The aroma of pumpkin spice cake wafting from the oven is a quintessential fall experience, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort. As the seasons change and the weather cools, our cravings for moist, flavorful baked goods like pumpkin spice cake intensify. This recipe for moist pumpkin spice cake is a masterclass in balancing the perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and moisture, ensuring a delightful treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee.
Pumpkin spice cake has become a staple of fall cuisine, with its rich, velvety texture and aromatic spices transporting us to a place of nostalgia and warmth. The key to a truly exceptional pumpkin spice cake lies in the quality of its ingredients and the precision of its preparation. By combining the finest canned pumpkin puree, a medley of warming spices, and a touch of brown sugar, this recipe yields a cake that is at once familiar and excitingly new.
Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
This recipe for moist pumpkin spice cake is designed to satisfy your fall cravings, with a perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture. The addition of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil ensures a tender crumb, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger provides a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugars and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree, yogurt, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If using walnuts, fold them into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of this moist pumpkin spice cake (1 slice, assuming 12 slices per cake) contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
Key Points
- This moist pumpkin spice cake recipe uses high-quality ingredients like canned pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt to ensure a tender, flavorful cake.
- A blend of warming spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, provides a classic fall flavor profile.
- The addition of brown sugar and unsalted butter enhances the cake's richness and depth of flavor.
- This recipe yields two 9-inch cakes, perfect for layering with cream cheese frosting or serving as a standalone dessert.
- Nutrition information is provided to help you make informed choices about your diet.
Tips and Variations
To take your pumpkin spice cake to the next level, consider the following tips and variations:
Adding a Cream Cheese Frosting
A tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to this moist pumpkin spice cake. Simply beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the frosting's consistency and sweetness to your liking.
Incorporating Different Spices
Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to create a unique flavor profile. Some options include:
- Adding a pinch of ground cloves for added depth
- Using ground cardamom for a sweet, aromatic flavor
- Incorporating a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the cake's chocolate undertones
What makes this pumpkin spice cake recipe so moist?
+The combination of Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and canned pumpkin puree ensures a tender, moist crumb. These ingredients work together to create a cake that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe in a single 9x13-inch pan?
+Yes, you can make this recipe in a single 9x13-inch pan. Simply adjust the baking time to 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How do I store leftover pumpkin spice cake?
+Store leftover pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
In conclusion, this moist pumpkin spice cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of fall. With its perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and moisture, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delightful taste of pumpkin spice cake with family and friends.
