Autumn Pumpkin Cake with Zesty Orange Glaze 🎃🍊

This delightful cake combines the warm spices of fall with the bright flavor of orange, creating a perfect harmony that's sure to impress. It's a lovely centerpiece for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat! ☕️✨

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 4 eggs
• 1 (16-ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the orange glaze

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 4 teaspoons orange juice
• Chopped walnuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan and sprinkle it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

2. In a colander, pour the boiling water over the raisins. Drain and press lightly to remove excess water.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, melted shortening, pumpkin, and eggs with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until well combined.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cloves, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the pumpkin mixture, one cup at a time, beating at low speed after each addition until blended. Gently fold in the raisins.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. For the glaze, combine the confectioners' sugar, grated orange peel, and orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

8. Once the cake is completely cooled, place it on a serving plate and drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing some to drip down the sides. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added crunch.

🎉 Celebrate the season by serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Variations

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter for an extra kick of flavor.
• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
• Add-ins: Incorporate a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts directly into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Make it a Layer Cake: Split the batter between two round cake pans, bake, and layer with creamy frosting for a stunning presentation.

Enjoy making this seasonal delicacy and sharing it with loved ones! 🍂❤️