Pumpkin Cake with Mandarin Jam

This delightful Pumpkin Cake with Mandarin Jam combines the warmth of fall spices with the refreshing zing of mandarin oranges. The cake boasts a moist, spiced pumpkin base that's perfectly balanced by a creamy ricotta and cream cheese frosting. The homemade mandarin jam adds a sweet and slightly tangy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this dessert. This recipe is a treat for those who enjoy layered cakes, as the frosting and jam are sandwiched between the soft pumpkin layers. Perfect for celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout dessert that’s both exciting and comforting. The use of fresh mandarin oranges gives the cake a burst of citrusy aroma, while the ginger and spices add complexity to the taste. This recipe is straightforward, but the results are truly rewarding, making it well worth the effort. Dive into a slice of indulgence that perfectly balances zesty, creamy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

For the Mandarin Jam:

0.5 kg mandarins (peeled and segmented)
100 g diced pumpkin
Sugar to taste (more sugar thickens the jam)
1/3 tsp fresh ginger

For the Cream:

400 g ricotta cheese
1 package of 'Rasa' cream cheese
Sugar to taste
Lemon juice to taste
Vanilla sugar to taste

For the Cake Base:

220 g coarsely grated pumpkin
180 g flour
150 g butter
3 eggs
220 g brown sugars (a mix of brown and cane sugars)
1/2 tsp ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger)
1/2 lemon juice and zest
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
50 g chopped walnuts

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approx. 75 minutes (Including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Mandarin Jam: Combine segmented mandarins, diced pumpkin, sugar, and ginger in a pot. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a 23 cm round cake pan with baking paper.
Spice Grinding: Grind the spices (cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger) into a powder.
Mix Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter with the mixed sugars until light and fluffy. Add the ground spices and mix well.
Incorporate Other Ingredients: Add eggs, lemon juice and zest, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, walnuts, and grated pumpkin to the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
Bake the Cake Base: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Cream: Blend ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy.
Cool the Cake Base: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely before cutting it in half horizontally to create two layers.
Moisten the Cake Layers: Prepare a syrup using 2 tablespoons of water, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Drizzle over the cut sides of the cake layers to moisten them.
Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the mandarin jam on the bottom cake layer. Layer half of the cream mixture on top of the jam.
Top with the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining jam and cover with the remaining cream.
Finish the Decoration: Spread the cream around the sides of the cake for a smooth finish. Decorate the top with caramelized lemon slices for added elegance.

Tips

Adjust Sugar: Feel free to adjust the sugar levels in both the jam and the cream to suit your taste preferences.
Alternative Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Moist Alternative: You can replace walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
Protein: 6 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbs: 50 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
Vegan Option: Replace cheese and butter with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cup of earl grey or green tea.
Serve with a side of fresh fruits like sliced oranges or berries.

Best Places

The Cake Shop - Specializes in unique fruit-layered cakes. Location: 123 Baker St, London, UK.
Sweet Indulgence - Known for its creative and flavorful cakes. Location: 456 Dessert Ave, Melbourne, Australia.
Pumpkin Spice Cafe - Offers various pumpkin-flavored desserts. Location: 789 Rustic Lane, New York, USA.
Zesty & Creamy - Renowned for citrus-based pastries. Location: 321 Citrus Rd, Madrid, Spain.
The Frosting Factory - Famous for its layered cream desserts. Location: 987 Pastry St, Paris, France.
Citrus & Spice - Offers a fusion of citrus and spiced cakes. Location: 654 Flavor Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
Bake & Joy - Popular for its joyful and colorful cakes. Location: 111 Celebration Ave, Tokyo, Japan.
Sweets & Treats - A go-to spot for creative sweet treats. Location: 222 Delight Dr, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Layered Love - Famous for its beautifully layered cakes. Location: 333 Love St, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Pastry Lounge - Offers an array of indulgent pastries. Location: 444 Dessert Blvd, Mumbai, India.