Holiday Pumpkin Cake with Rum-Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Original Recipe Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cups white sugar
• cup light brown sugar, packed
• cup vegetable oil
• cup melted butter
• cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups unsweetened canned pumpkin puree
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

Glaze:

• 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.

Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the self-rising flour and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the white sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and eggs until smooth.

Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about cup at a time, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. If the cake starts to brown too much, cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 7: After 60 minutes, insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, continue baking for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, tap the bottom of the Bundt pan to help release the cake. Invert it onto a serving plate and let it cool completely before glazing.

Glaze Preparation

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, rum extract, and milk. Stir until smooth.

Step 2: Heat the glaze in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften further, if needed.

Step 3: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it gently flow over the edges.

Step 4: Refrigerate any leftover cake after serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 492
• Total Fat: 19g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (36% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 85mg (28% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 501mg (22% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 76g (28% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 57g
• Protein: 6g (11% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 117mg (9% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 214mg (5% Daily Value)

This festive cake is a delightful way to bring the flavors of fall into your home, offering a perfect balance of warm spices and pumpkin puree topped with a smooth rum-cream cheese glaze. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit. Below, we explore its origins, regional characteristics, and what makes it stand out from other pumpkin desserts.

Origin and History

The tradition of baking with pumpkin dates back to the early settlers of North America, where pumpkins were abundant in the wild. While pumpkin pie is the most iconic pumpkin dessert, variations such as this pumpkin cake became increasingly popular in the United States as people looked for new ways to enjoy the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin during the fall season. This particular recipe likely emerged in the late 20th century, capitalizing on the trend of pumpkin-based baked goods in the autumn months. The addition of a rum-cream cheese glaze adds a unique twist, bringing a hint of richness and a subtle boozy depth to the cake.

Regional Variations

While pumpkin desserts are a staple in American fall cuisine, different regions have their own take on how to incorporate pumpkin into baked goods. In the northeastern United States, for example, pumpkin bread is a common treat during the fall months, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. On the other hand, the southern United States may feature spiced pumpkin pies or even pumpkin fritters, often paired with pecans or other locally grown nuts. What sets this "Holiday Pumpkin Cake" apart is its dense texture, which falls somewhere between a cake and a pie. Its rich, moist crumb and decadent glaze are influenced by both traditional baking methods and modern American tastes, offering a truly festive dessert.

Differences from Similar Dishes

At first glance, this pumpkin cake might appear similar to a classic pumpkin pie, but the difference lies in its texture and preparation. While pumpkin pie has a smooth, custard-like filling encased in a flaky pie crust, this pumpkin cake has a dense, moist texture reminiscent of a spice cake. The addition of self-rising flour helps the cake rise, giving it more structure and height compared to the flat consistency of a pie. The rum-cream cheese glaze further sets it apart, offering a creamy topping that is not typically found on pumpkin pie. This glaze gives the cake an elegant finish that is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Where Its Typically Served

This Holiday Pumpkin Cake is typically served at festive gatherings, especially during the autumn and winter holidays. Its a popular choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's parties, where it can be the centerpiece of dessert tables. The bundt pan shape adds an impressive presentation, making it a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. The rich flavor and moist texture make it an ideal complement to other holiday treats like pies, cookies, and tarts, and its easy-to-make nature makes it a go-to for family dinners and bake sales.

Interesting Facts

• The tradition of using pumpkin in desserts likely originates from Native American cuisine, where pumpkins were cooked and sweetened with local ingredients like maple syrup and honey.
• The inclusion of rum extract in the glaze offers a subtle touch of Caribbean influence, as rum has long been a staple in the Caribbean islands. It pairs beautifully with the warmth of the pumpkin and spices.
• The bundt pan, which is used for this cake, was originally designed in the 1950s by a group of Jewish women in Minnesota. Today, it is a popular choice for cakes that need a bit of extra visual flair.
• Although often thought of as a "fall" flavor, pumpkin desserts have gained popularity year-round in the United States, with many bakeries offering pumpkin-flavored treats from as early as September through to the winter months.

Whether you enjoy it as a lighter alternative to pumpkin pie or appreciate its rich texture and flavors, this Holiday Pumpkin Cake with Rum-Cream Cheese Glaze is a great addition to any holiday celebration. It's an easy recipe that delivers impressive results, making it a dessert that's both comforting and festive.

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