Pumpkin & Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin with the rich and indulgent taste of chocolate. The pairing of these two flavors creates a unique and delicious cake that is perfect for fall and holiday celebrations.

The history of pumpkin as an ingredient in desserts can be traced back to North America, where Native Americans used pumpkin as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in various dishes. Pumpkin pies and cakes became popular in early American cuisine, and the tradition of incorporating pumpkin into desserts continued to grow.

On the other hand, chocolate has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations in Central and South America, where the cacao bean was cultivated and used to create a bitter beverage. Over time, chocolate evolved into the sweet and beloved treat we know today, and its popularity spread around the world.

Combining pumpkin and chocolate in a cake recipe is a modern twist that likely emerged from the creativity of home bakers and professional pastry chefs looking to experiment with unique flavor combinations. The result is a cake that marries the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of pumpkin with the bold, sweet, and slightly bitter notes of chocolate.

Pumpkin & Chocolate Cake has become a favorite among dessert enthusiasts, especially during the fall season when pumpkins are abundant and the warm and comforting flavors of this cake perfectly complement the crisp autumn weather.

INGREDIENTS

Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree

Chocolate Layer:

• 6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for pans
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp + pinch baking soda
• 1/2 tsp + pinch baking powder
• 1/2 tsp + pinch salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp buttermilk
• 6 Tbsp water
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Brown Sugar Icing:

• 7 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter 2 – 8″ round cake pans, and dust one with flour and the other with cocoa powder.

Pumpkin Layer:

1. Combine sugar, canola oil, and eggs in a mixing bowl; mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir the dry ingredients into the oil mixture, beating well until fully combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
4. Pour the pumpkin batter into the flour-prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let it cool completely before turning it out.

Chocolate Layer:

1. In the bowl of a mixer, combine cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low until combined.
2. Add the egg, buttermilk, water, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is very smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour the chocolate batter into the cocoa-prepared pan. Bake until set, about 30-35 minutes. Let it cool completely before turning it out.

Assembling the Cake:

1. When both layers are fully cooled, cut the pumpkin layer in half and the chocolate layer in half, creating four sections of cake.
2. Frost the cake with Whipped Brown Sugar Icing, alternating between one chocolate section, one pumpkin section, another chocolate section, and finishing with a pumpkin section.

Whipped Brown Sugar Icing:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat it, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter, brown sugar, and salt together until light and fluffy on medium-high speed, about 3 minutes. Add the completely cooled milk mixture.
4. Beat the mixture for 5 minutes on medium-high to high until it reaches a whipped cream-like consistency.

The Pumpkin & Chocolate Cake with Whipped Brown Sugar Icing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful treat to enjoy during the fall season or any special occasion.