Pumpkin Cake with Green Tea Rubs

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Cream cheese frosting (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea rubs ingredients in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to add a unique flavor to the pumpkin cake.

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and green tea rubs. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Pumpkin:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Fold in Nuts (if using):

• Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.

Pour the Batter:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake the Cake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake:

• Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost and Serve:

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting (if desired) on one cake layer, top with the other layer, and frost the top and sides of the cake. Serve the Pumpkin Cake with Green Tea Rubs at your next gathering or as a dessert during the fall season. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors from the green tea rubs and traditional pumpkin cake spices.