Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

An extremely moist Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This delightful cake is not only packed with pumpkin spice flavor, but it also boasts a rich cream cheese filling and a crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will impress your friends and family with its unique texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of vegetable oil and pumpkin puree ensures that every bite is soft and tender.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious dessert.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for fall festivities, holiday dinners, or as a cozy treat on chilly evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger gives this cake a warm autumn flavor that’s irresistible.
• Streusel Topping Delight: A crunchy topping adds texture contrast to the creamy filling, making each slice a delightful experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Makes blending the batter easy and efficient, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness in your cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 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 Filling

• 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 and sugar.
2. Beat in the eggs until well mixed.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

Next:
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Filling

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

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

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

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

In your prepared baking pan:
1. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the bottom.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture over it evenly.
3. Top with remaining pumpkin batter followed by sprinkling on streusel topping.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Let cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious 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 its appeal, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Slice

• A simple slice of the cake topped with extra cream cheese frosting adds a rich flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream on top brings a fluffy texture that balances the dense cake beautifully.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds an indulgent sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spices.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy slices alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy dessert experience, enhancing the fall flavors.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

To make your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices yield stronger flavors than pre-ground ones, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked. This ensures a perfectly moist cake.
• Cool Completely Before Serving: Let your cake cool completely so that the cream cheese frosting sets properly, making it easier to slice.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor in your cake.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to maintain freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Chai-Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples infused with chai spices add warmth that complements the pumpkin flavor.
2. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The sweetness of maple enhances the savory notes of Brussels sprouts, making them a perfect match.
3. Cranberry Sauce: This tart sauce contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake, providing a refreshing zing.
4. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes bring an earthy sweetness that plays well alongside dessert.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of cake.
6. Gingerbread Cookies: For those who love spice, gingerbread cookies echo the flavors in your pumpkin cake while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a pumpkin cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the measurements – Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to an unbalanced cake. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold eggs and cream cheese can prevent proper mixing. Let them sit at room temperature before you start.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
• Neglecting oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cake’s rise. Always preheat your oven for even baking.
• Forgetting about the streusel topping – The streusel adds texture and flavor. Make sure to prepare it in advance and sprinkle it generously on top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious pumpkin cake recipe.

What makes this Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping so moist?

The combination of vegetable oil and pumpkin puree keeps this cake incredibly moist, ensuring each bite is rich in flavor.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree works well; just make sure it’s well-pureed and not too watery.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter or mix in chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! This pumpkin cake is perfect as a Thanksgiving dessert that your guests will love.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese and Streusel Topping is not only a delightful addition to your dessert table but also versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite nuts or spices to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy this seasonal treat!