Butternut Cake Recipe

 Butternut cake is a delicious dessert that combines the rich and nutty flavor of butternut squash with warm spices. Here's a basic butternut cake recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups butternut squash puree (cooked and mashed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butternut squash puree (cooked and mashed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the butternut squash puree to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread it evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (adjust the time if using round cake pans) or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.

9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, butternut squash puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

11. Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the butternut squash frosting. You can also add chopped nuts or other decorations if you like.

12. Slice and serve your delicious butternut cake. Enjoy!

This butternut cake is perfect for fall or any time you want to enjoy the flavors of butternut squash in a sweet treat.