Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
This pumpkin spice cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting is a moist, flavorful fall dessert. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and serves a crowd. The warm spices and tangy frosting make it a seasonal favorite.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2 large)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (optional for frosting)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch pan with butter or cooking spray. This keeps the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything’s evenly combined. This step sets the spiced foundation for your cake.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix the oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth and the eggs are fully blended in. The pumpkin gives it that gorgeous orange hue.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix. A few lumps are fine; they’ll bake out.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top. Use a spatula to make it even or swirl it for a rustic look. Slice and serve when you’re ready!