Pumpkin and spice cake

Pumpkin and Spice Cake Recipe: a spiced sweet treat for autumn

Hello! Today I invite you to prepare a delicious pumpkin and spice cake, a classic that evokes the aroma and flavor of autumn in every bite. This cake combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with a warm blend of spices, creating a comforting and pumpkin-flavored experience. Perfect for sharing at home on cool afternoons and for getting closer to the charm of country pie.

Preparation time

This cake requires some time to ensure the dough and filling turn out perfect.

• 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 wish, you can substitute evaporated milk with light cream for a creamier flavor.

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: Make sure to wash the sweet pumpkin well to clean its surface before cutting it.
2. Cut the pumpkin: Remove the skin and seeds, either with a sharp knife or peeler; then cut it into medium cubes.
3. Steam or bake: Cook the cubes until tender; you can steam them so they don't get waterlogged or roast them to intensify the flavor.
4. Process the puree: While still hot, mash the pumpkin until smooth, which will prevent lumps in the cake.

2. Mix the autumn spices

1. Combine the spices: In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice to create the typical pumpkin spice blend.
2. Use a sieve: If the spices are lumpy, sifting them through a sieve will help make the mixture more homogeneous, ensuring a uniform flavor in the cake.

3. Prepare the dough and filling

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 180 ºC so it's ready when you finish the mixture.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: Add the flour with the baking powder and a portion of the spice mixture. Set aside.
3. Beat butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is creamy.
4. Incorporate eggs: Add one egg at a time, beating after each addition for an airy texture.
5. Add the puree and milk: Add the pumpkin puree and evaporated milk to the mixture, which will give moisture and pumpkin flavor.
6. Integrate the dry ingredients: Slowly incorporate the flour with the spices to form the batter without overbeating and to avoid a tough cake.

4. Bake the pumpkin and spice cake

1. Grease the mold: Use a little butter or baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Pour the mixture: Place the dough in the mold and level it gently with a spatula.
3. Bake: Cook for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; this indicates it is well cooked but tender.
4. Let cool: Remove the cake to cool inside the mold for about 10 minutes before unmolding and transferring to a rack.

To finish and serve

When the cake is completely cool, you can sprinkle a little more spices and pumpkin powder to enhance its aromatic scent. Serve with coffee or a bourbon chocolate cake, offering a delicious and festive contrast. This cake is ideal for sharing at family gatherings celebrating cinnamon flavors and autumnal sweetness.

I want to share these tips with you

• Use fresh spices: for an intense flavor, your spice mix should be freshly ground or prepared, avoid old and less aromatic spices.
• Adjust the allspice: if you cannot find this ingredient, you can slightly increase the nutmeg, but never substitute the entire mix with only pepper.
• Control the texture: Do not overbeat the batter so that the cake does not turn out dry; mix until the dry ingredients are integrated.
• Say goodbye to lumps: the pumpkin puree must be well mashed, if using canned pumpkin, make sure it is pure and without additives.
• Test the cake: when removing from the oven, perform the toothpick test to avoid overbaking and losing moisture.
• Customize your mix: If you wish, add a little cardamom for a unique sweet and spicy touch, ideal for varying the traditional recipe.
• Serve fresh: this cake is even tastier the next day, let it rest and then enjoy the more intense flavors.

Nutritional Information

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

These values are approximate estimates per serving, considering the standard ingredients of the recipe.

5 keys to make it perfect

• Key 1: Smooth puree: Process the pumpkin while hot to avoid lumps and achieve a velvety texture in the cake.
• Key 2: Balanced spices: The mix should balance sweet flavors with spices like clove and allspice that add complexity.
• Key 3: Time control: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to prevent it from being raw in the center or drying out too much.
• Key 4: Rest the cake: Let it cool before cutting so the flavors settle and the cake maintains its shape.
• Key 5: Choose fresh ingredients: Always use fresh butter and natural sweet pumpkin for an authentic and delicious flavor.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

Pumpkin and spice pie is the ideal choice for cool autumn days and colder seasons, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or with friends in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It is especially perfect for celebrating seasonal festivities, such as harvest festivals or Halloween. Its smooth and sweet spiced flavor complements hot drinks and creamy desserts very well.

Comparative table of recipes similar to Pumpkin and Spice Cake

Where to use the pumpkin and spice mix at home?

• In oatmeal: Add a pinch to your breakfasts to wake up with cinnamon flavors and a sweet spiced touch.
• Pancakes and waffles: Incorporate the mix to enjoy an autumn breakfast full of aroma and flavor.
• Spiced hot chocolate: Ideal to accompany your snack, warming the body while enjoying the comfort of autumn.
• Homemade lattes: Prepare a pumpkin spice latte for a comforting coffee, perfect for starting the day.
• In homemade truffles: Use the mix to give a sweet and spiced twist to your chocolates.

The combination between aromatic pumpkin and a blend of autumnal spices creates that unique flavor that awakens nostalgia and a desire to share. The use of these spices not only highlights the natural sweetness of sweet zucchini but also enriches your table with deep and warm notes reminiscent of autumn in a cake.

Secrets of the spiced sweet treat for an unforgettable cake

• The role of ginger: Adds a slight spicy touch that cuts through the sweetness and adds depth.
• Balancing the spices: It's very easy to overpower the cake with cloves, so it's recommended to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Using room temperature butter: This helps to better integrate the sugar and achieve a fluffier texture.

Explore more recipes that combine spices and autumnal sweets like the pumpkin-filled crepe cake or the dark chocolate truffles with pumpkin and cinnamon, both wonderful options to diversify your seasonal dessert repertoire.