Pumpkin Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing

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If you want to enjoy a dessert that boasts the sweet and warming flavors of fall, pumpkin cake is just the treat for you!

The Popularity and Prevalence of Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin is the star of the show in the fall.

Everywhere you go something is flavored with pumpkin spice, or something pumpkin or other.

The name “pumpkin spice” might seem misleading – are they really using pumpkin in all those desserts and drinks?

What exactly is pumpkin spice?

Thanks to the the marketers of all things convenient, food manufacturers actually packaged a collection of spices typically used in the making of pumpkin pie, and called it “pumpkin pie spice”.

This collection of spices features a combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.

Why Do We Think of Pumpkin Spice as a Fall Flavor?

These spices can be purchased and used all year long, so why is it that we usually only find pumpkin spice and pumpkin-flavored food during fall?

I love using these spices all year round.

Again, it’s a clever marketing trick where companies offer pumpkin spice products during the high time when fresh pumpkins are readily available in the store.

In 2017, Starbucks reported that its stores have sold more than 350 million pumpkin spice lattes since their introduction.

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of the seasonal approach.

And it’s hard to resist.

Spices used in pumpkin dishes temper sweetness with warmer, richer flavor notes.

That flavor balancing results in treats that can offset a chill in their air, while still feeling every bit like dessert.

Pumpkin Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing

My pumpkin cake offers up the flavors you’ll find in pumpkin pie, but is every bit as cozy and comforting.

It possesses a zesty quality that feels perfect for the season, with a cream cheese frosting gives it an indulgent sweetness.

While people typically save the pumpkin pie for holiday gatherings, pumpkin cake can be a simple and fun surprise after a family meal, a sweet after-school treat, a perfect potluck dessert or addition to the office holiday party.

Give it a try this week.

Pumpkin Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing

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• Prep Time: 0 hours
• Cook Time: 0 hours
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• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1 cup oil
• 1 (16 oz) can of pumpkin
• 4 eggs

Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 3-oz package of cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Garnish

• fresh orange zest

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine together the dry ingredients for the cake and then give it a quick whisk.
4. Add the liquid ingredients.
5. Beat at low speed just until the ingredients are moistened.
6. Beat for two minutes at medium speed.
7. Pour into prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until done.
9. Cool completely.

Icing

1. Combine all of the frosting ingredients into a small bowl.
2. Beat until smooth.
3. Spread over cooled bars.
4. Garnish with fresh orange zest.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 27.1 g
• Sodium: 126.3 mg
• Fat: 14.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36.5 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 41.7 mg