- 1 cup packed light brown sugar, for cake and frosting
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Brown Sugar Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups confectioners' sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
SEO Tips:
- Include keywords like "chocolate," "pumpkin," and "brown sugar" in your bullet points for better search engine visibility.
- Use hyphens to separate ingredients for a cleaner, more organized list.
- Add relevant descriptions such as "natural cocoa powder" and "light brown sugar" to ensure clarity.
Advertisement
Steps
### How to Make a Chocolate Pumpkin Layer Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting: A Delicious Fall Treat
#### Introduction
Create an autumn delight by baking this rich and flavorful chocolate pumpkin layer cake topped with brown sugar frosting. This recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin with the decadence of dark chocolate for a perfect fall treat.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ginger
For the Frosting:
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
#### Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- 9-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Preparing the Cake Batter
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line them with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger until well combined.
4. **Combine Mixtures:** Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth but slightly lumpy.
5. **Pour Batter into Pans:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula.
6. **Bake the Cake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
#### Making the Frosting
1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. **Add Flavorings:** Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.
3. **Frosting Consistency:** If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out; if it's too thin, mix in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
### Assembly
1. **Layering the Cake:** Once both layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread brown sugar frosting evenly over the top.
2. **Add Second Layer and Frost Top:** Place the second layer on top of the frosted layer and spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula for smooth results.
3. **Decorate (Optional):** Sprinkle some additional cocoa powder or a few pumpkin spice candies over the frosting for added visual appeal.
### Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month.
#### Conclusion
This chocolate pumpkin layer cake with brown sugar frosting is perfect for any fall celebration. The combination of flavors offers something for everyone, making it a delightful treat that will surely become a family favorite this season. Enjoy your baking!