Indulge your senses with a delightful twist on a classic dessert: the Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cake! This scrumptious treat combines rich chocolate flavors with the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin, all swirled together with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. With just over an hour of your time, you can create a show-stopping dessert that not only looks stunning but tastes divine. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually fold in the pumpkin puree until well incorporated into the batter.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate batter.
- Add the remaining chocolate batter on top, then use a knife to create swirl patterns by gently dragging the knife through the batters.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the cake out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares and serve. Optional: dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Create Beautiful Swirls: For a visually appealing swirl effect, use a knife to gently drag through the batters, but avoid overdoing it to maintain distinct layers.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the flavors meld and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
