Pumpkin Polenta Cake is a delightful fusion of traditional cornbread and the rich, moist flavors of pumpkin. This slightly sweet, cinnamon-spiced cake offers a unique texture and taste, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish, breakfast treat, or dessert, this cake brings the comforting flavors of fall to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 egg whites, lightly beaten
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 cups polenta or yellow cornmeal

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Blend wet ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, and egg whites. Add brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a medium bowl.
Incorporate yogurt and polenta: Mix yogurt and polenta into the pumpkin mixture until well combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 286 kcal
Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 690 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 10 g

What Makes Pumpkin Polenta Cake Unique?

Unlike traditional cakes, which are made with regular flour, Pumpkin Polenta Cake uses polenta or cornmeal as its base. This gives the cake a slightly denser, yet pleasantly crumbly texture, making it stand out from lighter, airier cakes. The use of pumpkin puree infuses the cake with moisture and natural sweetness, while also adding nutritional value with a high dose of beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.

The combination of polenta and pumpkin in this cake creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile, balanced by the warmth of fall spices. The inclusion of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves helps to elevate the flavor, transforming this simple cake into a seasonal delight. Whether you prefer to serve it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a festive dessert, this cake offers a satisfying and comforting bite.

A Perfect Fall Recipe

Pumpkin Polenta Cake is a quintessential fall recipe, especially with the abundance of fresh pumpkins available during the autumn months. The use of pumpkin gives the cake a natural sweetness, and when paired with the rich spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it becomes the perfect autumn dessert. The earthy, slightly gritty texture of polenta complements the smoothness of the pumpkin, resulting in a cake that is both hearty and flavorful.

This cake is perfect for a cozy fall afternoon, served with a hot beverage like tea or coffee. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, when pumpkin-flavored treats are a staple. The warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the pumpkin, and the satisfying texture of polenta make it an ideal dish for this time of year.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Polenta Cake

While Pumpkin Polenta Cake is undeniably indulgent, it also provides several nutritional benefits, especially when compared to more traditional cakes. The primary ingredients—pumpkin and polenta—offer a host of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make this dessert slightly healthier than many other sugary treats. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from this cake:

Pumpkin: A rich source of vitamin A, pumpkin helps support eye health, boosts the immune system, and provides antioxidants that fight inflammation. Pumpkin is also high in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness after eating.
Polenta (Cornmeal): Polenta is made from corn and is rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy. It’s also a good source of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and energy levels.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, commonly used in this cake, contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These spices can support overall health and add depth to the flavor of the cake.

Though it’s still a dessert, Pumpkin Polenta Cake is a great option for those looking for a more nutrient-dense treat. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin reduces the need for excessive added sugar, and the cornmeal provides a nice texture and extra fiber.

Customizing Your Pumpkin Polenta Cake

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ways you can adapt the Pumpkin Polenta Cake to make it your own:

Adding Nuts: Walnuts or pecans make a great addition to this cake. You can either mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. Their crunch complements the soft, smooth texture of the cake and adds extra nutrients.
Dried Fruits: Consider adding raisins, cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots to the batter for added sweetness and texture. Dried fruits pair wonderfully with the pumpkin and spices, and they add a touch of tartness to balance the flavors.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: If you’re vegan, you can easily substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cornmeal or polenta blend.
Icing or Glaze: For a slightly sweeter finish, you can drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a touch of extra sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin Polenta Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve it alongside a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or a latte. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for a richer bite.
As a Snack: Enjoy a slice of Pumpkin Polenta Cake with a cup of tea or milk for an afternoon snack. The cake’s texture and flavors make it perfect for a comforting snack break.
For Dessert: You can serve this cake warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
For Special Occasions: Dress up the cake by garnishing it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh herbs, or even some caramelized nuts. This makes it a great choice for holiday dinners or special family gatherings.

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Polenta Cake

This cake is not only delicious on the day it’s baked, but it also stores and freezes well for later enjoyment. To keep the cake fresh for several days, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep the cake for a longer period, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: Pumpkin Polenta Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Polenta Cake is a delightful treat that combines the best of fall’s flavors with a unique, satisfying texture. With its natural sweetness from pumpkin, the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the heartiness of polenta, this cake is a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire.

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