Pumpkin cake recipe + a gift guide.

If you are looking for an alternative to pie this Thursday, you have got to try this pumpkin cake recipe.  I am not a cake person, but this is one of my favorite desserts of all time.  It’s so moist and delicious, and well pumpkin anything, right?

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Tracy a few years ago and I make it every fall now.  It’s always a huge hit (my whole family gobbled it up last night after family home evening.  Fanciest FHE dessert I’ve ever made) and it’s perfect if you’re looking to add something new and fresh to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

I’ve been wanting to try doing a “naked” cake ever since seeing Emily’s  “Naked Birthday Cake” post a few months ago, and this pumpkin cake was the perfect opportunity, especially with it’s rich orange color.  I’m a decent cook/baker but when it comes to making food pretty, I’m basically talentless and this seemed like something that even I could do.  Her’s is still much prettier than mine, but I was so happy with how this turned out, especially with the faux fall foliage on top.

{recipe below}

Pumpkin Cake:

Ingredients:

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 large can pumpkin

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Frosting:

1- 8 oz cream cheese block

1/2 cube butter

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat @ 350 degrees.

Wish together oil, sugar, eggs, & pumpkin (I use my kitchenaid) until well combined and sugar is dissolved.  In a separate bowl mix together dry ingredients then add to the pumpkin mixture until combined.  Pour into a greased 12x 17″ pan or 3-8inch round pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Frosting:

Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla and one cup of powdered sugar until well combined. (again in my Kitchenaid) Beat in remaining powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.

Voila!

If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments, and find a fun little kitchen gift guide below:

Here’s a little Christmas gift guide for the baker, chef, cook, or kitchen diva(o) in your life.

I kind of want everything here for myself; somebody go tell Santa… ;-)

{all images are clickable}