Pumpkin Cake: A Delicious Fall Dessert
Pumpkin cake is a classic fall dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the season. This moist and flavorful cake is made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a cream cheese frosting that’s sure to please any pumpkin lover. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this cake so special, how to make it, and some tips for serving and storing it.
What Makes Pumpkin Cake Special?
Pumpkin cake is special because it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make it a truly delicious dessert. The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for the autumn season. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Ingredients
To make pumpkin cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Add the pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Tips for Serving and Storing
- Serve the cake at room temperature, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the cream cheese frosting before serving.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall. With its warm and comforting flavor profile and creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it’s such a beloved fall dessert?
