Name: Pumpkin-Chocolate Layer Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice; 2 cups white sugar; 0.75 cup canola oil; 0.5 cup applesauce; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 0.5 cup sifted confectioners' sugar; 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 5 tablespoons powdered sugar; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 50 mins

Servings:

12

Yield:

1 9-inch layer cake

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups white sugar
¾ cup canola oil
½ cup applesauce
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Filling:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Glaze:

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
5 tablespoons powdered sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and allspice together in a small bowl for the cake.
Combine sugar, oil, and applesauce in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Add pumpkin and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs on medium speed, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add flour mixture gradually until combined; finish mixing with a rubber spatula.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pans. Sprinkle chopped semisweet chocolate over the top of each. Swirl chocolate into the batter using a metal spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Loosen the sides, invert, remove parchment paper, and let cool on wire racks, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the filling in a mixing bowl. Beat using an electric mixer, increasing speed, until creamy. Remove 2/3 of the mixture and set aside. Add cocoa to remaining mixture; beat until creamy.
Beat heavy cream in another bowl on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold 2/3 of the whipped cream into the white cream cheese mixture. Fold remaining 1/3 of whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese mixture.
Cut each cooled cake layer in half horizontally. Spread 1/2 of the white cream cheese mixture onto 1 layer of cake, to about 1/4-inch from the edge. Sprinkle 1/3 chopped semisweet chocolate over filling, gently pressing down with fingers. Add next layer; spread with chocolate cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 of chopped semisweet chocolate; press down. Add third cake layer, spread with remaining white cream cheese. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate, pressing gently. Top with last layer.
Place bittersweet chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add in powdered sugar and butter. Whisk until smooth. Pour over the top of the cake. Spread glaze evenly across the top and on the sides.

Cook's Notes:

If you test the chocolate mixture for taste do not be tempted to add sugar as it may not taste very sweet. Your opinion will change once the cake is assembled!

There are two types of pumpkin lovers: subtle and spicy. If you are of the subtle variety like me, this recipe is perfect the way it is. If you prefer to really taste the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, etc.) you will probably want to add more.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

696	Calories
41g	Fat
76g	Carbs
9g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 696
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 41g	53%
Saturated Fat 17g	87%
Cholesterol 123mg	41%
Sodium 555mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate 76g	28%
Dietary Fiber 4g	16%
Total Sugars 53g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 2mg	9%
Calcium 129mg	10%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 265mg	6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.