Rustic pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie Cake – A Fall Delight

Who doesn't love the warm and comforting aroma of pumpkin in the chilly season? Pumpkin pie cake is a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the flavors of cinnamon and lemon, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the Dough:
- 500g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons lard
- 100ml milk
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg, ground ginger)

Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1.5kg pie pumpkin
- Sugar (depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 100g butter
- 50ml oil

Step by Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This is the base of your dough, so make sure the ingredients are well combined. In another container, dissolve the sugar in the milk and add it to the flour mixture. This step adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.

2. Adding Moisture Ingredients: To the dough, add the lard, lightly beaten egg, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Knead by hand (or use a food processor if you prefer) until you get a compact and non-sticky dough. If the dough seems too dry, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk. The dough should be easy to roll out.

3. Chilling the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and manageable dough.

4. Preparing the Pumpkin Filling: Peel the pie pumpkin and grate it finely. In a pan, melt the butter and oil, adding the grated pumpkin. Add the sugar and cinnamon, allowing the mixture to sauté gently until the pumpkin becomes soft. Let it cool slightly, then prepare to assemble the cake.

5. Assembling the Cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Choose a 30x25 cm baking dish, ensuring it is clean and dry. Roll out half of the dough on the bottom of the dish. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough, allowing steam to escape during baking.

6. Adding the Filling: Spread the cooled pumpkin filling evenly over the dough in the dish, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Cover with the remaining dough, pressing lightly to settle it well. Beat an egg with a little milk and brush it over the cake for a golden and shiny crust.

7. Baking the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cake is golden and beautifully browned on top.

8. Cooling and Serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant look. It can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- Pumpkin: Choose a fresh, seasonal pie pumpkin for optimal flavor. If the pumpkin is very sweet, adjust the amount of sugar added to the filling.
- Flavors: Experiment with various flavors. You can add vanilla, mint, or even chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Variations: If you want a more exotic cake, you can add dried fruits like prunes, cranberries, or raisins to the pumpkin filling.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin C. It helps improve digestion and supports the immune system. Additionally, this dessert is healthier compared to many other cakes, having a lower amount of sugar and fats.

Calories:
One serving of pumpkin cake contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned pumpkin? Yes, it's a convenient option, but make sure it's 100% pumpkin with no additives.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be refrigerated for a longer duration.
3. What other recipes can it be paired with? This dessert pairs perfectly with flavored coffee or warm herbal tea. It can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

In conclusion, pumpkin pie cake is not just a dessert but also a wonderful way to bring the flavors of fall into your home. Whether you enjoy it at a family gathering or simply as a personal treat, this dessert will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500g flour, 1 baking powder, 4 tablespoons lard, 100ml milk, 1 egg, zest of one lemon, 3-4 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger powder. For the filling: 1.5kg pumpkin, sugar (depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 100g butter, 50ml oil.

 Tags:  rustic pumpkin pie homemade pie homemade dough pumpkin