September 10, 2013

Baking and Dreaming


So yes, apparently I am back to talk more about recipes. I didn't plan it that way but after all the requests I received for this recipe on Instagram, I felt like it needed to be done. I promise this isn't turning into a food blog. I will be back next time with something completely unfood related.

I have a confession. I was hesitant to share this recipe. I kind of wanted to keep it a secret for awhile. For some time now I've had a dream to write a book. I think about it more and more. I have the format all laid out in my mind. I have notes. I dream about it. And while dreaming is wonderful, I need to make time in my life to do something about it. So. This recipe would be perfect for my book and I'm happy to share here today. All you have to do is pledge to buy a copy of my one day dream book and you can have the recipe now. We're on the honor system!

Chocolate Chip Harvest Cake with Cinnamon Nutmeg Whipped Cream

For the cake:
15 oz can Pumpkin
1/2 c oil
1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs
1 c sugar
1 c dark brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
2 c chocolate chips

For the whipped cream:
1 c heavy cream
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix together pumpkin, oil, eggs, applesauce, sugars and vanilla until well blended. In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and then add to wet ingredients until just blended and then fold in chocolate chips. Pour into well greased bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour or until firm. Let completely cool before removing from pan. Serve with Cinnamon Nutmeg Whipped Cream.

Notes: I always use fresh ground nutmeg and just eyeball those measurements. Also, it is helpful to reserve about 1/4 c of your flour to toss with your chocolate chips so they don't all sink to the bottom of your pan. You could use all oil for this recipe but the applesauce lightens it up and you don't miss the extra oil at all. I will probably try it soon with all applesauce just to see.

This cake was incredibly moist and even more so the next day. I couldn't stay out of the cake the next day so I cubed it and froze it and will make a trifle out of the leftover sometime soon.

Happy baking!

Update: I somehow forgot to put the eggs in the recipe when I first posted it. I'm so sorry if you made it and it failed you. I wouldn't blame you for never, ever buying a book that I write! Except that it will be proof read. I wish I could make a cake for each of you that tried to make this without eggs. I'm just mortified. How does one forget four eggs?

20 comments:

  1. Pledging! Oh yum... that is so perfect for the upcoming fall harvest season. Follow your dreams girly, they always lead to fun places and exciting adventures!

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  2. pledging ~ love cookbooks ♥
    jotting down this recipe - sounds & looks delicious - thanks jen
    here's to dreams xo

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  3. Perfect recipe for fall. I can't wait to try this when the weather cools off. It has been 100 degrees here.

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  4. Write that book, girl!
    I want an autographed copy.
    And I am making that cake, pronto.
    And I'm hoping your pizza will also be in the book because just a heads up, I am going to crash the set that day and run off with the goods.
    Bleu Cheese Soup? Please see above.

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  5. I love your header.. Thanks for inspiring me with each and every post.

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  6. that looks amazing jen. i would definitely buy your book. and if you need anyone to shoot the pictures for your book....i'm your girl!! ;)

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  7. I am not making that cake - I promised my son I would stop baking. He complains that everything is too good and he can't walk away. I have the same problem.

    Go for it with the book. I hope your format includes lovely photos of your projects too.

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  8. Oh my goodness...I think I'd pledge my firstborn child for that recipe...{lol}!! Seriously, I will happily pledge to buy a copy of your cookbook:) Thank you for sharing this recipe!

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  9. Oh- Another good recipe. I made that triple lemon pie you posted here. I am doing a blog about it this week with a link back to your blog. It was DELICIOUS..and the richest lemon pie I have ever eaten. Thanks for the recipes!!!! xo Diana

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  10. Yummmmmy! That looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    I am your newest follower.

    Judy

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  11. It figures you'd put up an amazing looking recipe like this, just when I've started a sugar fast for my health! Thanks a lot . . . ;)

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  12. I would buy your book immediately!
    Thanks for the recipe for-now-zees!

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  13. It looks so wonderful but I cannot eat like that anymore, sadly! I will just have to enjoy the photo of it.
    I quit eating sugar, bread, flour and dairy and I lost 6 lbs. Now I feel so healthy, still aiming for a total
    of 10 lbs. lost. It is amazing what eliminating a few foods can do. Now I will treasure the times I eat a dessert
    which will be rare! But so worth it for me! I have always liked your recipes.

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  14. Sign me up, Jen! I promise to buy any and all books that you write...pinky swear!!!!

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  15. This looks so yummy. My kitchen is too hot to bake in this summer. Even though we did have a few nice days my stove stays on all the time as well. I can't wait for fall.

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  16. you know i'd buy your book! (writing one is also a dream of mine!)

    this truly looks delicious. i might have to make it this weekend...and we will have guests so that just might be perfect! thank you for sharing...early!

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  17. This cake looks so delicious. Perfect for fall. Best of luck with your book project!

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  18. Saw this cake on your blog the other day, and thought it sounded delicious. I knew that I wanted to try it some day, now today it is pouring down rain outside, and we plan on staying in by the fire all day. This seems like the perfect lazy fall day cake. I think we will try it today! :)
    Thanks for the recipe.
    Beth.

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  19. I do solemnly swear to buy the book, better get writing! In the meantime, I plan to do a little "recipe testing", just to make sure you're on the right track. You're welcome, always glad to help!

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  20. I PROMISE to buy the book and I will drive down and meet you in the coffeeshop (so you don't think I am stalking you) and you can sign it! lol I am saving this recipe. No eggs? Right? xo Diana

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