Perfectly Pumpkin Cake

Fall-time means pumpkin everything and this is one of my favorite recipes!

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

I find that one of the best things about cooler weather is being able to heat up the house with baking - and, of course, it smells great too! I made this cake one year for my Dad's birthday and it was a hit! (It was also the first cake I made completely from scratch.) As usual, I changed a few things to make it my own.

Pumpkin Cake
     2 c. all purpose flour
     2 c. sugar
     2 tsp. baking soda
     2 tsp. cinnamon
     1/2 tsp. salt
     4 eggs
     1 c. vegetable oil
     2 c. canned pumpkin
     1-2 c. chocolate chips

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl; stir lightly. Add eggs, oil, and pumpkin. Beat with an electric mixer until thoroughly blended. Mix in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into a buttered and floured pan(s). 
Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cake tests done. Cool while preparing Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing
     1/2 c. butter, softened
     1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
     2 tsp. vanilla extract
     powdered sugar (about 1 lb.)

Combine butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Add cupfuls of powdered sugar and blend slowly until desired consistency. 
Spread on cooled cake. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts (if desired).

Of course, you could really add several different ingredients to this cake to suit your taste buds. Instead of chocolate chips try raisins or cranberries, or a combination. I chose to put walnuts on the icing (because it's easier to scrape off for those who don't enjoy them), but they would be just as good mixed in with the cake batter - or try pecans. And if you don't like any of those, a plain pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing is still delicious!
So, if you have the extra time, I highly recommend making this pumpkin cake. Then, slice yourself a piece, relax, and enjoy!




Note: The original recipe that I followed can be found at cooks.com or by clicking the link in this entry's header.