This Autumn Harvest Spiced Pumpkin Cake is the perfect dessert to warm your soul as the leaves start to fall. With the cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, it's a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the season. It's simple to whip up and delivers a moist, flavorful bite every time.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the pumpkin puree, which provides moisture and a mild sweetness. Vegetable oil harmonizes with the puree to keep the cake tender, while Greek yogurt adds a subtle tanginess and extra moisture. For sweetness, we're using both granulated sugar and brown sugar; the latter offers depth with its molasses content. The eggs bind everything together, and the vanilla extract enhances the warm flavors. Our leavening agents, baking soda and baking powder, ensure a good rise. We rely on a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to spice things up perfectly. Finally, pecans and raisins add texture and a bit of chewiness.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent treat, serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It's equally delightful with a hot mug of chai tea or spiced cider, perfect for cozy autumn evenings.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. A little non-stick spray or a dab of butter will do the trick. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures they're well distributed.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until they're fully integrated, creating a smooth mixture. Gradually add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so keep it gentle.
Next, fold in the pecans and raisins. These will add a lovely crunch and a pop of sweetness in each bite. Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it trickle down the sides. Cut into squares and enjoy!
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