Name: Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 18
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18¼ oz yellow cake mix; ⅓ cup butter; 4 egg; 29 oz pumpkin; ½ cup brown sugar; ⅔ cup milk; 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice; ¼ cup butter; ½ cup white sugar; ¾ cup Walnuts

Indulge in a delightful homemade pumpkin dessert that features a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This treat offers a buttery cake base, a spiced pumpkin filling, and a crunchy walnut topping, making it a perfect companion for any autumn gathering or festive occasion.

Photos of Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to pick up a yellow cake mix and pumpkin pie spice if they aren't already in your cupboard. Additionally, make sure to grab a can of pumpkin if fresh isn't available.

Ingredients For Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

yellow cake mix: A convenient base providing a moist and tender texture.

butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.

egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dessert.

pumpkin: The star ingredient, offering a rich and smooth base with a hint of earthiness.

brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.

milk: Adds creaminess and helps to combine the ingredients smoothly.

pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that infuses warmth and traditional autumn flavor.

white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a crunchy topping.

walnuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, completing the texture profile.

One reader, Devondra Gunn says:

This homemade pumpkin dessert is a fall favorite! The blend of spices and pumpkin is perfect, and the crunchy walnut topping adds a delightful texture. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Devondra Gunn

Techniques Required for Making Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

How to combine ingredients: Explanation on mixing cake mix with butter and egg until well blended. How to prepare pumpkin mixture: Explanation on mixing pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. How to use a pastry blender or food processor: Explanation on combining chilled butter and white sugar with reserved cake mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. How to sprinkle toppings: Explanation on evenly sprinkling the crumb mixture and chopped walnuts over the pumpkin mixture.

How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

The fresh pumpkin pie spice makes this pumpkin dessert an irresistible and must-have dessert baked until golden brown and served with whipped cream.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

18¼ozyellow cake mix,1 package
⅓cupbutter,melted
4egg
29ozpumpkin,1 can
½cupbrown sugar
⅔cupmilk
2tbsppumpkin pie spice
¼cupbutter,chilled
½cupwhite sugar
¾cupwalnuts,chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Set aside 1 cup of cake mix. Combine remaining cake mix with melted butter and 1 egg and mix until well blended. Spread mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, 3 eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well and pour this mixture over cake mix mixture in baking dish.
In a small bowl with a pastry blender or in a food processor, combine chilled butter and white sugar with the reserved cake mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle chopped walnuts overall.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 231.32kcal
Fat: 8.41g
Saturated Fat: 4.79g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.20g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.58g
Carbohydrates: 36.98g
Fiber: 0.68g
Sugar: 23.70g
Protein: 3.13g
Cholesterol: 52.27mg
Sodium: 229.48mg
Calcium: 95.37mg
Potassium: 206.01mg
Iron: 1.29mg
Vitamin A: 264.42µg
Vitamin C: 4.26mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

When combining the pumpkin mixture, make sure to mix until smooth to ensure an even texture throughout the dessert. This will help the flavors meld together and create a more cohesive final product.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set aside all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Use a food processor: Combine the cake mix and butter quickly with a food processor to save time.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the mixture to avoid waiting later.

Chill the butter: Use chilled butter for the topping to make blending faster and easier.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

yellow cake mix - Substitute with spice cake mix: Adds a complementary flavor profile that enhances the pumpkin taste.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
egg - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg; this is a good vegan alternative.
pumpkin - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Offers a similar texture and flavor profile.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Provides a similar sweetness with a slight caramel flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that maintains the liquid consistency.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves): Allows for customization of the spice blend.
butter - Substitute with margarine: A non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Offers a similar texture and nutty flavor.

Best Way to Present This Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the pumpkin dessert into elegant, bite-sized squares. This allows for a refined presentation and ensures each piece is a perfect mouthful.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. This adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor profile.
Plate with contrast: Use a dark-colored plate to make the vibrant orange of the pumpkin stand out. The contrast will make the dessert visually striking.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts around the plate for added crunch and a touch of sophistication.
Drizzle sauce: Create a simple caramel sauce and lightly drizzle it over the pumpkin dessert. This adds a luxurious touch and a hint of sweetness.
Incorporate fresh elements: Add a small sprig of mint or a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and freshness.
Use a clean presentation: Ensure the plate is spotless before serving. Wipe away any stray crumbs or smudges to maintain a professional appearance.
Highlight layers: When cutting the dessert, make sure each piece shows the distinct layers of cake mix base, pumpkin mixture, and crumb topping. This showcases the complexity of the dish.
Serve warm: Present the pumpkin dessert slightly warm to enhance the flavors and aromas, making it more inviting and comforting.
Pair with a beverage: Suggest a pairing with a complementary beverage, such as a spiced chai latte or a glass of dessert wine, to elevate the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Desserts

Oven: Used to bake the dessert at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
9x13-inch baking dish: The container in which the dessert will be baked.
Pastry blender: Used to combine chilled butter and white sugar with the reserved cake mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Food processor: An alternative to the pastry blender for combining chilled butter and white sugar with the reserved cake mix.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice.
Small bowl: Used to mix the reserved cake mix with chilled butter and white sugar.
Large bowl: Used to mix the pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like milk, brown sugar, and walnuts.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the pumpkin pie spice.
Spatula: Used to spread the cake mix mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
Whisk: Used to mix the pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice together.
Knife: Used to chop the walnuts.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the walnuts.
Cooling rack: Used to cool the dessert after baking.

How To Store and Freeze This Pumpkin Dessert

Allow the pumpkin dessert to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dessert soggy.
To store the dessert in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the dessert, cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When freezing, label the container or bag with the date and name of the dessert for easy identification later.
The frozen pumpkin dessert will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw the frozen dessert, transfer the desired number of pieces from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight.
If you prefer to serve the dessert warm, you can reheat the thawed pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Keep in mind that the texture of the walnuts and the crumb topping may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the overall flavor of the dessert will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Dessert

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pumpkin dessert in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the dessert from drying out.
If you prefer a crispy top, remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the crumb topping to crisp up and give the dessert a nice texture contrast.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the pumpkin dessert on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the size of the serving and the strength of your microwave. Be sure to check the dessert every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
If you find that the dessert has dried out a bit during storage, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top before reheating. This will help to moisten the dessert and add an extra layer of flavor.
For a fun twist, try slicing the leftover pumpkin dessert and heating it in a skillet with a bit of butter over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly caramelized. This method works particularly well if the dessert has been in the refrigerator for a few days and has firmed up.

Random Fact About Pumpkin Desserts

A fun fact about this pumpkin dessert recipe is that it combines the convenience of a cake mix with the rich flavors of pumpkin pie. This hybrid dessert offers a unique texture and taste, making it a delightful treat for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Is Making Pumpkin Dessert at Home Economical?

This homemade pumpkin dessert recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using a yellow cake mix and common pantry staples like butter, eggs, and milk, it keeps expenses low. The pumpkin and walnuts add a seasonal touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $10-$12 for a household of 4 people.

Is This Pumpkin Dessert Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pumpkin dessert recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are:

High sugar content from the cake mix, brown sugar, and white sugar
Significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
Lack of nutritious ingredients like whole grains or fresh fruits

The walnuts do provide some healthy fats and nutrients, but they are not enough to counterbalance the less healthy components.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the yellow cake mix with a whole grain or gluten-free alternative
Reduce the amount of sugar by using less brown and white sugar, or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative to reduce the overall fat content
Replace some of the butter with healthier options like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or rolled oats for added fiber and protein
Serve smaller portions and pair with a side of fresh fruit to balance out the indulgence

Editor's Thoughts on This Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

This homemade pumpkin dessert recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The buttery cake base pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a comforting and rich dessert. The crumbly topping, enhanced by the crunch of walnuts, adds a satisfying contrast. The use of both brown and white sugar provides a depth of sweetness that complements the pumpkin pie spice perfectly. Overall, it's a well-balanced and easy-to-follow recipe that promises a delicious treat, perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in.

Enhance Your Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Pair your homemade pumpkin dessert with a velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the squash will harmonize beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavors, creating a symphony of autumnal delight.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Complement your dessert with Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts. The caramelized exterior and slight bitterness of the sprouts, enhanced by the sweet maple glaze, will provide a delightful contrast to the rich, spiced pumpkin treat.

Cranberry-Orange Relish: Add a burst of tangy freshness with Cranberry-Orange Relish. The tart cranberries and zesty orange will cut through the sweetness of the pumpkin dessert, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that keeps your taste buds dancing.

Apple and Fennel Salad: For a crisp and refreshing side, try an Apple and Fennel Salad. The crunchy apples and aromatic fennel, dressed in a light vinaigrette, will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced flavors of your pumpkin creation.

Spiced Pecans: Elevate your dessert experience with a handful of Spiced Pecans. The crunchy, sweet, and slightly spicy nuts will add an extra layer of texture and flavor, perfectly complementing the soft, creamy pumpkin dessert.

Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pumpkin Dessert

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake: Imagine the cozy flavors of a pumpkin spice latte transformed into a delectable cake. This dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin, the richness of coffee, and the sweetness of a cake to create a treat that's perfect for any autumn gathering.

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake: Indulge in the creamy, dreamy world of cheesecake with a seasonal twist. This maple pumpkin cheesecake features a luscious pumpkin filling swirled with maple syrup, all atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. It's a dessert that screams fall!

Pumpkin Bread Pudding: Turn your leftover bread into a mouthwatering dessert with this pumpkin bread pudding. Infused with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this dish is baked to perfection and served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who can't resist the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, these cookies are a must-try. Soft, chewy, and packed with pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, they make for an irresistible treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Pumpkin Pie Bars: Enjoy the classic flavors of pumpkin pie in a convenient, handheld form with these pumpkin pie bars. Featuring a buttery crust, a creamy pumpkin filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve With Homemade Pumpkin Dessert

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The creaminess of the filling perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. Top it off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a delightful crunch. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic Bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Pile on a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella, seasoned with a hint of balsamic vinegar. The combination of the crunchy bread and the juicy, flavorful topping creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This appetizer is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect start to any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Start by coating the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fry until golden brown. Layer the chicken with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and delicious. Serve over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish that features tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. Begin by searing the beef until browned, then sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Combine with a rich sauce made from sour cream and beef broth, and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve over a bed of egg noodles or with a side of mashed potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Why trust this Homemade Pumpkin Dessert Recipe:

This homemade pumpkin dessert recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. The combination of yellow cake mix and pumpkin creates a delightful texture, while the pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, comforting flavor. The walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is both convenient and delicious. Trust in the simplicity and taste of this homemade treat.

Share your thoughts on this homemade pumpkin dessert recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You'll need about 3½ cups of fresh pumpkin puree to replace the 29 oz of canned pumpkin.

Can I substitute the walnuts with another type of nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work well in this recipe. If you have a nut allergy, you can also omit the nuts entirely or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. Adjust the spices to your taste.

How should I store the leftover dessert?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dessert a day in advance. Just bake it as directed, let it cool completely, and then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.