Pumpkin Bread That’s Made for Dessert

If it makes you feel better, go ahead and call this pumpkin cake “pumpkin bread.” But we all know the truth… These tender little loaves made with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, rustic pumpkin pie-inspired spices and butter, are most definitely pumpkin cake. I slathered them with decadent chocolate ganache just to prove my point. This Pumpkin Pound Cake means serious(ly delicious) business.

Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Cake?

Growing up, I had such internal turmoil over the bread-cake dilemma. Anytime a relative (or other adult) would serve me a piece of banana “bread” zucchini “bread” or any other such nonsense, I would taste it and immediately mark them as a liar in my mind. Apparently I was a skeptical little thing. Yet even as a young child I could tell the difference between cake and bread. Who were they trying to fool? So today, I decided I better stick to my guns over the naming of this recipe and tell you upfront, this is a pumpkin cake.

The PERFECT Easy Pumpkin Pound Cake Recipe

Not only is it a cake, it’s a rich buttery pumpkin pound cake, so moist you could almost squeeze out the pumpkin essence if you tried. The crumb is extremely fine, because I used Gold Medal Flour, which is always milled to smooth perfection. I also use part of a classic pumpkin pie spice-inspired combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and maple to bring out the best qualities of the pumpkin flavor. Subtle and sublime.

With or Without Chocolate Ganache?

You can serve this pumpkin pound cake just like this, or do what I did and blanket it in homemade chocolate ganache. Why not? Pumpkin and chocolate work remarkably well together. The rustic notes of the pumpkin and spice balance the bitter-sweet notes of the chocolate.  Easy to make in the microwave, you can spoon the chocolate ganache over the top for messy fun, or get fancy with your piping bag. Either way, this pumpkin pound cake is a win-win!

What You’ll Need to Make My Pumpkin Pound Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Pumpkin puree creates an ideal balance of moisture and cake-like texture, and using maple syrup rather than refined sugar helps keep this treat from being too sweet while also complementing the pumpkin spice flavors. Fall baking perfection! Here’s what you need to make Pumpkin Pound Cake with Chocolate Ganache this season:

All-purpose Gold Medal Flour Pumpkin puree – NOT pumpkin pie filling! Eggs Unsalted butter Sugar Baking powder Baking soda Pumpkin Pie Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove Maple syrup Salt Semi sweet chocolate, either chopped or as chocolate chips Heavy cream 6 small (3×7”) or 2 large loaf pans Electric mixer

How to Make Pumpkin Pound Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This easy pound cake recipe is perfect for making on a chilly fall afternoon! In about an hour you can have warm, fragrant pumpkin cake cooling in your kitchen. Can’t you just imagine the deliciously sweet and spicy smell of pumpkin pie spices wafting through the house? Here’s how to make the BEST Pumpkin Pound Cake with Chocolate Ganache: While your loaves cool, make the Chocolate Ganache by microwaving chocolate and cream together in a bowl on short bursts (60-90 seconds at a time, stirring between heating) until cream is hot. Allow chocolate to set for a few minutes before drizzling over your Pumpkin Pound Cake loaves. Pro Tip: Adorable little loaves make wonderful edible gifts for the holidays. Try surprising your neighbor with an easy pumpkin pound cake! Sometimes a little gesture of goodwill can turn into a lasting relationship. Just be sure to make an extra pumpkin pound cake for yourself this season: You deserve a treat, too!

How long does this easy pound cake last? 

This pound cake does not need to be stored in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container, at room temperature, and it will last 3 to 5 days. If you do put it in the fridge, it can last for up to a week.  If you want to freeze the loaves, wrap them with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Then keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Make sure to write the date so you know when you need to thaw and eat it! 

Looking for more Sweet Pumpkin Spice Recipes for Fall?

Pumpkin Bread Recipe The BEST Mini Pumpkin Pie Recipe Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Pumpkin Texas Sheetcake with Buttermilk Frosting The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Disclosure: This recipe is sponsored by Gold Medal Flour. All opinions are always my own. Share This Recipe With Friends!

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