Pumpkin Cake 南瓜饼 Recipe

Prepare oven and pan 预热与准备烤盘

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan (or line with parchment) and lightly dust with flour or use nonstick spray.

Mix dry ingredients 干性材料混合

In a large bowl sift (or whisk) together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.

Mix sugars and wet ingredients 糖与湿性材料混合

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and light brown sugar with the eggs until combined. Add the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth and uniform in color.

Combine wet and dry 合并湿干材料

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix — stop when no large streaks of flour remain. The batter should be thick but pourable; if too thick, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time up to 2 TBS.

Add nuts (optional) 可选加入坚果

If using chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them into the batter now so they distribute evenly.

Bake 烘烤

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.

Cool 冷却

Remove cake from oven and let it rest in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto rack (or remove from pan) and let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or slicing, about 45–60 minutes more.

Finish with butter and sugar 黄油糖粉撒面

If you like a slight glaze, brush the top of the warm cake lightly with melted butter, then sift the powdered sugar evenly over the surface. Alternatively, sprinkle chopped nuts on top while the cake is still slightly warm so they adhere.

Serve 切片上桌

Slice the cake into 8–10 wedges. Serve at room temperature or warm. Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.