Pumpkin Spice Chaos Cake (Print Version)

Moist, playful cake swirled with pumpkin spice, topped with cinnamon glaze and optional crunchy nuts.

# Components:

→ Dry Components

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

→ Wet Components

08 - 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
09 - 3/4 cup vegetable oil
10 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk
12 - 2 tsp vanilla extract

→ Garnish and Finish

13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1–2 tbsp milk
15 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon
16 - Handful chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
17 - Pinch flaky sea salt (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until thoroughly integrated.
03 - In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, room temperature eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
04 - Introduce the wet components to the bowl containing the dry components. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain cake tenderness.
05 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Employ a spatula or knife to artfully swirl the batter, creating irregular peaks and valleys for a visually dynamic effect.
06 - Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–45 minutes. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clear.
07 - Permit the cake to cool within the pan for 15 minutes. Subsequently, carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
08 - In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons of milk, and cinnamon until a smooth, drizzle-able glaze forms. Generously drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake in an abstract, imperfect pattern.
09 - If desired, scatter chopped nuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glazed cake. Slice and serve this delightful creation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour
  • Uses pantry staples and canned pumpkin
  • Deliberately imperfect so you cannot mess it up
  • Forgiving recipe perfect for beginner bakers
02 -
  • Perfect for stress relief baking no precision required
  • Stays moist for days thanks to oil and pumpkin
  • Can be made a day ahead flavor actually improves overnight

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