Autumn's arrival brings cozy nights and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. If you're looking for a delightful and easy dessert to warm your heart (and your belly!), look no further than this incredibly moist and delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cake. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, providing a satisfying sweet ending to any autumnal gathering or a comforting treat for a quiet night in. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake slides out easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps in your batter.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Every oven is different, so it's best to use the toothpick test.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- Frosting: Top with your favorite cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar is also a lovely, easy option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator website and input your ingredient quantities. However, generally, you can expect a serving to be relatively moderate in calories, with a good source of fiber from the pumpkin and some healthy fats.
This pumpkin chocolate chip cake recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or indulging in yourself on a chilly evening!