Pumpkin Patch Torte

This cake is unforgettably moist and delicious, and not too sweet. The frosting's subtle maple flavor is the perfect accompaniment to the pumpkin cake. .—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

12 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

FROSTING:
1 cup maple syrup
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 drops green food coloring
1 drop yellow food coloring
Candy pumpkins

Directions
Line a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugars, eggs and oil until well blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture.Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Carefully remove waxed paper.
For frosting, in a large heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the syrup, egg whites and cream of tartar. With a portable mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating until frosting reaches 160°, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat on high speed until frosting forms stiff peaks, about 7 minutes. Remove 1/4 cup frosting to a small bowl; tint with green and yellow food coloring and set aside.
Cut cake widthwise into thirds. Place one layer on cake plate. Spread with one third of the frosting. Repeat layers. Arrange pumpkins on cake; add vines with reserved green frosting.
Yield: 12 servings.