Pumpkin Spice Pound Cake with Brown Sugar Glace

I cannot get over my obsession with Pumpkin Spice this year.  If that is wrong, I just don't want to be right.  Yesterday was your perfect Fall day--leaves blowing around, a slight chill in the air, and some overcast weather.  It was perfect for baking.  This Pumpkin Spice Pound Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze hit the spot and quickly became a favorite fall dessert.  I definitely have plans to make it for Thanksgiving since it's a fun twist on a traditional holiday dessert!  I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

for the cake

• Baker's Joy cooking spray (or you could use cooking spray and some flour to prep your pan)
• 1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup butter at room temperature 
• 4 eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cups milk (I used skim)

for the glaze

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Directions

for the cake

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Prepare the cake pan with Baker's Joy or cooking spray and flour
• Combine both types of sugar and butter in mixer, beating until well blended
• Add eggs 1 at a time, blending them well after each one
• Add in pumpkin and vanilla, beating mixture until combined
• Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and mix together well
• Add dry ingredient mixture and milk to sugar mixture, alternating until all is combined (tip, begin and end with the flour mixture)
• Add batter to cake pan and bake for 55 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean
• Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack

for the glaze

• Heat butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves
• Add cream, vanilla, and salt and bring to a boil while still stirring
• Remove from heat and let cool until thickened
• Drizzle over cake and enjoy!

Linking with Biana, Katie, Linda, Erin and Ashley

Halloween Murder Mystery Party

Over the weekend Muffin and I hosted a Murder Mystery Party at our house.  My sister Anne is moving to Nashville this week and and we wanted to celebrate her last official weekend at home with a memorable night.  The theme was tons of fun and was probably one of my favorite parties to date!  Below are some pictures of the decor--it was so fun putting everything together!

These centerpieces were SO easy!  Just old wine bottles and "Bag of Bones" found at tons of local stores or online HERE.

If you are looking for a fun party theme for Halloween this year, I definitely recommend a Murder Mystery.  It was interactive, interesting,  and just all around silly fun.  We used Shot in the Dark Mysteries for the storyline and I can't say enough great things about them.  Their customer service was incredible!  Plus, it was great that the hosts of the party get to participate as well (not all murder mysteries do this!).

Even bigger bonus to throwing the party--my house is now completely decorated for my favorite holiday!  Score!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts

I woke up yesterday morning looking out at all of the fall leaves and got a serious craving for Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts.  Baked doughnuts at home are incredibly easy and fast to make and this recipe definitely hit the spot!  I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

for the donuts

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 can of pumpkin purée
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 cups of all purpose flour
• Make sure you have a donut pan

for the glaze

• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 3-6 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
• Combine all ingredients except for flour and mix until smooth
• Slowly add flour 1/2 cup at a time.
• Stir until combined.
• Place batter in a ziplock bag and cut off the tip to fashion a piping bag.  (I usually put the bag in a glass and scoop the dough in)  
• Pipe batter into a donut pan that is sprayed with non-stick spray
• Bake for 10 minutes
• Allow to cool on a baking rack while you prepare frosting
• To prepare frosting--combine all ingredients in a mixer, whipping until you get a royal icing type consistency.
• Dip donut in frosting and allow to cool. (The frosting will melt onto your Donut.  Dip multiple times for a thicker glaze).
• Enjoy!

Linking with Biana, Katie, Linda, Erin and Ashley

Happy 4th Anniversary!

On a crazy day where I'm preparing for a million events at work, writing survey questions for my masters research, and it's pouring rain outside....I want to wish a happy 4th anniversary to my sweet Muffin.

I love you more than words can say and am so lucky to have you in my life.  I think this picture sums up our relationship.  You fill my days with laughter and make my burdens so much lighter.  Here's to another year of marriage!

To see pictures from our wedding and read about last year's anniversary click here!