Description
This Chocolate Pumpkin Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall. Made with rich cocoa, warm spices, and pumpkin puree, it offers a delightful balance of chocolatey depth and autumnal warmth. Easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings, it can be enjoyed on its own or topped with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure an even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tenderness.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for pockets of melted chocolate.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- This cake is deliciously moist and flavorful on its own, but topping it with cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds extra indulgence.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute dark cocoa powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chocolate chips are optional but recommended for added texture and chocolate bursts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
