Spiced pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing

Method

1. Step 1

   To make the maple caramel, place maple syrup in a medium frying pan over high heat. Cook for 4-5 mins or until maple syrup thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in butter, salt and cream. Place in the fridge for 1 hour to chill.

2. Step 2

   Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange the pumpkin on the lined tray. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 45 mins or until tender. Set aside for 20 mins to cool.

3. Step 3

   Meanwhile, grease a 5cm-deep, 20cm x 30cm (base measurement) lamington pan. Line the base and sides with baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang. Cook the butter in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 mins or until golden brown. Transfer to a heatproof bowl. Place in the fridge for 10 mins to chill.

4. Step 4

   Use a food processor to process the pumpkin until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, yoghurt, vegetable oil, orange rind, vanilla and butter and process until the mixture is smooth.

5. Step 5

   Sift flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon into a large bowl. Fold in the pumpkin mixture and salt until just combined. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30-35 mins or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan to cool completely.

6. Step 6

   To make the cream cheese icing, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar in a medium bowl until pale and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy.

7. Step 7

   Transfer the cake to a serving plate. Spread with the cream cheese icing. Drizzle with maple caramel to serve.