Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons milk Gathering the right ingredients is key. I love using fresh pumpkin puree, but canned works too. The mix of sugars gives the cake its sweet taste and helps it stay moist. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, bring warmth to each bite. Adding nuts is optional, but they add a nice crunch. For the glaze, the honey makes it shine. You can adjust the milk for your preferred thickness. Use this list to prep your kitchen. Make sure you have everything ready before you start. This way, you'll enjoy the process and get a great cake! - Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps the cake not stick. - Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter. - Step 3: Now, add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This will give your cake a nice moist texture. - Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavors. - Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. - Step 6: If you want, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch to your cake. - Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula. This creates a base for the honey swirl. - Step 8: Spoon dollops of honey over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it in lightly. This will create a sweet ribbon of honey throughout the cake. - Step 9: Pour the rest of the batter on top and smooth it out. This seals in the honey layer. - Step 10: Bake the cake for 30–35 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it's ready. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, honey, and milk for the glaze. Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it cool completely before cutting it into squares. - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps everything mix well. Cold butter or eggs can make the batter lumpy. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes. - Do not overmix the batter for optimal texture. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy cake. Use a spatula for gentle folding when adding dry ingredients. - How to adjust the glaze consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Aim for a pourable yet thick glaze for the best look. - Best time to glaze the cake. Wait about 10 minutes after baking to glaze. This allows the cake to cool slightly. If you glaze it too hot, the glaze may melt away. {{image_2}} Using different types of sugar can change the cake's taste. You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds more moisture. Coconut sugar gives a caramel-like flavor. Both options create a unique twist on the classic recipe. For those needing gluten-free options, you can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Almond flour works well for a nutty flavor. Rice flour is another option, but it may change the texture slightly. Always check the blend for best results. Adding chocolate chips or dried fruit can enhance the cake's flavor. Chocolate chips bring a rich taste that pairs well with pumpkin. Dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, adds sweetness and a chewy texture. Mix in about one cup for a delightful addition. You can also explore other spices to enhance flavor. Consider adding a dash of allspice or cloves for warmth. Cardamom can bring a unique twist. Each spice adds a new layer, creating a cake that feels special. Experiment with what you love. To keep your pumpkin honey bun cake fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. If you don't have a container, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap. This keeps it safe from drying out. Store it at room temperature for best results. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to put the cake in the fridge. Chilling it will help it last longer, but it may change the texture a bit. On the counter, the cake stays fresh for about three days. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Just make sure it's well covered. You can also freeze the pumpkin honey bun cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. This gives a nice flavor. Make sure to drain excess water from the puree. Canned pumpkin is easier, but fresh works well, too. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes. For applesauce, use 1/4 cup per egg. Both work great in this cake. How do I know when the cake is done baking? Check the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. You can also look for a golden color on top. The edges should pull away from the pan slightly. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for later. Wrap it well and thaw before serving. The cake stays moist and tasty. This blog post covered all you need for a great pumpkin cake. We listed key ingredients, shared step-by-step instructions, and offered helpful tips. You learned clever ways to store leftovers and a few fun variations to try. I hope you feel inspired to bake this cake. With its rich flavors and simple steps, it's a treat you can enjoy anytime. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake! This moist and flavorful dessert combines pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a sweet honey glaze that will impress your family and friends. With easy-to-follow steps, you can create this perfect autumn treat in just an hour. Don't miss out—click to explore the full recipe and discover how to elevate your baking game this season!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup pumpkin puree

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Honey Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until thoroughly combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

Spoon dollops of honey over the batter, then swirl it in lightly with a knife.

Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the honey glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, honey, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

Once the cake is done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the honey glaze over the top.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve on a decorative platter with a sprig of mint on top for a touch of color. Consider dusting with extra powdered sugar for a sweet finish!