Pumpkin Honey Cake

October is the perfect time for pumpkins! This year, I wanted to create something festive for Halloween while also celebrating one of our dear employees' birthday. That’s how this honey pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting came to life. I bake cakes regularly for everyone here at Big Island Bees, but this one was a HUGE hit!

Not overly sweet, the honey flavor shines through just enough and the pumpkin adds a lovely moistness. Now, everyone is asking me to make this cake for their birthdays too! I encourage you to give it a try; it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and enjoy a slice of something delicious!

You can also choose to make as individual cupcakes or bake in a loaf pan if you prefer.

Ingredients:

This recipe makes either one 9 x 13" baking pan, 24 cupcakes, or two 9-inch round pans

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup Big Island Bees Wilelaiki Honey
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

For the Frosting:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, soft
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup Big Island Bees Lehua & Cinnamon Honey
• 1/2 cup toasted finely chopped walnuts for sprinkling on top (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour the pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, spice, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Using the paddle attachment, mix the eggs, honey, butter, and pumpkin puree over low speed in a stand mixer b. ( You may also use a hand mixer, mixing at low speed until well blended). A cup at a time, add the dry ingredients until combined. Do not over-mix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) of your choice and bake for 25 minutes ( 15-18 minutes for cupcakes) or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
5. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool before icing.

To Make the Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the butter, cream cheese and honey together until smooth.
2. Spread top of cake(s) with the honey frosting.
3. Sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts if desired.