Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients 300g self-raising flour 300g light muscovado sugar 3 tsp mixed spice 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 175g sultanas ½ tsp salt 4 eggs , beaten 200g butter , melted zest 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice 500g (peeled weight) pumpkins or butternut squash flesh, grate For Drenching and Frosting 200g pack soft cheese 85g butter , softened 100g icing sugar , sifted zest 1 orange and juice of half

Method

1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line a 30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin with baking parchment. Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest and juice, then mix with the dry ingredients till combined. Stir in the pumpkin. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30 mins, or until golden and springy to the touch.
2. To make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice till smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 mins then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely.
3. If you like, trim the edges of the cake. Give the frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake in peaks and swirls. If you're making the cake ahead, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 mins or so before serving. Will keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

This was a big hit at the Fireworks bash! The icing is nice and orangey and for all those out there that say they don't like pumpkin, I would like to say that that was me but I really liked this cake (doesn't taste of pumpkin!!). This was served as an option for dessert along with Pineapple Top & Tail Cheesecake

Hey! I'd love to know if people are using my recipes!! If you are leave a wee comment on the recipes post! Also, why not head back and let me know how you got on!!?