Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

An incredibly moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is perfect for welcoming the fall season. This cake is packed with rich pumpkin spice flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion, from Thanksgiving to cozy family gatherings. Its unique texture and flavor will surely impress your guests while being easy enough for anyone to bake at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that make baking enjoyable for all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese creates a deliciously rich cake that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for fall celebrations, this cake can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet breakfast treat.
• Crowd Pleaser: With its moist texture and delightful streusel topping, it’s sure to be a hit among friends and family alike.
• Make Ahead Option: This cake stores well, so you can prepare it in advance for special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your batter is well-mixed for a fluffy cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; these tools help achieve that perfectly balanced flavor.

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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 Layer

• 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). Greasing the pan lightly will prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine vegetable oil and sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
3. Stir in canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl:
– Blend softened cream cheese with white sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer. Top with remaining pumpkin batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a bowl:
– Mix light brown sugar, white sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before slicing.

Enjoy your deliciously moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy this moist cake.

Casual Coffee Break

• Pair a slice of pumpkin cake with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.

Festive Gatherings

• Present the cake at family gatherings or celebrations, garnished with whipped cream for a festive touch.

Fall Picnics

• Bring slices along for a picnic. The flavors of pumpkin spices complement the autumn air beautifully.

Dessert Buffets

• Offer the cake as part of a dessert buffet alongside other sweets. It stands out with its unique flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Perfecting your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping can make all the difference. Here are some handy tips to ensure success.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Ensure you measure flour and sugar correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, maintaining its moisture.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options that complement this fall dessert perfectly.

1. Maple Glazed Pecans – These sweet nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake texture.
2. Cinnamon Apple Slices – Warm apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon offer freshness that balances sweetness.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful creamy pairing for each slice of cake.
4. Spiced Chai Tea – Enjoying a warm cup of spiced chai tea adds warmth and depth, enhancing the pumpkin spice flavors.
5. Caramel Drizzle – Drizzling caramel sauce over individual servings adds sweetness and richness that elevates the dessert.
6. Whipped Coconut Cream – This dairy-free option provides lightness while keeping things indulgent in flavor and texture.
7. Ginger Cookies – These cookies offer an additional layer of spice that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
8. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad – A savory salad balances out the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin cake with cream cheese and streusel topping can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using stale ingredients – Always check the freshness of your baking powder and spices. Old ingredients can affect flavor and texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake dense.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allow the cake to cool before serving. This helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to slice.
• Not measuring accurately – Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can lead to an imbalanced cake.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Preheat your oven for even cooking. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is fully cooled before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze 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 for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds; check if warm enough.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping?

Pumpkin cake with cream cheese and streusel topping is a moist dessert featuring pumpkin puree, spices, cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy topping.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is well-cooked and blended smoothly before adding it to your mixture.

How do I make my pumpkin cake fluffier?

To achieve a fluffier texture, beat your eggs well before adding them to the batter, and ensure you do not overmix once all ingredients are combined.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover pumpkin cake with cream cheese and streusel topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin cake with cream cheese and streusel topping is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or different spices. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Try it out today!