Introduction
Embark on a delightful baking journey with this scrumptious pumpkin cake recipe, perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion. With a rich pumpkin flavor and a velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the delicious details of the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering treat!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pumpkin Puree Options
1 2/3 cups fresh pumpkin puree
15 oz / 425g canned pure pumpkin
Other Cake Batter Ingredients
4 large eggs (55-60g/2oz each), at room temperature
1 2/3 cups white sugar (or caster/superfine sugar)
1 cup vegetable or canola oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
Frosting
6 oz / 180g cream cheese block, at room temperature
1 cup / 225g unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups soft icing sugar/powdered sugar, sifted
Finishing
1/3 – 1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Prep Time
Prepare yourself for about 30 minutes of prep time to gather and mix your ingredients. This includes measuring, mixing, and preparing the baking pan for your cake.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cake will take approximately 40 minutes to bake. After cooling, allow for an additional 2 hours before frosting.
Total time from start to finish is about 3 hours, yielding a moist and delicious cake you can cut into 16 servings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C for fan-forced). Prepare a large baking pan measuring approximately 9 x 13″ / 23 x 33cm by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with baking paper, ensuring there’s an overhang.
Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 2/3 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of vegetable or canola oil, and your choice of pumpkin puree (either fresh or canned). Mix well until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of plain flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder, and 1 teaspoon of cooking/kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely for about 2 hours before frosting.
Make the Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, combine 6 oz of cream cheese and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
Add Icing Sugar
Gradually incorporate 4 cups of sifted icing sugar into the cream cheese and butter mixture in three batches. Start on low speed after each addition to avoid a mess, then increase to high speed and beat for an additional 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Finally, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the back of a spoon to create swirly dents in the frosting.
Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle 1/3 – 1/2 cup of maple syrup over the frosting, focusing on the swirly dents to form syrup pools. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of roughly chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Serve the Cake
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Using fresh pumpkin puree enhances the cake’s pumpkin flavor. For this, use approximately 800g – 1kg of pumpkin. Peel, remove seeds, chop into large pieces, and cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain, let cool, and puree to obtain 1 2/3 cups (400g).
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a convenient alternative and can be found in the international section of some grocery stores. It is essentially pure pumpkin.
Sugar Adjustment
If desired, the sugar amount can be reduced to 1 1/4 cups for a less sweet cake.
Salt Importance
Though the salt measurement may seem high, it’s crucial for enhancing the pumpkin flavor. Use kosher or cooking salt for best results; if using table salt, reduce to 1/2 teaspoon.
Cream Cheese Consistency
If only spreadable cream cheese is available, you may need to adjust the amount of icing sugar used to achieve the right frosting consistency.
Icing Sugar Guidance
In Australia, ensure to use soft icing sugar, which is different from pure icing sugar that can become hard.
Potential Variations
This moist cake is versatile; it can be baked in various forms like round cakes, bundt cakes, loaf pans, or muffins (bake for about 25 minutes).
Storage Information
The cake is best stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparing Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Using fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the pumpkin flavor of your cake. Start by peeling the pumpkin, removing the seeds, and cutting it into large chunks. Boil the chunks for about 10 minutes until they are very soft. Drain and let them steam dry in a colander for about 30 minutes, then blend until smooth.
Egg and Sugar Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and oil until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This helps to aerate the batter, leading to a lighter cake texture.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture gradually, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a denser cake.
Baking Techniques
Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake at the specified temperature. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cooling and Frosting
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Cool completely for about 2 hours before applying frosting to prevent melting.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the icing sugar in batches to prevent clumping, then beat until light and airy.
Decorating the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, using a spoon to create decorative swirls. Drizzle maple syrup over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin is a great alternative and provides a similar flavor. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any additives.
How do I store the cake after baking?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 1 1/4 cups if you prefer a less sweet cake.
What type of salt should I use?
It’s best to use kosher or cooking salt, as it enhances the pumpkin flavor. If using table salt, reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon.
Can I make this recipe as muffins?
Absolutely, you can make muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and baking for approximately 25 minutes.
Conclusion
This pumpkin cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The moistness of the cake, complemented by the rich cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of maple syrup, creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a sweet indulgence, it promises to satisfy pumpkin lovers and cake enthusiasts alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pumpkin Muffins
Transform the batter into muffins for a quick breakfast or snack option.
Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Adjust the recipe to create a flavorful pumpkin bread, perfect for toasting and spreading with butter.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Use the pumpkin puree to make fluffy pancakes, topped with maple syrup and pecans.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake
Incorporate chocolate chips into the cake batter for a deliciously sweet twist.
Nutty Pumpkin Granola
Combine oats, pumpkin puree, nuts, and spices to make a flavorful granola mix.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Base this recipe on the ingredients but convert it into a creamy pumpkin cheesecake for a decadent dessert.
Overnight Pumpkin Oats
Mix pumpkin puree into overnight oats for a nutritious and tasty breakfast option.
