The Coziest Pumpkin Dessert Recipe for Autumn Gatherings

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through this delectable pumpkin dessert that captures the essence of cozy comfort.

Crisp leaves dance outside while warm spices beckon from your kitchen.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge into a delightful treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients shine brilliantly in this simple yet elegant creation.

Every bite promises a journey through nostalgic memories and rustic charm.

Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers will find pure joy in crafting this irresistible confection.

You’ll want to savor each delicious moment of this culinary adventure.

Why Pumpkin Dessert Feels Like Fall Anytime

• Bake with Ease: This pumpkin dessert transforms a simple cake mix into a decadent treat with minimal effort and basic kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, this dessert delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that everyone will love.
• Quick Ingredient Assembly: Requires just a few pantry staples like cake mix, pumpkin puree, and common baking ingredients, making preparation super straightforward.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Celebrates autumn's signature flavors while being adaptable enough to enjoy throughout the year, creating a delicious dessert that feels both familiar and special.

What You’ll Need For Pumpkin Dessert

• Yellow Cake Mix: A versatile mix that forms the foundation of the crust and topping for this pumpkin dessert.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and topping ingredients together.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps create a cohesive crust.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the dessert its signature autumn flavor and creamy texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich filling.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the pumpkin mixture.
• Eggs: Help to set and stabilize the filling.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of warm spices that enhances the pumpkin flavor.

• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy topping.
• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.

Steps To Create Pumpkin Dessert

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Develop Cake Crust

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg

Separate 1 cup of cake mix for later use. In a mixing bowl, combine remaining cake mix, melted butter, and egg.

Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms. Press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Step 3: Whip Up Pumpkin Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• Evaporated milk
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin pie spice

In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until well incorporated. Gently pour this luscious mixture over the cake crust, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Create Crumbly Topping

• Reserved cake mix
• White sugar
• Melted butter
• Chopped walnuts

Combine the reserved cake mix, white sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until a crumbly texture develops.

Sprinkle this mixture generously over the pumpkin filling. Scatter chopped walnuts across the top for added crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the filling sets firmly.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving. The bars will develop a perfect texture as they cool down.

Top Tips For Pumpkin Dessert Success

• Choose a yellow cake mix with minimal additives for a cleaner, more authentic flavor profile.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred, ensuring a crunchy texture variation.
• Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting to help the filling set properly and achieve clean slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and moisture.
• Consider using homemade pumpkin pie spice blend for more intense, personalized seasonal flavor if you have whole spices available.

Sweet Twists On Pumpkin Dessert

• Chocolate Marble Pumpkin Bars: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the pumpkin filling before baking for a rich, decadent flavor profile. Drizzle extra chocolate on top after cooling.
• Coconut Crunch Pumpkin Bars: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the crumb topping for tropical texture.
• Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Bars: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars after baking and sprinkle chopped pecans instead of walnuts for a gooey, nutty version.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars: Mix softened cream cheese with cinnamon and fold into the pumpkin filling for a tangy, creamy layer beneath the crumb topping.

Best Matches For Pumpkin Dessert

• Pair Sweet Spiced Cinnamon Tea: A warm, fragrant cinnamon tea complements the pumpkin dessert's rich, autumnal flavors, enhancing the spicy notes and providing a comforting beverage.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced dessert, adding a cool, sweet counterpoint to the pumpkin's warmth.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: The deep, buttery caramel and espresso notes of a macchiato beautifully balance the dessert's sweetness, offering a sophisticated and indulgent pairing experience.

Pumpkin Dessert Storage Made Simple

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions or whole dessert in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place dessert in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Heat individual serving on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add extra 10-15 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Questions About Pumpkin Dessert

• Can I use a different type of cake mix for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with white or vanilla cake mix. The texture and flavor will be similar, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

• Is pumpkin pie spice necessary, or can I make my own?

You can easily make pumpkin pie spice by mixing ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in equal proportions. If you don’t have the individual spices, store-bought pumpkin pie spice works perfectly.

• How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?

The dessert is done when the topping turns golden brown and the filling is set. You can insert a toothpick near the center – if it comes out clean, the dessert is ready. The baking time is typically 50-60 minutes.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal “Harvest Pumpkin Delight” brings warmth of autumn straight to dessert tables. Creamy spices and rich texture make this classic treat an irresistible comfort for cool evenings you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 ounces / 340 grams) evaporated milk
• 1 package yellow cake mix

Baking Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Binding Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Craft the base layer by combining most of the yellow cake mix with melted butter and an egg, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Press this mixture uniformly across the pan’s bottom, creating an even foundation.
3. Whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently pour the pumpkin mixture over the prepared crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Prepare the crumble topping by combining the reserved cake mix with white sugar and melted butter until it develops a loose, granular texture.
6. Scatter the crumble topping across the pumpkin layer, then sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly for added crunch and flavor.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and a set filling consistency.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and serving, which helps the dessert maintain its structured texture.

Notes

• Swap yellow cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the amount of white and brown sugar for a less sweet version.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg