This delightful recipe offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie, perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a special dessert. It combines the ease of a boxed cake mix with the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie, creating a layered dessert that is both scrumptious and visually appealing. The recipe involves a simple base made from yellow cake mix, topped with a creamy pumpkin filling, and finished with a crumbly, buttery topping that includes chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
The preparation of this dessert is straightforward, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Even those with minimal baking experience can achieve impressive results, thanks to the clear, step-by-step instructions and the use of convenient, pre-packaged ingredients. The difficulty level of this recipe is therefore rated at 2 out of 5 stars, indicating that it is relatively easy to prepare.
In terms of cost, this recipe is quite economical. The use of a boxed cake mix, canned pumpkin, and common pantry staples helps keep expenses low. The most costly ingredients, such as the walnuts and spices, are used in moderate amounts, making this recipe an excellent option for those seeking to prepare a festive and delicious dessert without overspending. Overall, the cost of making this dessert is rated at 2 out of 5 stars, reflecting its affordability.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your holiday dessert menu or simply want to treat your family to a cozy, autumn-inspired treat, this pumpkin-cake mix creation is sure to please. Its ease of preparation, combined with its low cost and delightful flavors, makes it a winning choice for any home baker.
Transform your holiday gatherings with a delightful twist on the traditional pumpkin pie by serving this scrumptious dessert, perfectly complemented with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (18.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 can (29 ounces) pumpkin
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup chilled butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Reserve 1 cup of the yellow cake mix for later use. In a mixing bowl, blend the remaining cake mix with 1/3 cup melted butter and 1 egg until smooth.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, 3 eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly combined.
- Gently pour this pumpkin filling over the cake mix layer in the baking dish.
- For the crumbly topping, use a pastry blender or food processor to mix the chilled butter and white sugar with the reserved 1 cup of cake mix until the mixture achieves a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Evenly sprinkle this crumb mixture over the pumpkin layer, followed by a generous scattering of chopped walnuts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a lovely golden brown.
Serve this warm and inviting dessert at your next holiday feast for a memorable alternative to the classic pumpkin pie.
About the Dish
As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the crisp scent of autumn, our culinary thoughts inevitably drift towards the warm, comforting flavors of the season. Pumpkin, with its rich, velvety texture and deep, nuanced sweetness, stands at the forefront of fall baking traditions. While the classic pumpkin pie has earned its revered spot at the holiday table, there’s always room for innovation in the world of baking. That’s where this delightful twist on tradition comes in—a Pumpkin Crunch Cake that promises to refresh your holiday dessert repertoire and enchant your guests with its unique blend of flavors and textures.
This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty and a nod to the comfort foods that have graced our tables for generations. The Pumpkin Crunch Cake marries the simplicity of a box cake mix with the homemade warmth of a spiced pumpkin filling, culminating in a dessert that is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying to eat. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or invest in expensive ingredients to create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
The base of this cake starts with a yellow cake mix, transformed with the addition of melted butter and an egg into a rich, buttery crust. This layer is then topped with a luscious mixture of pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice, creating a creamy, flavorful filling that sings with the notes of autumn. But the real magic happens with the final layer—a crumbly, sweet topping made from reserved cake mix, chilled butter, and white sugar, finished with a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Preparing this cake is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a special dessert. The process is straightforward and forgiving, ideal for bakers of all skill levels. From preheating the oven to mixing the simple ingredients, each step is designed to be hassle-free, ensuring that your baking experience is as enjoyable as the act of serving and savoring the cake itself.
What sets this Pumpkin Crunch Cake apart is not just its flavor, but its texture. The contrast between the soft, moist pumpkin filling and the crisp, buttery topping creates a symphony of textures that makes each bite both comforting and exciting. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a dessert that feels both familiar and novel, a perfect end to any holiday meal.
In terms of cost, this recipe is remarkably budget-friendly. Utilizing pantry staples like cake mix, canned pumpkin, and common baking ingredients, it’s a testament to the fact that great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. The inclusion of walnuts adds a touch of luxury and depth, but even this can be adapted based on what’s available in your pantry.
So, as you plan your holiday menus and think about what desserts to include, consider giving the traditional pumpkin pie a little break. Embrace the spirit of autumn with this Pumpkin Crunch Cake—a dessert that promises not only to satisfy your sweet tooth but also to add a touch of whimsy and innovation to your holiday table. It’s a recipe that proves, once again, that the most memorable dishes often come from the simplest ingredients, brought together with a little creativity and a lot of love.