How to Bake Thai Pumpkin Cake

Baking a delicious Thai pumpkin cake is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices, creating a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
  3. Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  4. Add Mix-Ins: If desired, fold in shredded coconut and chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
  5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cool, slice the cake and serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Perfect Thai Pumpkin Cake

To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider the following tips:

  • Use fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor. Bake or steam the pumpkin, then puree it.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cake, consider adding a cream cheese frosting or a coconut glaze.

This Thai pumpkin cake is not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of Thai flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dessert, this cake is sure to impress.