Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

An extremely moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping awaits your taste buds! This delightful dessert is perfect for any fall gathering or festive occasion. With an irresistible blend of pumpkin spice flavors and a rich cream cheese layer, this cake is not only easy to make but also a standout treat that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply enjoying the autumn season, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this cake quickly without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Moist Texture: The use of pumpkin puree ensures the cake remains moist and tender throughout.
• Streusel Topping Delight: The crunchy streusel topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft cake.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help simplify your baking process and ensure fantastic results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when blending ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cake.

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Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping:

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
2. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl:
1. Beat together the softened cream cheese with white sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Combine light brown sugar, white sugar, butter (softened), flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder.
2. Mix until crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Grease your baking pan.
2. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the pan followed by spreading the cream cheese layer evenly on top.
3. Pour remaining pumpkin batter over it and then sprinkle streusel topping generously on top.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow it to cool slightly before serving this delightful Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping! Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Serving your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to make your cake stand out.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cake, creating a delicious contrast.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for a sweet, gooey finish.

Garnish with Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Accompany with Hot Beverages

• Pair the cake with hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider for a cozy fall treat.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

Achieving the perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your baking process.

• Use fresh pumpkin: If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor and texture.
• Let ingredients come to room temperature: This helps achieve a smoother batter and better rise.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Cool completely before serving: Allowing the cake to cool ensures that it holds its shape when sliced.

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

Enhance your dessert table by serving side dishes alongside your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping. Here are some excellent options.

1. Spiced Chai Tea: A warm chai tea complements the spices in the cake, creating a comforting pairing.
2. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts provide a savory balance to the sweetness.
3. Apple Crisp: The warmth of an apple crisp adds another layer of flavor and texture.
4. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These offer a sweet yet savory note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
5. Salad with Autumn Fruits: A mixed green salad topped with pears or cranberries adds freshness.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a creamy contrast to the spiced cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese will lead to a lumpy batter. Always let your ingredients sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.

• Ignoring baking times: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done.

• Forgetting the streusel topping: The streusel adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes your cake special!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the original baking dish if covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer slices to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid, heating each slice for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pumpkin puree works great! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use vegan cream cheese or even Greek yogurt as an alternative for a lighter option.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Grease your baking pan well and consider using parchment paper on the bottom for easy removal.

How long does this pumpkin cake last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is not only moist but also bursting with fall flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with nuts or different spices according to your taste. Give it a try; this delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion!