Great Pumpkin Dessert
Great Pumpkin Dessert is a rich, moist treat combining pumpkin, spices, and walnuts with a cake mix topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts, it offers warm flavors of pumpkin pie with a chewy, crunchy topping, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort food for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pumpkin mixture. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Ensure the butter is melted but slightly cooled before drizzling it over the cake mix to prevent it from clumping. For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a side of spiced chai or coffee. For an autumn-themed gathering, consider serving it alongside other comforting dishes like Fig Spice Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the dessert to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Pumpkin Dessert contains roughly 623 calories, with 8g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. To do this, roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. This will give your dessert a fresher flavor, but make sure to measure the puree to match the 15 oz. can equivalent.
What if I don't have walnuts?
If you don't have walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. Alternatively, you could use pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the allergen.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and cover it tightly before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld, and it makes for an easy dessert option when entertaining.
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).