There’s something truly magical about Thanksgiving bake sales, isn’t there? The air filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked goods, the laughter of friends and family gathering to share delicious treats, and the spirit of giving that brings us all together. My Thanksgiving bake sale recipe is a delightful collection of assorted treats that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also creates cherished moments with loved ones. Picture this: a slice of moist pumpkin cake topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, bringing smiles to faces young and old. Trust me, this recipe will be the highlight of your holiday traditions and is sure to become a staple in your bake sale lineup!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need for my Thanksgiving bake sale treat:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure and that perfect crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is essential! This will help balance the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
- 1/2 cup butter: Use unsalted butter for richness and flavor; it helps keep the cake moist.
- 3 eggs: These will bind everything together and add a lovely texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling, for that true pumpkin flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice is a must for that cozy fall flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to omit if you prefer.
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start baking—it makes the process so much smoother! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients prepped, let’s dive into the fun part—baking! Follow these steps to bring that delightful Thanksgiving bake sale treat to life:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the get-go.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended—this is going to be the base of your cake.
- Beat the butter and eggs: In another bowl, beat the butter and eggs together until creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be nice and smooth!
- Add pumpkin puree: Next, stir in the pumpkin puree to the butter mixture. It should look rich and velvety—yum!
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here; you want to combine them without overmixing. Just until you don’t see any floury bits is perfect.
- Fold in walnuts: If you’re using walnuts, now’s the time to fold them in. This adds that lovely crunch and flavor!
- Pour into pan: Grease your baking pan and pour the batter in, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean—no gooey batter!
- Cool before serving: Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; it’ll be worth the wait!
And there you have it! Easy peasy, right? Now, let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen and get ready for your friends and family to be amazed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With just a handful of steps, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Moist and flavorful: The pumpkin puree keeps the cake wonderfully moist, while the warm spices create a comforting flavor that screams Thanksgiving!
- Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 12 delightful servings, making it a fantastic choice for bake sales, gatherings, or just to share with friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out walnuts for chocolate chips or add your favorite spices to make it your own!
- Festive presentation: The beautiful orange color of the cake and the sprinkle of cinnamon on top make it a gorgeous addition to any dessert table.
- Community spirit: Sharing this cake at your Thanksgiving bake sale is a great way to connect with your community and spread cheer during the holiday season.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving bake sale treat turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I swear by:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. It helps everything blend together smoothly and results in a fluffier cake!
- Don’t skip the mixing: Whisk those dry ingredients well to avoid any lumps. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.
- Check your oven: Ovens can be tricky! Use an oven thermometer if you have one to make sure it’s at the right temperature. This makes a big difference in baking.
- Toothpick test: When checking for doneness, remember that a few crumbs on the toothpick are okay, but it shouldn’t have wet batter. If it’s not ready, give it a few more minutes!
- Cool completely: Letting the cake cool completely before serving is key. This helps the flavors deepen and makes it easier to cut into perfect slices.
- Enhance the flavor: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. It’s these little tweaks that can elevate your bake!
- Use parchment paper: If you’re worried about sticking, lining the bottom of your baking pan with parchment paper can help ensure your cake comes out beautifully.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone at your Thanksgiving bake sale. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to mix things up for your Thanksgiving bake sale, here are some fun variations to try with this delightful pumpkin treat:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake: Swap out the walnuts for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The chocolate adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin!
- Spiced Pumpkin Cake: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra kick of warmth and spice. It really enhances that cozy fall flavor!
- Cranberry Orange Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries and a bit of orange zest into the batter. This gives a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cake: Substitute the walnuts with chopped pecans and drizzle some maple syrup into the batter for a deliciously sweet and nutty twist!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. It works like a charm, and you won’t even notice the difference!
- Vegan Pumpkin Cake: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version that’s equally delicious!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also ensure there’s something for everyone at your bake sale. Have fun experimenting, and trust me, your guests will love whatever you whip up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you have this scrumptious pumpkin cake ready for your Thanksgiving bake sale, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying those leftovers (if there are any!).
Storing Leftovers: Once your cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and keep it from drying out. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or if you want to save it for longer, pop it in the fridge where it can last about a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Freezing: If you want to keep your cake for an even longer time, you can freeze it! Slice the cake into portions and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Easy peasy!
Reheating: While this cake is delightful served at room temperature, if you like it warm, you can gently reheat it. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a dry piece of cake! Alternatively, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back the lovely warmth without compromising its texture.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor every bite of your Thanksgiving bake sale treat long after the last slice has been served. Happy baking and happy feasting!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what’s in the delicious treats we bake, especially when sharing with friends and family! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for each slice of my Thanksgiving bake sale pumpkin cake:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These values make this cake a delightful treat without too much guilt! Enjoy every bite and feel good about sharing this lovely recipe at your Thanksgiving bake sale!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just roast it, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to measure out one cup of the puree for the recipe!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. It works wonderfully in this recipe, so everyone can enjoy it at the Thanksgiving bake sale!
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries at all! You can leave them out entirely or swap them for chocolate chips or pecans for a delicious twist. It’s all about what you prefer!
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the baking pan and popping it in the oven.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra special touch, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Yum!
How long will leftovers last?
If you store your cake properly in an airtight container, it can last up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, definitely! Slice it up and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly! If you want to make it vegan, just swap the eggs for flax eggs and use coconut oil in place of butter.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a spicier kick, or toss in some dried fruit, like cranberries, for an added burst of flavor! This recipe is super versatile!
Thanksgiving Bake Sale: 7 Magical Treats to Delight You
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delightful bake sale collection for Thanksgiving featuring assorted treats.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and eggs until creamy.
- Add pumpkin puree to the butter mixture.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Substitute walnuts with chocolate chips if desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving bake sale, pumpkin bake, holiday treats
