Midnight Pumpkin Layer Cake

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As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, celebrate the essence of autumn with the Midnight Pumpkin Layer Cake. This exquisite dessert combines the warmth of spiced pumpkin with the indulgent richness of dark chocolate, creating a layered cake that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Topped with a glossy dark chocolate frosting and infused with layers of salted caramel and chocolate chip cream cheese filling, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for any fall celebration.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:
  • 3/4 cup (80 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot coffee
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Spiced Pumpkin Cake Layers:
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel:
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Generous pinch of sea salt
For the Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, very soft
  • 3/4 cup (120 g) mini chocolate chips
For the Glossy Dark Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups (150 g) dark cocoa powder, sifted
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Chocolate Cake Preparation:
    • Combine dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl, blend wet ingredients. Combine both and pour into an 8-inch round baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Pumpkin Cake Preparation:
    • Beat sugars with eggs until smooth. Mix in oil, vanilla, and pumpkin. Separately, whisk together the dry ingredients and fold into the pumpkin mixture. Divide between two 8-inch pans and bake until done.
  3. Salted Caramel Preparation:
    • In a saucepan, cook sugar, water, and lemon juice until amber in color. Carefully stir in cream and butter, then remove from heat and add vanilla and salt. Allow to cool.
  4. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Filling Preparation:
    • Cream butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in softened cream cheese and chocolate chips until well combined.
  5. Glossy Dark Chocolate Frosting Preparation:
    • Melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and salt. Incorporate cream and sour cream, heat until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool to a spreadable consistency.
  6. Assemble the Cake:
    • Layer the cooled cakes with cream cheese filling and drizzle with salted caramel. Apply a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top and sides.
    • Decorate with edible gold stars or additional chocolate chips for a festive finish.

Conclusion

The Midnight Pumpkin Layer Cake is a decadent celebration of fall’s quintessential flavors, offering a rich tapestry of textures and tastes that are sure to enchant your guests. With its luxurious layers and elegant presentation, this cake is ideal for any festive gathering this

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