Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 cup butter; 2 cups white sugar; 1/3 cup applesauce; 3 eggs (beaten); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 15 ounce can pumpkin; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 cup confectioners' sugar

There’s something truly magical about the crisp air of autumn, when leaves turn shades of gold and the comforting aroma of spices fills our kitchens. One of my favorite ways to embrace this cozy season is with a homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake. It’s a recipe that blends the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the indulgent richness of chocolate, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I baked this cake; my family gathered around the kitchen, drawn by the sweet scent wafting through the house. It quickly became a beloved family tradition, and I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you today.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert Cake
The Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
What to Serve With This Dessert Cake
Storage & Leftover Tips

Why You’ll Love This Dessert Cake

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The fusion of pumpkin and chocolate creates a taste that’s both comforting and indulgent. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, while the chocolate provides a rich, decadent touch. This combination is reminiscent of a cozy autumn evening, warming both the heart and spirit.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the addition of applesauce and pumpkin, this cake boasts an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a dessert that stands out at any gathering, leaving a lasting impression with each bite. The texture is soft yet firm enough to hold its shape, making it an ideal choice for slicing and serving.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is a versatile treat that suits any occasion. It’s sure to impress friends and family alike, from Thanksgiving dinner to a casual weekend brunch.
Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance and flavor, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. With simple, straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve excellent results. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the method is foolproof, making it a go-to recipe for any level of baking expertise.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its delightful taste and beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to introduce young ones to the joys of baking, as they can help with mixing and measuring, making it a fun family activity.

The Recipe

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

Ingredients:

2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup butter
2 cups white sugar
⅓ cup applesauce
3 eggs, beaten
½ cup heavy cream
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9-inch Bundt pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure a beautiful shape. Consider using a non-stick spray or butter and flour to coat the pan for an easy release.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and baking soda. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents, ensuring the cake rises uniformly. Sifting the dry ingredients can also help eliminate any clumps and create a smoother batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together ¾ cup butter, 2 cups sugar, applesauce, and eggs until creamy. Then, mix in the heavy cream and pumpkin until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Create the Batter: Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir until you see no more streaks of flour. A gentle folding technique with a spatula can help maintain the batter’s lightness.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before inverting it onto a serving plate. The cooling process is crucial to prevent the cake from breaking apart when removed from the pan.
Make the Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, ½ cup butter, and ⅓ cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth, then drizzle the frosting over the cake immediately for a glossy finish. The frosting will set as it cools, so work quickly to achieve a smooth layer.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9-inch Bundt Pan: Essential for achieving that classic cake shape. Make sure it’s well-greased for easy removal. A non-stick Bundt pan can also help ensure the cake releases cleanly.
Mixing Bowls: A medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large bowl for wet ingredients. Glass or metal bowls work best for even mixing.
Whisk and Mixer: A whisk for dry ingredients and an electric mixer for wet ingredients will make your job easier. A stand mixer can be particularly helpful for beating the butter and sugar.
Saucepan: Needed for preparing the delicious frosting. A heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent the sugar from burning.
Wire Rack: For cooling the cake evenly before you add the frosting. A wire rack allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing sogginess.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

The ingredients in this Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake aren’t just there to make it taste good—they each play a crucial role in creating the perfect dessert.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure. It’s the backbone of the cake, holding everything together. It’s important to measure accurately to avoid a dense cake.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives that rich chocolate flavor without adding sweetness, balancing the cake’s sweetness perfectly. Choose high-quality cocoa for the best flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warmth and depth, capturing the essence of fall. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Fresh leavening agents are key to achieving the best rise.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor while also contributing to the moistness of the cake. Using unsalted butter allows for better control of the cake’s salt content.
White Sugar and Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and frosting, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel-like depth. The combination of sugars creates a balanced sweetness.
Applesauce: A secret ingredient for keeping the cake moist without adding extra fat. It also adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the pumpkin.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add volume. Ensure they are at room temperature for better integration into the batter.
Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness to both the cake and the frosting, creating a smooth, luscious texture. It also helps achieve a silky frosting.
Pumpkin: Not just for flavor, it also adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cake. The natural sweetness of pumpkin enhances the overall flavor profile.

What to Serve With This Dessert Cake

This Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage enhances the cake’s flavors and makes for a cozy treat. Consider serving it with a flavored coffee, like hazelnut or vanilla, for an extra twist.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of ice cream complements the cake’s rich flavors. For an autumnal twist, try pairing with a cinnamon or pumpkin ice cream.
Spiced Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream with a touch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Homemade whipped cream is simple to make and can be customized with spices like nutmeg or ginger.
Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries can add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the dessert. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake.

For more delicious pairing ideas, check out our Spiced Apple Cider Recipe and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream on homemaderecipe.blog.

A delicious plate of Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake

Storage & Leftover Tips

Should you find yourself with leftovers of this delightful cake, here’s how you can store them to enjoy later:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep it moist and flavorful. If storing at room temperature, keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the cake. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out, and consume within 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To refresh the cake, you can warm it slightly in the microwave or oven.

For more tips on storing baked goods, you might find this guide on food storage by Serious Eats helpful.

Making this Pumpkin Chocolate Dessert Cake is like inviting a little piece of autumn into your kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and joy, much like sharing a meal with loved ones. I hope you find as much happiness in baking and enjoying this cake as I have. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, this cake is a testament to the comforting power of homemade desserts. Happy baking!