Glazed pumpkin and lemon cake

Pumpkin Cake with Lemon Glaze

If you want to bring the flavors of autumn into your kitchen, this pumpkin cake is the perfect choice. Delicious for both adults and children, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. With a moist texture, a full flavor, and a refreshing lemon glaze, it will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 400g fresh pumpkin
- 150g unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 225g brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 275g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 100g raisins
- 100g chopped walnuts
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 150g powdered sugar
- Zest and juice of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is a crucial step to ensure that the cake bakes evenly and turns a perfect golden color.

2. Prepare the pumpkin: Remove the seeds from the pumpkin slices and cut them in half widthwise. Grease each piece with 25g of butter, then place them in a baking dish and put them in the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until soft. This step will intensify the pumpkin's flavor and make the puree much tastier. Once baked, let them cool, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. You should have about 150g of delicious pumpkin puree.

3. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 30x23cm baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove.

4. In a large bowl, mix 100g of butter with the brown sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This blend will give the cake a soft texture and rich flavor.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and flavor.

6. In another bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and spices: cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. These spices not only enrich the flavor but also bring the warmth characteristic of the autumn season.

7. Start adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with tablespoons of milk. Mix gently until you obtain a thick batter that drips from the spoon. Add the raisins and chopped walnuts, mixing until combined. The walnuts add a crunchy texture, while the raisins provide a sweet and fruity note.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden and is slightly firm to the touch. A tip: use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; if it comes out clean, then it’s ready.

9. Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This step will allow the cake to stabilize, making it easier to cut.

10. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: mix the powdered sugar with the lemon zest and juice. This refreshing glaze will add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin.

11. Turn the cake onto a platter and spread it with the lemon glaze. Cut into slices, the cake can be served warm or cold. A perfect combination for a flavored coffee or a fruit tea!

Practical tips:

- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt. This will add moisture and reduce the fat content.
- You can experiment with other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, even with chocolate chips for a more decadent taste.
- If you don’t have fresh pumpkin on hand, you can use canned pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, without added sugar or spices.

Nutritional benefits:

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. This ingredient not only adds a delicate flavor to the cake but also contributes to eye health and the immune system. Walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, and cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace brown sugar with white sugar? – Yes, but brown sugar adds a caramel note that complements the pumpkin flavor.
- Is it possible to make the cake without nuts? – Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips if you prefer.
- How can I store the cake? – You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, you won’t want to forget it. The warm and comforting flavors will bring a touch of joy to every day. So, grab the ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! A wonderful culinary experience awaits you!

 Ingredients: 400g fresh pumpkin, 150g unsalted butter, 225g brown sugar, 2 eggs, 275g flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 100g raisins, 100g chopped walnuts, 3-4 tablespoons of milk, zest and juice of one lemon.

 Tags:  cake recipes pumpkin pie