Spiced Pumpkin Ginger Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some pumpkin desserts best this autumn? Honestly, this Spiced Pumpkin and Ginger Traybake is a real crowd pleaser! The cream cheese frosting swirl? Oh my gosh, it's heavenly.
Brief Overview
This traybake brings the warmth of pumpkin pie to your table. It's easy ish, taking about an hour, plus cooling time. This recipe makes 12 slices.
Main Benefits
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins. This traybake is perfect for Halloween, Bonfire Night or any autumn celebration. What's special? The ginger adds a lovely zing!
Why You'll Love This Spiced Pumpkin Treat
This isn't your nan's boring cake. The sweetness from pumpkin and light muscovado sugar are balanced with the crystallized ginger's subtle heat. And that cream cheese frosting swirl? Total showstopper.
The traybake is incredibly moist! I tried it once, and it was a bit dry. My mistake? Over mixing the batter. Lesson learned!
Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake: Your New Autumn Favourite
Looking for pumpkin desserts best ? This cake combines warmth and spice. Perfect with a cuppa on a chilly evening. You know? Proper comfort food.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Perfection
Here's what you'll need for this easy pumpkin dessert recipe . Don't be scared by the list. It's mostly cupboard staples. Pumpkin desserts best when they are spiced!.
Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit for this epic Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake! You know, the one that’s gonna make you the star baker of autumn.
Honestly, this is one of the best pumpkin desserts for fall.
Ingredients & Equipment
Making pumpkin desserts best starts with the right stuff. So, let’s dive in.
Main Ingredients
Okay, pay attention! These are crucial for the moist pumpkin cake recipe .
- All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (210g) . Make sure it's fresh.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . The fresher the better.
- Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) .
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Adds a lovely molasses flavor!
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Good quality makes a difference.
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (245g) .
- Pumpkin Puree Quality: Use 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Buttermilk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Makes it super moist.
- Crystallized ginger: 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , softened.
- Cream Cheese Quality: Full fat is best.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g) , softened.
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360g) , sifted.
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons for frosting.
- Orange food gel coloring: Optional
Seasoning Notes
These spice pumpkin cake recipe needs that essential spice combination .
- The Spice Blend: Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg are key. Don't skimp!
- Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract enhances the pumpkin. Brown sugar adds warmth.
- Quick Subs: No cloves? Use a pinch of allspice.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need fancy gadgets for making easy pumpkin dessert recipe . Here is the minimal equipment:
- 9x13 inch baking pan (23x33 cm). That Halloween traybake recipe is designed to be baked there.
- Parchment paper. Prevents sticking.
- Electric mixer. Handheld is fine!
- Mixing bowls.
- Rubber spatula. For scraping.
- Toothpick or skewer. To test for doneness.
This traybake is one of the best pumpkin desserts for fall , and with these ingredients and tools, you'll be baking it in no time!
Baking Up Autumn: Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake
Okay, folks, grab your aprons! Autumn's knocking, and what better way to answer than with a spiced pumpkin and ginger traybake? This isn't your average cake; it's a hug in a slice.
It's one of the pumpkin desserts best and easier recipes. Honestly, I've tried loads, and this one's a winner. Think moist, spiced perfection with a creamy, swirly frosting.
Are you ready to bake?
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Sorted
- Essential Stuff: Get your ingredients measured! I cannot stress this enough, this is the essential mise en place . Flour, spices, sugars, pumpkin puree, all of it. Chop that crystallized ginger, too. Soften the cream cheese and butter for the frosting, 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese and 1/2 cup (115g or 1 stick) of butter.
- Time Saving Tip: Line your 9x13 inch baking pan (23x33 cm) with parchment paper. Seriously, do it. Leave an overhang, and thank me later when you're lifting out the traybake like a pro.
- Safety First: Oven's going to be at 350° F ( 175° C) , so grab those oven gloves!
step-by-step: Traybake Magic
- Whisk together the dry ingredients. Flour, baking powder, spices the whole gang.
- Cream sugars and oil. Then, beat in eggs and vanilla. It is 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients. Finish with the dry. Fold in that crystallized ginger.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 35- 40 minutes .
- Cool completely before frosting. Seriously, completely or else it's a melty mess.
- Whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar until smooth.
- Swirl on the frosting! Make it pretty if you're feeling fancy.
- Slice and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake
- Don't Overmix! Overmixing equals a tough cake. Mix until just combined. Seriously! You want moist, not chewy.
- Room Temp is Key! For the frosting, room temperature ingredients are essential. No one wants lumpy frosting.
- Chill Out! Chill the traybake after frosting for easier, cleaner slices. About 30 minutes in the fridge does the trick.
This spiced pumpkin and ginger traybake is definitely among the pumpkin desserts best out there! So, get baking and enjoy! These best pumpkin desserts for fall are a delight.
So, what are you waiting for?
Recipe Notes for the Pumpkin Desserts Best Traybake
Right, let's talk shop about this Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake. Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but there are a few things I've learned along the way that'll make your life easier.
So, grab a cuppa and let's dive in!
Serving it Up Right
Plating and presentation ideas: Forget fancy! This traybake is all about rustic charm. Cut into squares, dust with icing sugar, and arrange on a platter.
You know, a bit like your nan would do it. If you're feeling posh, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts.
Complementary sides or beverages: This is great with a cuppa, naturally. But, if you want to go full-on autumn vibes, try it with spiced apple cider.
Oh my gosh, that's a good combo! For pudding, a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders.
Storing Your Delicious Creation
Refrigeration guidelines: If you have any leftovers - highly unlikely, I know! - store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3 days.
Freezing options (if applicable): Yep, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices in cling film, then pop them into a freezer bag.
They'll keep for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them completely before scoffing.
Reheating instructions: No need to reheat unless you want it all warm and gooey. But if you do, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds does the trick.
Pumpkin Desserts Best Variations
Dietary adaptations: Want to make it vegan? Easy peasy! Use vegan butter and cream cheese, and swap the eggs for applesauce. Honestly, it tastes just as good.
Seasonal ingredient swaps: If you can't find pumpkin puree (shock horror!), butternut squash puree is a decent substitute. Or, go wild and try sweet potato puree! Seasonal Ingredient Swap: Swap pumpkin puree to butternut squash puree as it will taste similar.
Nutrition Basics
Simplified nutrition information: Okay, so it's not exactly health food. Each slice clocks in at around 350-400 calories. But hey, it's all about balance, right?
Key health benefits: Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A. So technically, you're getting one of your five a day. Just kidding! But seriously, it's got some goodness in there.
Right then, that's all folks! Remember, baking should be fun. Don't stress about perfection, just enjoy the process. And if it all goes wrong, well, that's what takeaways are for.
Happy baking! This pumpkin ginger traybake recipe is a keeper for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pumpkin dessert ahead of time? Like, could I bake it on Saturday for a Sunday tea party?
Absolutely! The Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake is actually even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Bake the cake and frost it, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Think of it like a good cuppa, it just gets better with a little steeping!
Help! My cream cheese frosting is too runny. What am I doing wrong?
Don't panic! Runny frosting is a common kitchen hiccup. It usually happens when the cream cheese and butter aren't quite at the same temperature, or if you've added too much liquid. Try chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up.
If that doesn't work, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Consider using full fat cream cheese instead of low-fat.
I'm not a huge fan of ginger. Can I leave it out of these pumpkin desserts best recipes?
Of course! Feel free to omit the crystallized ginger from the traybake for a more classic spiced pumpkin cake. If you still want a hint of warmth, you could add a pinch of allspice or an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Baking is all about making it your own, so don't be shy about tweaking the recipe to suit your taste.
It's like putting your own spin on a Beatles tune!
How long will this Spiced Pumpkin & Ginger Traybake stay fresh? And what's the best way to store it?
This traybake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored properly. The best way to keep it moist and delicious is to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften the frosting.
If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? I'm trying to find the pumpkin desserts best for my dietary needs.
You can definitely adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, so keep an eye on the baking time.
Sometimes gluten-free baked goods need a bit less time in the oven.
Is there a way to make this traybake healthier? All that sugar makes me feel a bit guilty!
You can certainly reduce the sugar content slightly by using a bit less granulated sugar. You could also substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind this might affect the texture and moisture of the cake.
Consider using whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. These simple swaps can make it a little less naughty without sacrificing too much of the flavor!
Spiced Pumpkin Ginger Traybake With Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
