Torta de Auyama
Venezuelan Pumpkin Cake
A wonderfully moist and warmly spiced pumpkin cake, perfect as a comforting dessert.
🧂 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
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
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
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
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
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with the spatula.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.