As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about embracing the flavors of fall. For me, autumn is all about cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the delightful aroma of something baking in the oven. One of my absolute favorite go-to treats during this season is an Easy Pumpkin Dessert that never fails to bring a smile to my family’s faces. It’s a recipe that’s been passed around my neighborhood gatherings, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple, delicious dessert to whip up, this recipe is a game-changer.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Dessert
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With This Easy Pumpkin Dessert
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Dessert
Here are a few reasons why this easy pumpkin dessert is bound to become a staple in your fall recipe repertoire:
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples and a can of pumpkin purée, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for the pumpkin and spices to truly shine.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dessert yields a generous 9×13-inch cake, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any get-together. Everyone will be asking for seconds! It presents beautifully on any dessert table, adding that autumnal touch with its warm, inviting colors.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and cake mix creates a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly autumn nights. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to fill your home with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled with a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert is versatile enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. You can even drizzle it with a bit of maple syrup for an extra autumnal touch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert stays delicious even after a couple of days, making it a great option for prepping ahead for busy weeks or special occasions. It’s a lifesaver for hosts who want to enjoy their own gatherings without stress.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 261 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin purée
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your dessert won’t stick to the dish, making it easier to serve. It also helps in achieving those clean, beautiful slices.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and everything is well incorporated. This step is crucial for ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dessert. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to catch any unmixed ingredients.
- Layer the dry ingredients: Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the pumpkin layer. Resist the urge to mix it in; the layering is what gives this dessert its delightful texture. The cake mix absorbs some of the moisture from the pumpkin, creating a unique texture contrast.
- Add the buttery crunch: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Top with the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly for a nice crunch in each bite. This step adds a rich flavor and texture contrast, transforming a simple dessert into something special.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting it into 24 squares. This cooling step helps it set properly, making it easier to serve. Cooling also enhances the flavors, letting them meld beautifully.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this easy pumpkin dessert, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl: A medium to large size for mixing your wet ingredients. A glass or metal bowl works well to see all ingredients combined properly.
- Whisk: For combining the pumpkin mixture smoothly. A balloon whisk is perfect for incorporating air and ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for this dessert, ensuring even baking. A glass dish allows you to monitor the baking process.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success. Having a set with clear markings ensures precision.
- Spatula: For scraping out every bit of that delicious pumpkin mixture. A silicone spatula is ideal as it bends to contours and is heat resistant.
- Knife: To check doneness and for cutting the cooled dessert into squares. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding why each ingredient is included can make cooking even more enjoyable. Here’s why these components matter:
- Pumpkin Purée: This is the star of the show, providing moisture, flavor, and a rich orange color. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, adding a nutritional boost to your dessert. Its natural sweetness means you can use less sugar, which is always a plus.
- Evaporated Milk: It adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream, balancing the texture and helping to create a smooth filling. Its concentrated flavor enhances the richness without overpowering the pumpkin.
- White Sugar: Essential for sweetness, sugar complements the natural earthiness of the pumpkin and enhances the spices. It helps caramelize the top layer, adding a slight crunch.
- Eggs: They act as a binding agent, giving structure to the dessert and ensuring a cohesive texture. They also contribute to the dessert’s rise, making it light yet satisfying.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this spice mix is what gives the dessert its quintessential fall flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, adding more for a spicier kick.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Provides an easy and effective way to add a cakey texture without making a separate batter. It simplifies the process, making this dessert accessible to even novice bakers.
- Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and helps to crisp up the top layer, creating a delicious contrast to the soft filling. Butter also enhances the nutty flavor of the walnuts.
- Chopped Walnuts: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, plus a dose of healthy fats and protein. Toasting the walnuts before adding them can intensify their flavor.
What to Serve With This Easy Pumpkin Dessert
This dessert is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of ice cream complements the warm spices and tender cake. It creates a delightful contrast, especially when the dessert is served warm.
- Whipped Cream: A classic pairing that adds lightness and a touch of elegance. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit over the top for an extra indulgent treat. The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that takes this dessert to the next level.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage is perfect for cutting through the sweetness and warming you up on a cool day. A chai tea, in particular, pairs beautifully with the spices in the dessert.
For more cozy dessert ideas, check out our Warm Apple Crisp or the delightful Spiced Pear Tart.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), storing them properly will keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, place any leftover squares in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it even tastier the next day. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This makes it easy to enjoy a taste of fall even after the season has passed.
- Reheat: To warm up a slice, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat in a low oven until warmed through. This brings back the delightful aroma and soft texture as if it were freshly baked.
For more tips on storing desserts, you might find this guide on Food Network helpful.
Creating this easy pumpkin dessert is like inviting a piece of autumn into your home. Each bite is a reminder of the joys of the season—comfort, warmth, and togetherness. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious slice, and don’t forget to share it with those you love!
Easy Pumpkin Dessert
Indulge in this delightful fall treat with a twist! This easy pumpkin dessert, featuring canned pumpkin, yellow cake mix, and crunchy walnuts, is a must-try. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings during the autumn season, enjoy it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined; then pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the top of the pumpkin mixture, followed by drizzling the melted butter and topping it with chopped walnuts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting it into 24 squares. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 251mgPotassium: 146mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg
Notes
For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when serving. You can also substitute pecans for walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!