Fall Surprise
A warm, comforting dessert featuring pumpkin, pecans, and a buttery cake topping, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations that crave cozy, seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together pumpkin pie mix, eggs, and evaporated milk.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Slice 1 stick of butter over the cake mix.
- Add 1 cup crushed pecans and 1/2 cup whole pecans on top.
- Slice the remaining stick of butter over the pecans.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture. If you don't have yellow cake mix, a white cake mix works just as well. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk and use a lighter butter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a complete meal, consider serving with savory sides like Dilly Baked Potatoes to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fall Surprise contains roughly 603 calories, with 7g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie mix?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. However, you will need to add sugar, spices, and evaporated milk to mimic the flavor of the pumpkin pie mix. Use about 2 cups of fresh puree and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes for pecans. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version of this dessert.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator. It tastes great the next day, and the flavors can deepen overnight.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).