Castilla Pumpkin Cake with Cajeta and Spices

Recipe for Castilla Pumpkin Pie with Cajeta and Spices

Discover how to prepare an exquisite pie that combines the natural sweetness of Castilla pumpkin with the delicious intensity of cajeta and Castilla spices. This traditional pie is a delight for the palate that unites a homemade touch with simple ingredients, reflecting the sweet tradition of autumnal flavors that you can easily enjoy at home.

Preparation time

To achieve the perfect texture and balance of flavors, here is the estimated time to prepare this delight:

• Preparation: 25 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour
• Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the cake

• Sweet pumpkin (puree): 450 grams
• Wheat flour: 280 grams
• Brown sugar: 200 grams
• Eggs: 3 units
• Evaporated milk: 240 ml
• Butter: 115 grams
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

For the spices

• Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
• Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
• Ground allspice: 1/4 teaspoon

If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with light cream for a creamier and richer result, thus adapting the cake to your preference.

Utensils we will use

• 23 cm cake pan
• Hand or electric whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or silicone spatula
• Small bowl for mixing spices

Preparation

1. Prepare the pumpkin puree

1. Wash and dry the pumpkin: It is essential to remove all dirt from the surface before peeling it.
2. Cut the pumpkin: Carefully remove the skin and seeds and cut it into medium cubes to facilitate cooking.
3. Steam or bake: To preserve the characteristic sweet flavor of the Castilla pumpkin, prefer to steam or lightly roast it.
4. Process the puree: When hot, mash until a uniform texture is obtained, avoiding lumps that could affect the smoothness of the cake.

2. Combine the Castilla spices

1. Mix the spices: Combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a small bowl to achieve the classic characteristic aroma.
2. Use a sieve to avoid lumps, ensuring the mixture has a uniform and deep flavor in every bite of the cake.

3. Prepare the dough and filling

1. Preheat the oven to 180 ºC, this ensures even and controlled baking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: Flour, baking powder, and part of the spices are combined in a bowl and set aside.
3. Beat butter and sugar: Try to get a creamy mixture by beating the butter with brown sugar to give a fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate the eggs: Add one by one, mixing well to achieve aeration.
5. Add the pumpkin puree and evaporated milk: These provide moisture and an authentic pumpkin flavor.
6. Integrate the dry ingredients slowly: This prevents a tough dough and maintains the lightness of the cake.

4. Bake the Castilla pumpkin pie with cajeta and spices

1. Grease the mold: Prevent sticking with butter or baking paper.
2. Pour the mixture: Use a spatula to level and distribute evenly.
3. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes: Check with a toothpick, it should come out clean to confirm correct cooking.
4. Let cool: Wait 10 minutes in the mold before unmolding to preserve the shape.

To finish and serve

When the cake is cold, it's ideal to sprinkle a little more of the Castilla spices to intensify its aroma. You can accompany it with coffee or with bourbon chocolate cake for a spectacular contrast. Its moist texture and warm notes make it perfect for sharing at family after-dinner gatherings.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Proteins: 5 grams
• Fats: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

These values are estimates per serving, based on the standard ingredients used in this recipe.

5 keys to make it perfect

To achieve a truly unforgettable Castilla pumpkin pie with cajeta and spices, consider these basic tips:

• Smooth puree: Processing the pumpkin while hot prevents lumps, improving the pie's velvety texture.
• Balanced spices: The mixture should maintain the sweetness of the pumpkin without overshadowing the warm touch of clove and allspice.
• Baking control: A clean toothpick is the infallible sign to remove the pie and prevent it from being undercooked or dry.
• Rest before cutting: Allowing it to cool helps the flavors settle and the pie maintain its shape when serving.
• Use of fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh butter and good quality Castilla pumpkin for the best flavor.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This pie is the perfect ally for cool autumn or winter days. Its combination of Flavor and Pumpkin along with Castilla spices make it suitable for family gatherings, holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween, and warm coffee afternoons. Furthermore, its sweetness and texture make it a comforting dessert to accompany with tea or a spiced drink.

Comparative table with other pumpkin and spice dessert recipes

Frequently asked questions about Castilla Pumpkin Pie with Cajeta and Spices

Share your experience preparing Castilla Pumpkin Pie with Cajeta and Spices

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Have you tried this recipe? How did it turn out? Encourage your friends to make it, tell us what variations you made or what tips you added. Sharing your experiences in preparing this cake helps create a community of lovers of Pumpkin Delights.

Culinary glossary for Castilla Pumpkin Pie with Cajeta and Spices

• Puree: Cooked pumpkin, mashed until smooth and lump-free.
• Castile Spices: Aromatic blend that includes cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg, typical of the region.
• Blending: Spices crushed to powder to mix uniformly into the dough.
• Silicone spatula: Flexible utensil for mixing and flipping ingredients without damaging the dough.
• Rest: Allow a preparation to cool and set before handling or cutting.