Pumpkin spiced latte cake

Method

• step 1

  Put the pumpkin or squash in a microwaveable container with a splash of water, cover with a lid and microwave on high for 5-8 mins until soft. Mash with a fork and leave to cool. Alternatively, cover and bake at 180C/160C fan/gas 4 for 30 mins, then mash.

• step 2

  If the oven isn’t already on, heat to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Brush a 900g loaf tin with melted butter and line with a strip of baking parchment, leave some overhanging either end to help you lift out the cake later.

• step 3

  Whisk the butter, eggs, yogurt, vanilla and coffee together in a jug. Put the sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger and a generous grating of nutmeg in a large bowl and mix together. Use your fingers to break up any lumps of sugar, shaking the bowl a few times to bring them to the surface. Add the liquid ingredients and the mashed pumpkin to the dry ingredients and mix until there are no floury streaks remaining.

• step 4

  Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hr, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If any wet crumbs cling to the skewer, return to the oven for another 5-10 mins, then check again. Leave to cool for 15 mins in the tin, then lift onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

• step 5

  Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes, shaking every now and then, until browned and popping. Tip onto a plate to cool.

• step 6

  Whisk the cream, mascarpone and icing sugar together in a bowl until thick – be careful not to overbeat or the icing will go runny. If it looks too soft, chill for 30 mins. Spread the icing over the cake, dust with a pinch of cinnamon and scatter over the pumpkin seeds.