pumpkin cake
the great pumpkin patch
more fall desserts
- easy “pumpkin” marshmallows
- 2-ingredient pumpkin donuts
- BEST apple crisp
- apple pie bites
- pumpkin pie Rice Krispie treats
how to make a pumpkin cake with fondant decorations
to make the pumpkin patch cake, you will need:
- pumpkin cake recipe (see below)
- chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe (below)
- package of Nabisco famous chocolate wafers
- rolling pin
- ziploc bag
- spatula
- fondant
- food coloring (Electric Green and Orange)
- confectioner’s sugar
- whole cloves
- 1-inch leaf fondant cutter
- pizza cutter
step one: bake the cake
Prepare the cake recipe below and let cool completely. And I mean completely.
step two: frost your cake
Place some chocolate wafers in a sealable plastic bag (work with about ten wafers at a time). Crush with a rolling pin or mallet over a cutting board. Set aside. Prepare the frosting recipe below and use the spatula to spread on the cake. Immediately top with crushed chocolate cookies.
step three: make your fondant decorations
Prepare lime green and orange fondant by kneading drops of food coloring into a handful of fondant very well. If fondant gets too sticky from overhandling, let it sit at room temperature uncovered about fifteen minutes and dust your hands with confectioner’s sugar.
Start with just one or two drops of coloring and add more until desired color is achieved.
For the pumpkins:
Roll a ball of orange fondant in your palms about 3/4-inch in diameter. Flatten the top and bottom slightly with your thumb and forefinger, and stick a clove in the top. Press the side of a toothpick into the fondant to make indentations on the sides. Prepare 25 to 30 pumpkins, or as many as desired.
For the leaves:
Roll lime green fondant thinly on a surface lightly dusted with confectioner’s sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out leaf shapes and set aside. If desired, attach to the tops of a couple pumpkins with a dab of water. Cut out about 50 leaves, or as many as desired. Reserve some lime green fondant and wrap well. You will need more for the vines in step four.
step four: assemble your pumpkin patch cookies
With a sharp knife cleaned frequently, cut cake into 2-inch squares and arrange on a platter or cake stand.
Roll out the green fondant as in step three. Use the pizza cutter to cut out strips about 3/8-inch thick and 4-inches long. Gently pinch along the length of the vine to rid of sharp edges, then loop and bend vines.
To arrange on each piece of cake, tuck one end of a vine into frosting to secure, and place a pumpkin on the other end, gently pressing into frosting. Insert leaves as desired.
pumpkin cake recipe
Briefly whisk together flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Cream the butter in a standing mixer with the flat beater (or with an electric hand mixer). Add the sugar and blend well. Add the pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract and blend well.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. Spread into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Yields: about 28 squares.
pumpkin cake recipe
Delicious pumpkin cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting for fall or Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Briefly whisk together flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Cream the butter in a standing mixer with the flat beater (or with an electric hand mixer). Add the sugar and blend well. Add the pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract and blend well.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing well. Spread into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely.
Notes
See blog post for chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe and to decorate with a pumpkin patch.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
28Serving Size:
1 pieceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 125Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 82mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g
chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe
Blend the cream cheese and butter. Add confectioner’s sugar and blend well. Add cocoa powder and vanilla and blend.
chocolate cream cheese frosting
Yummy chocolate cream cheese frosting to go with pumpkin cake.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Blend the cream cheese and butter. Add confectioner's sugar and blend well. Add cocoa powder and vanilla and blend.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
28Serving Size:
2 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 125Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g
The pumpkin cake post was originally published in November 2010 and updated in October 2020.
Beth says
Brilliant! This is so so cute! I am totally shocked that you didn't advance to the next round, I watched a good number of the videos and yours was by far the most creative and best! You are still OUR FAVORITE food blogger of all time.
Kim~HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs says
What a sweet cake 🙂
CraftCrave says
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave in the Cooking category today [20 Nov 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria
SprinkleBakes says
I loved your marshmallow video. It was one of my favorites! I need to go see who made it through because all the people I voted for did not go to round 8!I love your pumpkin cake! Just, adorable.
Katie Yoon says
Look so cute!! I am sure that taste is good too^^
Lorraine says
I cannot believe the news. Your video was great. I don't know why it didn't make it. I love the pumpkin patch cake also. I love your site and continue to read it frequently!
The Girl in the Pink Dress says
Awww…this is so cute!
Gayle says
I can't believe you didn't make it! I'm absolutely shocked – your video was so cute and creative!
Edible Art says
i love the little illustrations to go with your directions!so cute & creativeeee
shaz says
Aw boo, sorry to hear you didn't make it through! Glad you posted the pumpkin cake though, it's gorgeous!
Beth says
Your cake is so cute! And I'm sorry you didn't advance to the next round. I loved your video (in fact that's how I discovered your lovely blog).
Rose White says
That is so cute. I would like to try this one since it is so easy and simple. I just hope that my friends like this when I bake some. Thanks for sharing.
bridget {bake at 350} says
Oh, I'm so sorry! I loved all of your original posts! You should be proud and I think only good things can come of it!PS…love this cake, too!
Vittle me this... says
ADORABLE!
Paula says
You should be very proud that you advanced to round 7 in the competition. I admire everyone who had the nerve to enter.Your Pumpkin Patch Cake is adorable, love your fondant work.
Amelia PS says
A www! Too incredibly Charlie brown adoable! You are a great blogger. So glad I met you via pfb: I loved all your entries! Amelia
Sarah-Lyn says
What!? This is AMAZING!!I just stumbled upon this entry as I finish uploading photos to my own blog … I just love your blog! What a cute cake :)SLibakecupcakes.com
Hot Polka Dot's Mom says
"Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He's gotta pick this one." – Linus Brilliantly creative and fabulous post. Well done!
Janiece says
very cute!
gladys says
That is so cute the idea …congratulation.