Pumpkin Layer Cake Recipe 455 Food

LUSCIOUS FOUR-LAYER PUMPKIN CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Beat cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and 1 tsp. spice in large bowl with mixer until blended. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round pans.
• Bake 28 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.
• Beat cream cheese in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Add sugar, remaining pumpkin and spice; mix well. Gently stir in COOL WHIP. Cut each cake layer horizontally in half with serrated knife; stack on serving plate, spreading COOL WHIP mixture between layers. (Do not frost top layer.) Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving; top with nuts.

PUMPKIN S'MORES LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and pulse until well combined.
• Beat the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and mix in the pumpkin puree (the batter will look curdled). Beat in half of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, then the remaining flour mixture. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the bottoms of the pans against the counter to release any air bubbles.
• Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 10 minutes in the pans, then loosen the edges with a knife and invert the cakes onto the rack; discard the parchment and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Microwave the chocolate, marshmallows, cocoa powder and 1/3 cup heavy cream in a bowl in 30-second intervals, whisking occasionally, until melted and completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool to room temperature.
• Whisk the remaining 2/3 cup heavy cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Whisk one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate-marshmallow mixture, then gently fold in the rest with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, make the meringue: Whisk the egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar and salt in a large heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and cook, whisking, until the mixture is warm and the sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan. Add the vanilla to the bowl and beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is cool and stiff glossy peaks form, about 12 minutes (or transfer to a stand mixer and beat 6 to 8 minutes).
• Assemble the cake: Using a long serrated knife, split each cake in half horizontally to make 4 layers total. Place 1 layer on a cake stand or plate. Transfer 1 cup meringue to a large resealable plastic bag and snip a corner. Pipe a ring of meringue on the perimeter of the cake layer (the meringue will keep the filling from oozing out). Spread one-third of the chocolate filling inside the ring. Repeat with 2 more cake layers, then top with the final layer. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining meringue, using the back of a spoon to make peaks. Brown the frosting with a kitchen torch. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour before serving.

PUMPKIN LAYER CAKE WITH CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Flour the pans and paper.
• Sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda into a large bowl.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugar, butter, spices and salt. Beat on medium-high until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stop the mixer occasionally to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for about 20 seconds between each egg. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin purée and mix until well combined, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as necessary. The mixture will look curdled.
• Set mixer to low, and add the dry ingredients all at once, stirring until a few spots of flour remain. Remove the bowl from the mixer, and use a rubber spatula to finish folding the dry ingredients into the batter. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure the batter is evenly mixed.
• Divide the batter among the prepared pans (about 3 cups per pan), smooth the tops, and tap the pans on a countertop to release any large air bubbles. Bake the cakes until golden and puffed, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Cool the cakes in the pans on a rack for 10 minutes, then use the tip of a knife to loosen the edges and carefully invert them onto the rack to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and 3 tablespoons water. Swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves, but do not stir. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally to help the mixture brown evenly, until it is deep amber in color. At this point, don't walk away from the pot: The caramel will go from amber to burned in mere moments.
• Remove the pan from the heat, and carefully whisk in butter and heavy cream. The mixture will expand and sputter before turning into a smooth sauce. Add the whiskey and salt. Carefully pour the caramel into a heat-safe container and cool to room temperature. You will have about 1 1/2 cups.
• Make the buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites and sugar. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, and whisk continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Use the whisk attachment of the stand mixer to beat the egg white mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture and bowl are cool to the touch, about 10 minutes.
• Switch to the paddle attachment and reduce speed to medium. With the mixer running, add the butter a couple of tablespoons at a time and beat the buttercream until smooth and fluffy. During this step, the buttercream will likely break and look curdled; turn up the speed on the mixer for a few seconds, and it will come back together. Continue until all of the butter is incorporated then add the salt. Slowly add 1/2 cup cooled caramel sauce, and stir until well combined. If the buttercream is extremely soft or runny, put the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, then whip until smooth.
• Assemble the cake: If necessary, use a serrated knife to trim the cooled cake layers so they are flat and even. Add a small spoonful of buttercream onto a cardboard cake round or serving plate, and place the first layer of cake, cut side up, on top.
• Spread about 3/4 cup buttercream on top of the cake. Drizzle the buttercream with 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce. Be careful not to drizzle the caramel all of the way to the edge so it doesn't spill out the sides.
• Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with buttercream and caramel. Place the final layer on top, cut side down, and spread the top and sides of the cake with a thin, even layer of buttercream. Refrigerate the cake until the buttercream is firm, about 30 minutes.
• Spread the remaining buttercream in an even layer over the cake. If you'd like to add a caramel drizzle, refrigerate the fully frosted cake until firm then carefully spread about 1/3 cup of room temperature caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Use an offset spatula to gently ease it towards the edges so it drips down the sides. Serve at room temperature. Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, but bring to room temperature before serving. Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

PUMPKIN PIE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Make the pumpkin filling: Combine the milk, pumpkin, granulated sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, pie spice and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until bubbles start to form around the edges, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking, whisking constantly and getting into the corners of the saucepan, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 5 more minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl; press plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until cooled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the cake: Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper and butter the paper. Lightly dust the pans with flour, tapping out the excess. Combine the flour, baking powder, pie spice and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
• Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk in two batches; beat until just combined.
• Divide the batter between the 2 pans. Bake until light golden brown on top and the center springs back when gently pressed, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 10 minutes in the pans, then remove the cakes to the racks to cool completely. Remove and discard the parchment.
• Put 1 cake layer on a cake stand or platter. Spread the pumpkin filling on top, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with the second cake layer.
• Make the whipped cream: Combine the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, milk powder and vanilla in a large metal bowl (for the best results, chill the bowl beforehand). Beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream all over the cake and refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 20 minutes. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice before serving.

PUMPKIN PECAN LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In large bowl, mix crushed wafers, chopped pecans and 3/4 cup butter.
• Beat at medium speed until crumbly; about 2 minutes.
• Divide mixture into 3 equal portions.
• Press each portion into one of three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
• Using the same bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin, 1/4 cup butter and eggs.
• Beat at medium speed until well mixed.
• Spread 1 3/4 cup batter over crumbs in each pan.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
• Cool for about 5 minutes; remove from pans onto cooling racks until cooled completely.
• In bowl combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.
• On serving plate, layer 3 cakes (nut side down) with 1/2 cup filling spread between each layer.
• Frost SIDES of cake only with remaining frosting.
• Spread caramel topping over top of cake, drizzling some over the frosted sides.
• Arrange pecan halves in rings on top of cake.
• Store in refrigerator.

BROWN BUTTER PUMPKIN LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Make the pumpkin purée: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with the oil. Put the pumpkin halves in the dish cut side down and bake until tender when pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes. Let cool. Peel the pumpkin and purée the flesh in a food processor until smooth. You'll need 1-1/2 cups of the purée for the cake. Refrigerate or freeze any remaining purée for another use.
• Make the cake: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.
• Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans with removable bottoms (or butter two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, butter the parchment, and flour the pans).
• Melt the butter in a heavy-duty 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally until the butter turns a nutty golden-brown, about 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and let stand until cool but not set, about 15 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves. In a large bowl, whisk 1-1/2 cups of the pumpkin purée with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and buttermilk until very well blended. With a rubber spatula, stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Gently whisk in the brown butter until completely incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake the cakes until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 28 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto racks, remove the pan bottoms or parchment, and cool completely.
• Make the topping: Melt the butter in a heavy-duty 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and pepitas and cook until the pecans brown slightly and the pepitas begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and salt and stir until the sugar melts and the nuts are glazed, about 2 minutes. Stir in the ginger. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool in the skillet.
• Make the frosting: Melt the butter in a heavy-duty 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally until the butter turns a nutty golden-brown, about 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and let stand until the solids settle at the bottom of the bowl, about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the bowl to the freezer and chill until just firm, about 18 minutes. Using a spoon, carefully scrape the butter from bowl, leaving the browned solids at the bottom; discard the solids.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light in color and the brown sugar has dissolved, 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar and continue beating until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Assemble the cake: Put one cake layer on a cake plate. Spread 1/2 cup of the frosting on the layer. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the nut mixture over the frosting and top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Arrange the remaining topping in a ring 1-1/2 inches in from the edge of the cake and serve.
• Make Ahead Tips: You can make the purée up to 2 days ahead. The assembled, frosted cake can be covered with a cake dome and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Serve at room temperature.

PUMPKIN LAYERED MAGIC CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
• In large bowl, beat Cake Layer ingredients with electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Scrape bowl; beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Spread in pan.
• In another large bowl, mix Pumpkin Layer ingredients with whisk until smooth. Carefully spoon pumpkin mixture over cake batter in pan.
• Bake 48 to 53 minutes or until cake is set when touched lightly in center. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 4 hours to chill.
• In large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt until smooth. Add whipping cream; beat until smooth, and stiff peaks form. Spread over chilled cake. Sprinkle lightly with pumpkin pie spice. Store covered in refrigerator.

PUMPKIN LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 6-inch round springform pans.
• Combine sugar, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
• Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, cloves, and ginger into a separate bowl; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in pumpkin until well blended. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake layer comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Cut rounded tops off of cooled cakes with a large, serrated bread knife so they are flat and even.
• Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whip until there are absolutely no lumps; this may take up to 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Place 1 tier of cake onto a serving plate. Frost the top liberally; place second tier on top. Generously frost the entire cake. Stick almonds gently by the handful onto the sides of the cake.

LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE

Steps:

• Add sugar to a mixing bowl and grate in lemon zest. Stir and let sit for 1 hour if possible to intensify the lemon flavor. This step can be skipped if necessary.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a loaf pan with greased parchment paper.
• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl; add to lemon sugar. Add butter, eggs, and milk and beat with an electric mixer until batter is smooth and fluffy. Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile for lemon drizzle topping whisk sugar and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth.