The Prayer Porch

Tag: cake

  • Cozy Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe

    Cozy Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe

    A soft, spiced pumpkin cake is rolled with creamy filling. It’s a cozy classic. It tastes like autumn in every slice.

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • ⅔ cup canned pumpkin
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Filling

    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to lift later. Lightly grease the paper.
    2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
    3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla until smooth.
    4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
    5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
    6. Roll the cake: While still warm, lift the cake (with parchment) from the pan. Starting at a short end, roll the cake and parchment together into a spiral. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
    7. Make the filling: Beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
    8. Assemble: Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and re-roll without the parchment. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
    9. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!

    Tip: This dessert keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. It is perfect for making ahead of a gathering. It also makes a cozy weekend treat.

  • 🍎 German Apple Cake

    🍎 German Apple Cake

    This recipe comes from my father-in-law’s father and dates back to the 1940’s. It was a time when home baking was a treasured ritual. Recipes were passed down by hand, heart, and memory.

    During that era, many families in the U.S. found comfort in simple, resourceful cooking. The 1940’s were marked by both the hardship of war and the strength of community. Cakes like this were made with basic pantry staples and the seasonal abundance of apples. They became humble expressions of love, resilience, and gathering.

    Baking this cake now feels like more than just making dessert. It’s continuing a legacy. A quiet way to honor those who came before us, and to create new memories with every warm slice.

    Ingredients:

    • 4–5 apples, sliced
    • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Cinnamon and sugar (for sprinkling on the apples)
    • Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting after baking)

    Optional: Homemade Whipped Cream

    • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Directions:

    Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
    Slice the apples and sprinkle them with a cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.

    In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until soft and fluffy.
    Add the flour, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until a soft batter forms.

    Grease a 9-inch Springform pan.
    Spread or press the batter evenly into the bottom of the pan.
    Arrange the apple slices neatly on top of the batter, pressing them in just slightly.

    Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
    Allow to cool, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

    🍰 Homemade Whipped Cream (Optional)

    In a chilled bowl, combine the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla.
    Whip until soft-to-medium peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.