Pumpkin cake

Pumpkin Cake – A Flavorful Delight for All Seasons

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 65-75 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

If you’ve ever had the chance to try a pumpkin cake recipe, you already know that this treat fills the house with an inviting aroma, tempting you to settle in with a cup of tea or coffee. Pumpkin cake is not just a delicious alternative to classic cake, but also a great way to add some vegetables to your diet without compromising on taste.

Let’s talk a little about pumpkin. This versatile ingredient has been used throughout time in various dishes, from soups to desserts. By transforming it into a cake, we give ourselves the opportunity to rediscover a culinary tradition. This cake is moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack between meals.

Here’s how you can prepare this delicious pumpkin cake, step by step.

Ingredients

- 300 g pumpkin puree (about 1 medium pumpkin)
- 200 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 60 ml olive oil
- 60 ml vegetable oil
- 2 beaten eggs
- 60 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 75 g chopped nuts (optional)

Preparing the Pumpkin Puree

1. Wash the pumpkin - Start by washing the pumpkin thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities.
2. Cut it in half - Using a sharp knife, cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise.
3. Bake it - Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake the pumpkin in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40-50 minutes or until the flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Mash it - Once the pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mash it well to obtain a smooth puree.

Preparing the Batter

1. Mix the wet ingredients - In a large bowl, add the pumpkin puree, olive oil, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and orange juice. Mix well until combined.
2. Mix the dry ingredients - In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the dry ingredients are well mixed to avoid lumps.
3. Combine the two mixtures - Start gradually adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or whisk until a uniform batter forms. Do not overmix – a few strokes are enough!
4. Add the nuts - Finally, fold in the chopped nuts if you choose to use them. They add a crunchy texture and wonderful flavor.

Baking the Cake

1. Prepare the pan - Grease a loaf pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This is an essential step to ensure easy release.
2. Pour in the batter - Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling it evenly.
3. Bake the cake - Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cooling - Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Suggestions

The pumpkin cake is delicious both warm and cold. I suggest serving it with a dollop of cream cheese or peanut butter for an extra flavor boost. You can also sprinkle some coconut flakes or a drizzle of honey to add a sweet and aromatic touch.

Possible Variations

1. Add chocolate - You can incorporate dark or white chocolate chunks into the batter for a decadent version.
2. Spice it up - Experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves to add another level of flavor.
3. Make it vegan - Replace the eggs with banana puree or applesauce and use vegetable oils to create a vegan version.

Nutritional Information

This pumpkin cake is rich in fiber and vitamins, thanks to the pumpkin and nuts content. A serving contains about 250-300 calories and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. Pumpkin, in particular, is known for its benefits for vision and skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin can be used, but make sure to choose the unsweetened variety.

2. How can I store the pumpkin cake?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a week.

3. Is this cake suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians, and by replacing the eggs with vegan alternatives, it becomes vegan as well.

4. What drinks pair best with it?
A cup of chai tea or a cappuccino with milk foam will perfectly complement the flavors of the pumpkin cake.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start preparing a delicious pumpkin cake! Enjoy!