Torta de Auyama (Venezuelan Pumpkin Cake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups Pumpkin puree(Ensure it's pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.)
• 2 cups All-purpose flour(Sifted for a lighter texture.)
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 3 Large eggs(At room temperature.)
• 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg(Optional, but enhances the spice profile.)
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil or melted butter(For moisture and richness.)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or a 10-inch round cake pan.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking powder, and salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but pourable.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with the spatula.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

   ⏱️ 45-55 minutes
7. 7

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The cake is intentionally very moist due to the pumpkin puree.
• ✓Adjust spices to your preference; a pinch of ground cloves or ginger can add extra warmth.
• ✓Serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting dessert experience.
• ✓Ensure your pumpkin puree is unsweetened and not pie filling to control the sugar content and spice level.

🔄 Variations

• Top with a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added texture.
• Incorporate 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of sweetness.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving