin Spice Cake. Start by beating softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. This creates the creamy base for your frosting, ensuring a velvet-like texture.

Incorporate brown sugar, which adds a caramel-like depth, enhancing the cake’s warmth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Finish with vanilla extract, adding a subtle aromatic touch that ties the frosting together.

Tips/tricks

For a flawless frosting experience, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This prevents any lumps and makes the mixing process seamless. If you love cream cheese-based frostings, explore similar delights with our Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Apply the frosting only once the cake has completely cooled, preventing it from melting. Use a spatula to spread evenly across the cake, ensuring every bite delivers the perfect frosting-to-cake ratio.

Perfecting Your Pumpkin Spice Cake

Perfecting results

Achieving the ideal Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting involves paying attention to baking time and oven temperature. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack, which helps maintain its structure.

For those who enjoy experimenting, consider variations such as adding chopped nuts or dried fruits. These can introduce new textures and flavors, making each slice unique and exciting.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter issues such as a dense cake, it may be due to overmixing. Stir until ingredients are just combined. For a softer, more tender cake, ensure accurate measurements of leavening agents. Discover other creative desserts like our Confetti Garden Cake with Lemon Buttercream and Sugar Flowers for more baking inspiration.

Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. For a more pronounced flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon or ginger. This flexibility allows you to tailor the cake to your taste, ensuring a personal touch with every bake.

Presenting and Enjoying Your Creation

Serving/presentation

Once frosted, slice the cake into generous squares, showcasing the creamy frosting against the rich, spiced interior. This Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting becomes a centerpiece for gatherings, inviting guests to indulge in its comforting flavors. For more delightful treats, explore our Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts for a decorative finish. These simple touches enhance the visual appeal, making each serving a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Pairings/storage

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, enhancing its warming qualities. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from softening. For more dessert ideas, visit Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Ice Cream Stack.

This cake remains fresh for up to five days when stored properly. For long-term storage, consider freezing individual slices, which can be thawed for a quick treat anytime. If you’re keen on trying other cheese-based desserts, you might enjoy this Sous Vide Cheesecake.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting exemplifies the wonders of homemade baking. Its combination of spices and creamy frosting makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. With a few simple steps, you can create a cake that delights the senses and brings warmth to any gathering.

Its versatility allows for customization, making it a canvas for your culinary creativity. This cake not only satisfies the taste buds but also embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebration. As you bake, remember that each ingredient and step contributes to a delightful experience shared with loved ones.

FAQs – Pumpkin Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting