Quick Pumpkin Cake

The filling is the essence of this recipe, and to start, carefully peel the pumpkin of its skin and seeds, ensuring you are left with only the sweet and juicy flesh. Cut it into smaller pieces and grate it on a large grater, so you obtain a uniform consistency. Place the grated pumpkin in a large bowl, then add granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, aromatic cinnamon, rum essence, nutrient-rich raisins, the zest and juice of fresh lemon, ground nuts, and optionally, a few cubes of apple or quince for an extra flavor boost. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon, homogenizing the composition well. Set the filling mixture aside so that the sugar melts and releases the flavors.

Next, we will prepare the dough. In another bowl, carefully combine the sifted flour with baking powder, semolina, sugar, and vanilla sugar. In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine together with 20g of sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely melted. Immediately pour the melted butter mixture into a heat-resistant dish or a tray, making sure to evenly cover the bottom. Sprinkle ½ of the flour mixture over the dough and level it well to obtain a stable base.

Now, add the pumpkin filling, pressing it gently with the spatula to distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the filling and level it again carefully. To add extra juiciness, pour over the compote or apple juice; if you don't have it on hand, a good alternative would be a mix of water, sugar, and lemon juice to obtain a liquid that softens the dough.

Place the tray in the preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 40-50 minutes. It is important to check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, then the cake is ready. The color should be nicely browned, and the aroma should fill the entire kitchen. Let the cake cool slightly in the tray before slicing it. Serve the slices sprinkled with a little granulated sugar or powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance. This pumpkin cake will surely be a delight for everyone who enjoys it!