Instructions

To Make the Pumpkin Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter 3 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper and butter that as well. You can also use non-stick cooking spray for this step.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, combine the pumpkin, oil, sugar and salt. With the mixer on medium speed, add the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each yolk is fully incorporated (or almost fully incorporated) before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl when you are done.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture, just until the ingredients are incorporated. Do not over mix. Pour your batter into the bowl you just used for the dry ingredients (or into another large bowl) and set aside.
5. In the now semi-clean bowl of your mixer, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy and white. They will still be fairly liquidy, not fully whipped. Fold the frothy egg whites into the cake batter until they are no longer visible (but be careful not to over mix). Pour the cake batter into the pan and bake on the middle rack in the oven, with enough room for it to rise.
6. Begin checking the cakes after 35 minutes (mine have taken anywhere between 35-50 minutes), removing them when a toothpick or thin knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The middle will set and cook a little longer from the heat of the pan as the cake cools. Let the cake cool in its pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes, or until the cake is pulling away from the pan. Transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. NOTE: You can make this cake ahead of time! After it cools, wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few days, or freeze for a few weeks. If you freeze the layers, let them thaw in the fridge before frosting them.

To make the chocolate frosting

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.
2. With the mixer on low, gradually add in the salt, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until combined. Add the vanilla and slowly add the milk, one tablespoon at a time. Mix on medium speed until the frosting is soft and silky, but not too thin. Scrape down the bowl and add more milk if it is too thick to spread. Add the melted, cooled chocolate and mix until it is fully combined. Mix on medium-high for 1 more minute to make the frosting light and fluffy.
3. Spread the fluffy fudgy frosting generously between the layers and all around the outside of your prepared pumpkin cake. Enjoy!