Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake: A Foolproof Fall Dessert
Fall is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with the quintessential flavors of the season? This Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake perfectly blends the comforting taste of pumpkin pie with the ease of a simple cake, creating a dessert that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make. Forget fussy crusts and complicated techniques – this recipe uses a cake mix as its base, transforming it into a moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Cake
* **Effortless Elegance:** This cake is surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The cake mix shortcut cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
* **Perfectly Pumpkin-Spiced:** The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates that classic fall flavor that everyone craves.
* **Moist and Tender:** The addition of pumpkin puree and evaporated milk ensures that the cake is incredibly moist and stays that way for days (if it lasts that long!).
* **Versatile and Adaptable:** This recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Dessert:** This cake is always a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special treat for your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:
* **1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix:** This is the foundation of our easy cake. You can also use a spice cake mix for an even more intense fall flavor.
* **1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin Puree:** Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree should be 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sweeteners.
* **1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk:** Evaporated milk adds richness and moisture to the cake. Do not substitute with sweetened condensed milk.
* **4 Large Eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, Melted:** Melted butter adds flavor and moisture. You can also use vegetable oil if preferred, but butter provides a richer taste.
* **1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice:** This is the key to achieving that classic pumpkin pie flavor. You can also make your own pumpkin pie spice blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
For the Optional Glaze:
* **4 oz Cream Cheese, softened:** Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and lump-free glaze.
* **4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened:** Softened butter blends easily with the cream cheese for a creamy texture.
* **2 cups Powdered Sugar:** Powdered sugar sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth, glossy finish.
* **2-3 tablespoons Milk:** Milk is used to adjust the consistency of the glaze.
* **1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** A 9×13 inch pan is the perfect size for this cake.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the cake batter and a smaller bowl for the glaze.
* **Electric Mixer:** An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) will make it easier to combine the ingredients.
* **Whisk:** A whisk is useful for smoothing out the glaze and ensuring there are no lumps.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are essential for baking success.
* **Rubber Spatula:** A rubber spatula is perfect for scraping the sides of the bowl and ensuring all the ingredients are incorporated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake:
**Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking. You can also use baking spray with flour.
**Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, melted butter, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
**Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients**
* Gradually add the yellow cake mix and pumpkin pie spice to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
**Step 4: Pour into the Pan and Bake**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness after 30 minutes.
**Step 5: Cool the Cake**
* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting or serving. This will prevent the cake from breaking apart.
**Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)**
* While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze.
* In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
* Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable.
**Step 7: Frost the Cake**
* Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious flavors of fall!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this pumpkin pie cake even more delicious:
* **Spice Cake Mix:** Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a more intense pumpkin spice flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate) to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Whipped Cream:** Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Layered Cake:** For a more impressive presentation, bake the batter in two round cake pans and create a layered cake with cream cheese frosting between the layers.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend:** If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own blend by combining 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
* **Brown Butter:** Brown the butter before adding it to the wet ingredients for a nutty and complex flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute some of the sugar in the glaze with maple syrup for a maple-flavored glaze.
* **Cinnamon Streusel Topping:** Before baking, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping over the batter for added sweetness and crunch. To make the streusel, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces), and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers until crumbly.
* **Coffee Extract:** Add a teaspoon of coffee extract to the batter to enhance the pumpkin flavor and add a hint of mocha.
* **Gingerbread Spice:** Substitute gingerbread spice for pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Instructions
This pumpkin pie cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Let the glaze come to room temperature before frosting the cake.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pumpkin pie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:
* **Warm:** Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Pair the cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
* **Holiday Dessert Table:** Add this cake to your holiday dessert table for a crowd-pleasing option.
* **Garnishes:** Garnish the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Party Favors:** Cut the cake into individual slices and wrap them in cellophane bags as party favors.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without glaze)
(Please note that this is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: Approximately 350
* Fat: 20g
* Saturated Fat: 12g
* Cholesterol: 100mg
* Sodium: 250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40g
* Sugar: 25g
* Protein: 4g
FAQ
* **Can I use a different type of cake mix?**
* Yes, you can use a spice cake mix or even a white cake mix. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?**
* Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure to roast the pumpkin and puree it until smooth before using it in the recipe.
* **Can I make this cake gluten-free?**
* Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the baking time, as it may vary.
* **Can I freeze this cake?**
* Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
* **My cake is sinking in the middle. What did I do wrong?**
* This could be due to several factors, such as overmixing the batter, using too much liquid, or not baking the cake long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
* **My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?**
* This could be due to overbaking the cake or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and bake the cake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
This Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake is the perfect dessert for fall. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its moist texture, comforting pumpkin spice flavor, and customizable options, this cake is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of fall heaven! Happy Baking!