Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Zesty Orange Glaze
This delightful Spiced Pumpkin Cake is a perfect homage to fall, bringing together the rich and warm flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It's an ideal dessert for gatherings or cozy evenings. Topped with a refreshing orange glaze, this cake adds a citrus zing that beautifully complements the spiced pumpkin base. Whether you're looking for a seasonal treat for Halloween or simply a comforting dessert, this cake will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
light brown sugar
2 cups (firmly packed)
butter flavor shortening
3/4 cup
eggs
4 (large)
pumpkin puree
16 ounces
water
1/4 cup
cake flour
2 1/2 cups
baking powder
4 teaspoons
pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon
baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1 teaspoon
chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (plus additional for garnish (optional))
raisins
1/2 cup
confectioners' sugar
1 cup
orange zest
3/4 teaspoon
orange juice
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you do not have a bundt pan, a 9x13 inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans will also work.
2
Grease the baking pan(s) generously with butter or non-stick spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar and butter-flavored shortening. Beat at low speed until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
4
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then add the pumpkin and water, stirring until smooth.
5
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes to incorporate air into the batter.
7
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack or serving plate to cool completely.
11
For the orange glaze, mix the confectioners' sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
12
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing excess to run down the sides. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top before the glaze sets.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Zesty Orange Glaze?
It is a fall-themed dessert that combines pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a citrus orange glaze.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The main flavors are spiced pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a refreshing orange citrus zing.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What types of pans can I use for this cake?
You can use a bundt pan, a 9x13 inch baking dish, or two 9-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the baking pan generously with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
What is the first step in mixing the cake batter?
In a large mixing bowl, combine light brown sugar and butter-flavored shortening and beat at low speed until creamy.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until they are fully incorporated.
What liquids are mixed with the pumpkin puree?
The pumpkin puree is stirred into the mixture along with 1/4 cup of water.
Which dry ingredients are used in the cake?
The dry ingredients include cake flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
Should the dry ingredients be mixed separately?
Yes, whisk the dry ingredients together in a separate medium bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How long should the batter be beaten after adding dry ingredients?
Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes to incorporate air.
Are there any nuts in this pumpkin cake?
Yes, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts are folded into the batter.
Does this recipe include dried fruit?
Yes, 1/2 cup of raisins are folded into the cake batter.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the pumpkin cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it.
Where should the cake be placed to cool completely?
Invert the cake onto a wire rack or a serving plate to cool completely.
What ingredients are used for the orange glaze?
The glaze is made from confectioners' sugar, orange zest, and orange juice.
When should the glaze be applied to the cake?
Drizzle the orange glaze over the cake once it has cooled completely.
Can I add extra toppings to the glaze?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top before the glaze sets.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 cups of cake flour.
What kind of shortening is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of butter-flavored shortening.
How much pumpkin puree is needed?
You will need a 16-ounce container of pumpkin puree.
What is the serving suggestion for this cake?
It is recommended to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
How much light brown sugar is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of firmly packed light brown sugar.
How much orange zest is needed for the glaze?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of orange zest.
How much orange juice is required for the glaze?
The glaze uses 4 teaspoons of orange juice.
Is this cake suitable for Halloween?
Yes, it is described as a perfect seasonal treat for Halloween or fall gatherings.
How much pumpkin pie spice is in the recipe?
The cake contains 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.