A slice of easy pumpkin dessert with a golden crumbly topping and creamy pumpkin custard, garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon on a rustic wooden table with fall-themed decorations.

Easy Pumpkin Dessert

Bybookletrecipes
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As autumn sets in, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. This Easy Pumpkin Dessert takes a creative twist on the classic pumpkin pie, offering layers of luscious pumpkin custard, a crumbly cake topping, and a satisfying crunch of nuts. With over 650 glowing reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating, it’s clear why this dessert is a favorite among home bakers!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pumpkin Dessert

This recipe shines with its delightful combination of flavors and textures:

  • Rich and Creamy Base: A velvety pumpkin layer infused with aromatic spices.
  • Crumble Perfection: A buttery, nutty cake topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
  • Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: With pantry staples and a boxed cake mix, anyone can create this dessert masterpiece.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or cozying up on a chilly evening, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the show.

Tips for Perfect Easy Pumpkin Dessert Results

  • Room-Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature for a smoother pumpkin mixture.
  • Pumpkin Purée, Not Pie Filling: Using pure pumpkin ensures you control the sweetness and spice balance.
  • Even Topping: When sprinkling the cake mix, spread it evenly for a consistent golden crust.
Ingredients for an easy pumpkin dessert, including canned pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, yellow cake mix, melted butter, chopped walnuts, and pumpkin pie spice, arranged on a rustic wooden table with fall-themed accents.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Base:

  • 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Prepared ingredients for an easy pumpkin dessert, including a mixing bowl with pumpkin custard, a greased baking dish partially filled with the mixture, and toppings like yellow cake mix, melted butter, and chopped walnuts on a rustic table with fall decorations.

For the Topping:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • ¾ cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups chopped walnuts (or pecans for a sweeter twist)

How to Make It

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Pumpkin Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared dish.
  3. Cake Topping: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir.
  4. Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. Top with chopped nuts for added crunch.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Freshly baked easy pumpkin dessert in a rectangular pan with a golden topping, chopped walnuts, and fall decorations around it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert slightly warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its layered presentation and rich flavor make it the centerpiece of any fall gathering.

  • Serves: 24
  • Calories per serving: 261

Recipe Variations

Make this dessert your own with these creative ideas:

  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a nutty twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the pumpkin custard.
  • Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for an extra layer of autumnal flavor.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace evaporated milk with coconut milk.

Nutritional Highlights

While this dessert is indulgent, it comes with some benefits. Pumpkin adds fiber, potassium, and vitamins like A and C. Each serving also provides:

  • Calcium: 89 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

What makes this Easy Pumpkin Dessert truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s a dessert that fits seamlessly into any fall occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday parties. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit individual tastes—whether you swap the nuts for seeds, experiment with spice blends, or pair it with your favorite ice cream. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has become a seasonal tradition for so many home bakers.

This Easy Pumpkin Dessert is the epitome of fall comfort food. Whether for a festive occasion or a weekend treat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a cherished seasonal tradition!