Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

An extremely moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is a delightful dessert perfect for any fall gathering. This cake is loaded with pumpkin spice flavor, making it an irresistible treat for Thanksgiving or family celebrations. Its rich texture and sweet cream cheese frosting pair beautifully, ensuring it will be the star of your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and pumpkin creates a warm, comforting taste that celebrates the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and cream cheese, every bite is moist and decadent, leaving you wanting more.
• Versatile Delight: Serve it as a festive dessert or enjoy it as an everyday treat with coffee or tea.
• Beautiful Presentation: The streusel topping adds an appealing crunch, making it visually stunning for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help make your cooking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly.
• Baking pan: Provides even baking and helps shape the cake perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

How to Make Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl.
2. Add white sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

In another bowl:
1. Combine light brown sugar, white sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder.
2. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture into small pieces.

Step 6: Assemble

Once cooled:
– Spread cream cheese frosting over the top of your cake.
– Sprinkle streusel topping generously over frosting for added crunch.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these serving suggestions will enhance your pumpkin cake experience.

Coffee and Tea

• Coffee – A warm cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake perfectly, enhancing its flavor.
• Chai Tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea create a cozy pairing with the pumpkin cake.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that balances the cake’s sweetness.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – This unique option enhances the spice notes in the pumpkin cake.

Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples – Crunchy apples add freshness and contrast to the soft texture of the cake.
• Berries – Raspberries or blueberries provide a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Nuts

• Chopped Pecans – Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty taste.
• Walnuts – Toasted walnuts can be served alongside or on top for extra texture.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Making a perfect pumpkin cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree – Fresh pumpkin puree can elevate the flavor compared to canned options.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Mixing too much can make your cake dense; mix just until combined.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done baking.
• Cool Before Frosting – Allow your cake to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
• Store Properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like carrots and squash add color and nutrition to your meal.
2. Salad with Vinaigrette – A fresh salad can lighten up your dessert experience with its crispness.
3. Cheese Platter – Include cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pair nicely with sweet desserts.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that complements the richness of the cake.
5. Sweet Potato Mash – The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad – A quinoa salad dressed in herbs provides protein and balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using expired ingredients – Always check the expiration dates on baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Fresh ingredients yield better flavors.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Not measuring correctly – Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven for even cooking. An inaccurate temperature can affect the cake’s texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat single slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make the streusel topping?

To make the streusel topping, combine butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder until crumbly.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top for added texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is not only a perfect fall dessert but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding different spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this delightful recipe a try; you’ll love its moist texture and rich flavors!