Warm Pumpkin Cake

Oakland Tribune, Jan 9, 2008

Warm Pumpkin Cake

Serves 6

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/8 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

3/4 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin puree

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 Medjool dates, finely chopped

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Butter a 2-quart souffle mold. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. In a small bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with the lemon juice, then beat into the egg mixture. Add the dry ingredients and dates and beat slowly until blended. Scrape the batter into the prepared mold and smooth the top.

Cover the souffle dish with a sheet of buttered foil, seal and transfer to a large, enameled cast-iron casserole. Pour enough hot water into the casserole to reach halfway up the side of the mold and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the cake is set, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove the dish from the casserole and let cool for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and spoon the cake onto plates. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Per serving: 370 Calories, 5 g Protein, 59 g Carbohydrates, 13 g Total Fat, 8 g Saturated Fat, 100 mg Cholesterol, 170 mg Sodium, 2 g Fiber. Calories from fat: 32 percent.

-- Staff analysis