Pumpkin ring cake

Pumpkin is perhaps the quintessential flavor of fall, evoking cozy sweaters, crisp leaves, and warm fireplaces. It’s no wonder, then, that pumpkin-themed recipes start cropping up as soon as the weather begins to cool. One delicious way to enjoy pumpkin this season is in the form of a ring cake.

A ring cake is a type of cake baked in a circular mold, with a hole in the center. This shape allows for even baking and creates a picturesque display when served: simply set the cake on a platter, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze, and let the central hole show through.

For a pumpkin ring cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: pumpkin puree (either canned or homemade), spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, flour, baking powder, eggs, sugar, and oil. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your ring cake mold before you start mixing up the batter.

Begin by whisking together your dry ingredients in a medium bowl: 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat together 4 eggs and 1 ½ cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 can (or about 1 ¾ cups) of pumpkin puree. Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined, gradually add in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth batter.

Now it’s time to pour your batter into the ring mold and bake it until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven and the size of your mold, this could take anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes.

Once the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes before you try to remove it from the mold. Gently loosen the edges of the cake with a butter knife or spatula, then invert the mold onto a wire rack or serving platter. If the cake doesn’t come out right away, give it a few taps on the bottom of the mold to encourage it to release.

Your pumpkin ring cake is now ready to serve! You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or make a quick glaze by mixing together powdered sugar and a bit of milk or orange juice until you have a pourable consistency. You can also add some extra pumpkin spice flavor by mixing cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkling it on top of the glaze.

This cake is perfect for a cozy evening at home with family or friends, or for bringing to a fall potluck or holiday gathering. The aroma of warm pumpkin and spices will fill your kitchen, and the moist, sweet cake will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, the circular shape lends itself well to sharing and spreading joy – just like the season itself.

So go ahead and enjoy a pumpkin ring cake this fall – it’s a delicious, seasonal treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.