Pumpkin and Ginger Cake

This delightful pumpkin and ginger cake is a delicious treat that combines the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the spicy warmth of ginger. It's perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a dessert for a special occasion. This cake is moist and soft, with a delightful balance of sweetness from honey and sugar, and a subtle spiciness from fresh or dried ginger. Easy to prepare and bake, this cake can be made with simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry. The aroma of baking this cake will fill your home, making it feel welcoming and warm. This pumpkin and ginger cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream and a hot cup of coffee. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious cake!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g pumpkin (peeled and seeded)
• 175 g margarine or butter
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 100 g sugar
• 300-350 g flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

Spices:

• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1 tsp dried ginger

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a loaf pan to prepare for the cake batter.
2. Start by melting the margarine or butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from heat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted margarine or butter with the honey. Stir until the honey is fully incorporated.
4. Crack the egg into the buttery mixture and whisk gently until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
5. Take the pumpkin and grate it into fine shreds using a grater. Add the shredded pumpkin into the buttery mixture and mix well.
6. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and ginger. Stir well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle the top of the batter with an additional 2 teaspoons of sugar for a slightly crispy crust.
10. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. While cooling, you can make some whipped cream to serve with the cake if desired.
13. To serve, slice the cake and pair it with a dollop of whipped cream and a cup of hot coffee.
14. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of the cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the egg is at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
• Baking Pan: If you don’t have a loaf pan, a round cake pan can work just as well.
• Storage: Keep cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for a longer shelf life.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of ginger if you prefer a milder or spicier cake.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use a vegan margarine and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set to gel) for a vegan option.
• Nuts and Fruits: Add walnuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an added twist.
• For a festive touch, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per slice
• Protein: 4 g
• Fats: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g

Best Places

1. The Spiced Pumpkin Café - Known for its aromatic baked goods.
   Location: 1449 Park Avenue, New York, USA.

2. Ginger Delight Bakeshop - Specialty ginger-infused treats.
   Location: 76 High Street, London, England.

3. Pumpkin Patch Bakery - A quaint place to enjoy pumpkin delicacies.
   Location: 32 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.

4. Sweet Sensations - Offers a wide range of sweet and spicy desserts.
   Location: 210 Main Street, Toronto, Canada.

5. The Ginger Kitchen - Creative ginger-infused dishes.
   Location: 5 Jalan Wan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

6. Pumpkin & Spice - Cozy café with unique baked goods.
   Location: 12 Victoria Street, Sydney, Australia.

7. The Bread Box - Renowned for its diverse range of breads and cakes.
   Location: 48 Queen’s Street, Auckland, New Zealand.

8. Ginger Bliss Café - A peaceful retreat with delicious ginger treats.
   Location: 223 Market Street, San Francisco, USA.

9. Pumpkin Heaven - Where pumpkin is the star of every dish.
   Location: 66 Baker’s Lane, Dublin, Ireland.

10. The Ginger Snap - Known for their exceptional ginger desserts.
    Location: 3016 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.