This cake is the perfect autumn dessert: warm spices baked into a moist cake topped with a tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting with homemade caramel swirled in it.
I was bringing dessert to a dinner party and for some reason I could not.. just could not choose what to make. My boyfriend suggested that it be something autumn-ish since all the leaves by the river near our house have started to change colours. I flipped through recipe books, I visited my favorite food blogs, I consulted other food lovers for their favorite fall dessert and wrote them down into lists. In the end my list looked something like this:
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Apple crisp with homemade ice cream
- salted caramel ice cream
- pumpkin bourbon cheesecake
- apple dumplings
Then, instead of choosing one from my list I went with a pumpkin cake recipe that I found on epicurious that had gotten great reviews.
I have to admit that I wandered around the grocery store FOREVER looking for the canned pumpkin. It didn't help that I was talking on my cell phone and only half paying attention. To save you time: walking back and forth from the canned veggie and canned fruit aisle isn't going to work. It's with the pie fillings. Make sure that you get canned pumpkin though, not canned pumpkin pie filling.
What gives the cake its lovely flavor (other than the pumpkin) is the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, cardamom, and grated orange peel. They get whisked into the flour with some baking soda and baking powder.
While the cake was baking I started making the caramel for the caramel cream cheese icing.
First you combine half a cup of whipping cream with some vanilla and some salt.
Then you melt a half cup of powdered sugar over medium heat, when it turns amber the cream gets stirred in.
The recipe reviewers had warned to watch the caramel and MAKE SURE to taste it before using it to make sure that it hasn't burnt because it can burn fairly quickly.
So I went ahead and burnt my first batch (it didn't look burnt but you better believe it tasted burnt.. salty and dark and nasty)
The second batch turned out perfectly, I poured the cream over the amber sugar and stirred to dissolve the solid caramel pieces that formed with the cold cream hit them.
Then the caramel got put in the freezer to cool to room temp before making the rest of the icing.
While the caramel and the cakes were cooling I washed some leaves that I had gathered from my front yard in order to make some decorations with them.
This technique works with candy melts (which is what I used) and also with chocolate.
Just paint the melted chocolate or candy melts onto the veined side of the leaf. Try to avoid going over the edge too much or its hard to peel the leaf off afterwards. I did a couple of layers on each leaf so that they wouldn't be too delicate.
Once they are coated with chocolate they go in the fridge to stiffen up. Then all you have to do is gently peel the leaf off of the chocolate. Easy peasy.
The candy leaves went on top of the frosted cake. The frosting comes together in a snap once the caramel is done. Some reviewers said that their frosting didn't set, but I didn't have a problem with it. It was a very soft frosting, but cream cheese icing is usually soft. Plus the icing's flavor is amazing: tangy from the cream cheese but also smooth and caramel-y.
The cake went over well at the dinner party, I will be adding this cake to my "make this again!" list asap because moist, flavorful cake is a welcome addition to any occasion.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
(From Epicurious)
I love pumpkin so I was pretty interested, but the candied leaves really sold me on this cake.
Posted by: April Armistead | 09/13/2010 at 11:57 AM
These look amazing! What a great idea!
Posted by: Nicominixturner.blogspot.com | 09/13/2010 at 03:22 PM
this looks delicious! Perfect for fall. I love how you did those leaves. I'm saving this recipe :)
Posted by: Megan Gundy | 09/14/2010 at 07:57 AM
oh my goodness, yum. I adore the leaves as well, such a great idea. Now if only I could eat gluten! :)
Posted by: dani | 09/14/2010 at 08:37 AM
Mmmm, I don't doubt the deliciousness of this for one second. It would be an incredible finish to Thanksgiving dinner. I can't wait to try my hand at the leaves :)
Posted by: hocus | 09/14/2010 at 09:56 AM
Ack ! I once used pumpkin pie pumpkin in soup I had to counter act it with about a pound of curry ! This looks unbelievable and the leaves are fantastic !!! You always make me drool.....but in a good way ! LOL.
Posted by: Mylifeunderthebus | 09/14/2010 at 04:45 PM
I love everything pumpkin!! I especially love how you did those leaves-- the perfect garnish :)
Posted by: Yesteachercrafts.blogspot.com | 09/15/2010 at 04:31 AM
Amazing! I can.not.WAIT!! To try this and those leaves...pure magic. I need to get invited to a lot of parties this year because I am going to make candy melt leaves and plant them everywhere!
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawm9wRVa4ws_tU_GkbuWbQSJKKaFjxryUuI | 09/15/2010 at 12:41 PM
Looks tasty! I'll try it maybe for thanksgiving.
Posted by: Chelsey | 09/15/2010 at 03:46 PM
p.s. I wonder if powdered sugar carmelizes faster than granulated, my one attempt at caramel took forever, especially when I added the cream!
Posted by: Chelsey | 09/15/2010 at 03:57 PM
it was a really fast caramel. I think because it's such a small amount of sugar. The down side is that is goes from good to burnt fairly quickly too
Posted by: Stephanie | 09/15/2010 at 06:42 PM
I am so tempted to have this one!
Love you made the leaves :D :D Looking delicious~
Posted by: Account Deleted | 09/15/2010 at 09:18 PM
The leaf technique is awesome! I don't think I'm brave enough to make an entire cake, but I'm totally doing those candy leaves!
Posted by: Everybodyelse01 | 09/16/2010 at 08:58 AM
YUM! Definitely a cake I want to try and those leaves really make it look beautiful! I'll see if I can track down pumpkin here in Ireland now - I tried to make pumpkin pie here last year and couldn't find pumpkin anywhere.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmamS6mCfL64QGfs2JmQumTEbIPMBPqnQg | 09/20/2010 at 10:56 AM
um wow, you're amazing. i definitely want to try this ... can you overnight some to me in the US?? ;)
Posted by: Amy Lapi | 10/16/2010 at 05:59 PM
This looks wonderful and I love the candy leaves. With the pumpkin in a tin, is it just plain pumpkin or does it have spices in it? In australia, we don't have canned pumpkin or canned pumpkin pie filling and I would love to be able to make either of these dishes
Posted by: Adele | 10/12/2011 at 12:49 AM
WOW... Amazing! So creative and simple and beautiful!
Posted by: ls | 10/19/2011 at 06:51 PM
Low cost Imitation UGG Boots Are Horrible To your individual Wellness
No, I'm not kidding. Once you [url=http://www.snowbootslondon.com/]ugg boots sale[/url]
choose on not to invest dollars real UGG boots, you get the possibility of triggering substantial, extensive expression harm on your feet and again.
Head within the British School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr Ian Drysdale, mentioned, ??Because these boots are heat and delicate, youthful girls presume they're giving their feet a break. Like a make a difference of fact, they are actually breaking their feet.
??Their ft are slipping all over within. With each and every action, the power falls towards the inside with the foot along with the feet splay. This flattens the arch and may ensure it is drop.
The outcome might be substantial trouble together using the foot, the ankle, and ultimately, the hip.?¡¥
How to Notify If Uggs Are Pretend ¡§C Some Strategies
one. The sheep fur lining around the within of of actual UGG boots is created of grade A sheepskin and is of the beige shade. The lining of fake Uggs is artificial, fairly prickly to touch and it is also a added white shade.
2. You might discover the paint-like scent of manufacturer new pretend Uggs, that?¡¥s a result of your dyes created utilization of to shade the synthetic items. New real UGG boots are fairly a great deal odorless.
three. Genuine UGG boots might not be low priced at about $150 a pair. A brand-new [url=http://www.snowbootslondon.com/]ugg boots on sale[/url]
drastically a lot less will nearly absolutely be pretend.
four. UGG Australia prohibit their authorized dealers from providing UGG boots on eBay and also other on-line auctions. So, if it is often on eBay, and claims to be brand new then you?¡¥ll uncover it acquired to get faux.
5. The stitching on actual Uggs is consistently pretty noticeably suitable. The label on the heel is undoubtedly dead centre and level. Pretend Uggs won't ordinarily adhere to their example.
6. Ultimately, you are able to come across the soles of pretend Uggs are rigid in comparison to real Uggs. Also the soles of real Uggs are about 1/2 inch deep as compared to 1/4 inch for fakes.
I take into account it is going to be considered a wise pick for you personally to adhere to my help and guidance about how one can inform if Uggs are fake.
Posted by: Varenaxia | 12/12/2011 at 12:14 AM
Low cost Imitation UGG Boots Are Terrible To your private Wellness
No, I'm not kidding. When you decide on not to invest cash [url=http://www.theboots-ugg.com/]Ugg Canada Shop[/url]
genuine UGG boots, you receive the possibility of creating considerable, extensive expression harm on your feet and again.
Head inside the British School of Osteopathic Medication, Dr Ian Drysdale, mentioned, ??Because these boots are warm and fragile, youthful ladies presume they are providing their feet a break. As being a matter of truth, they are literally breaking their feet.
??Their ft are slipping all more than within. With each action, the force falls in direction of the within with the foot as well as the feet splay. This flattens the arch and may well allow it to be drop.
The result will likely be substantial trouble collectively with the foot, the ankle, and in the end, the hip.?¡¥
How you can Notify If Uggs Are Faux ¡§C Some Strategies
1. The sheep fur lining on the within of of genuine UGG boots is produced of grade A sheepskin and it is of the beige shade. The lining of fake Uggs is artificial, rather prickly to the touch and it is also a extra white shade.
2. You may notice the paint-like odor of producer new fake Uggs, that?¡¥s a result of your dyes made usage of to shade the synthetic products. Fresh genuine UGG boots are pretty a very good offer odorless.
3. Real UGG boots may well not be low priced at about $150 a pair. A fresh [url=http://www.boots-uggonline.com/]Uggs Canada[/url]
significantly much less will just about definitely be faux.
four. UGG Australia prohibit their licensed dealers from offering UGG boots on eBay as well as other on-line auctions. So, if it can be on eBay, and claims to become brand new then you?¡¥ll find it acquired to get faux.
five. The stitching on real Uggs is constantly pretty noticeably proper. The label on the heel is absolutely dead centre and degree. Faux Uggs will not typically follow their example.
six. Ultimately, you are able to obtain the soles of fake Uggs are rigid in comparison to real Uggs. Also the soles of authentic Uggs are about 1/2 inch deep as in comparison with 1/4 inch for fakes.
I take into account it will be a wise choose for you personally personally to adhere to my help and suggestions about how 1 can tell if Uggs are fake.
Posted by: Varenaxia | 12/13/2011 at 12:44 AM
Outside gear and attire giant The North Encounter Inc. is assisting shoppers gear up for the holiday season by way of focused shoppable cellular advertisements.
The firm is running the cellular advertisements within Pandora. By way of the mobile advertisements, consumers can come across the closest shop location or shop via their cell device.
The capability for any merchants [url=http://www.north-face-sale-outlet.com]north face[/url]
prospects to become in a position to store through the cellular for an immediate acquire is becoming additional and much more crucial as of late, stated Marci Troutman, CEO of Siteminis, Atlanta.
Shoppers are checking their email by way of cellular, ensuring that the email advert lands them on the cellular friendly-site for an immediate ROI exhibits the capacity to link the email marketing campaign into a print advert, to some social networking piece, to signage and brings the whole marketing campaign full circle using a provable obtain caused by the chain response, she mentioned.
Marci Troutman is just not affiliated with the North Encounter. She commented depending on her experience on the topic.
The North Experience, a division of VF Outside Inc., is definitely an outside item firm specializing in outerwear, fleece, footwear and equipment including backpacks, tents and sleeping bags.
The clothes and equipment lines are catered towards the wilderness stylish, climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, hikers and endurance athletes.
The firm didn't respond to media inquiries soon enough for publication.
When consumers tap on the cellular advertisement they're redirected to some mobile-optimized web page exactly where they're able to possibly locate the nearest retailer, watch their account or store for winter gear.
Consumers can also use the lookup perform around the best with the display if they are trying to find a particular merchandise.
Posted by: Varenaxia | 12/31/2011 at 12:19 AM
[url=http://buycytotechereonline.com/#17693]cheap cytotec[/url] - buy cheap cytotec , http://buycytotechereonline.com/#6179 order cytotec
Posted by: guigmemeath | 05/11/2012 at 11:20 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766692-omnicef-uses
cefdinir diarrhea
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766679-what-is-cefdinir-for
buy omnicef suspension storage
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14765630-omnicef-resistance
omnicef chlamydia
Posted by: sonByc | 05/15/2012 at 01:36 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767338-buy-omnicef-no-prescription
omnicef diarrhea
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766519-omnicef-300-mg-capsule
buy omnicef suspension refrigerate
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14765990-cefdinir-for-strep-throat
omnicef pediatric
Posted by: sonVct | 05/15/2012 at 01:45 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766705-allergy-to-omnicef
lupin cefdinir
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766639-omnicef-red-stools
buy omnicef antibiotic uses
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766817-omnicef-chlamydia
buy omnicef
Posted by: sonFic | 05/15/2012 at 01:56 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14765572-cefdinir-and-alcohol
drug interactions with cefdinir
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767427-cefdinir-used-for
omnicef prescription dose pediatric
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766206-side-effects-of-omnicef
cefdinir for uti
Posted by: sonTea | 05/15/2012 at 02:08 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766433-omnicef-headache
what does omnicef treat
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767456-omnicef-refrigerated
buy omnicef antibiotic for uti
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766775-side-effects-omnicef
allergic reaction to omnicef
Posted by: sonUkk | 05/15/2012 at 02:58 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767571-omnicef-bladder-infection
omnicef red stool
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767697-omnicef-order
omnicef prescribing information
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767477-omnicef-prescription
cefdinir 300 mg side effects
Posted by: sonVmc | 05/15/2012 at 02:59 AM
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766861-omnicef-300mg-capsules
omnicef for kids
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14767477-omnicef-prescription
omnicef prescription dose double
http://omnicef250mg.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14766639-omnicef-red-stools
omnicef for babies
Posted by: sonDtg | 05/15/2012 at 03:23 AM
Her specialty is developing, promoting and implementing Fire & Life Safety.
Posted by: uv detectors | 06/26/2012 at 06:20 AM