Pumpkin Pie Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Fusion for Fall and Beyond
Experience the delectable harmony of classic pumpkin pie and a moist, flavorful spice cake in this incredibly simple Pumpkin Pie Cake recipe. Requiring just five basic ingredients, this dessert masterpiece effortlessly delivers a homemade taste that will impress everyone. Crowned with a luscious vanilla frosting, it’s the quintessential treat for any autumn gathering, especially Thanksgiving, offering both convenience and irresistible flavor.
The Best of Both Worlds: Pumpkin Pie Meets Spice Cake
Imagine the creamy, spiced richness of your favorite pumpkin pie combined with the light, fluffy texture and warm aromas of a freshly baked spice cake. This Pumpkin Pie Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a culinary marvel that brings these two beloved fall staples together into one unforgettable bite. Born from a moment of kitchen curiosity, this recipe was adapted from a Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake. Instead of the traditional “dump cake” method of layering dry cake mix and butter, the brilliant idea emerged to simply mix all the ingredients together – and the result was nothing short of spectacular.
This innovative approach simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor or texture. The cake develops a unique consistency that’s denser than a typical cake but lighter than a traditional pumpkin pie, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that’s truly addictive. Each forkful delivers the comforting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, beautifully infused with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a dessert so extraordinary, you’d swear it took hours to prepare, yet it comes together in mere minutes of active prep time.
A Holiday Lifesaver: Easy, Crowd-Pleasing, and Make-Ahead Friendly
With its astonishingly simple 5-ingredient recipe, this Pumpkin Pie Cake is an absolute game-changer, especially during the bustling holiday season. If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner or a festive fall party, this dessert is your secret weapon. It easily yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without the stress of intricate baking or multiple desserts. The fact that it can be prepared the night before is an added bonus, freeing up valuable kitchen time on the big day. Imagine pulling out a beautifully frosted cake from the fridge, ready to be sliced and served, while your guests are still marveling at dinner.
The straightforward preparation means less time spent measuring and mixing, and more time enjoying the company of family and friends. Its crowd-pleasing flavor profile appeals to both pumpkin pie enthusiasts and cake lovers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to adore. Forget about complicated pastry crusts or lengthy baking times; this recipe offers all the comforting flavors of autumn in a hassle-free package. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a smart solution for busy hosts seeking a delicious, impressive, and stress-free holiday treat. Make this Pumpkin Pie Cake a new tradition in your fall festivities, and watch it become an instant favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Pie Cake
Creating this delightful Pumpkin Pie Cake is incredibly simple, thanks to its minimal ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of pie and cake, ensuring a homemade taste from very little effort. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each.
Pumpkin Pie Mix (The Secret Ingredient)
This is arguably the most critical ingredient, and it’s essential to select the correct one. You are looking for a **can of pumpkin pie mix**, not pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie mix is a sweetened and spiced pumpkin product that already includes all the necessary seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes evaporated milk. This saves you the step of adding individual spices, which significantly contributes to the recipe’s ease and consistent flavor. Pure pumpkin puree, on the other hand, is just plain cooked pumpkin without any added flavorings or dairy. Using puree by accident will result in a bland cake that lacks the characteristic pumpkin pie flavor.
Large Eggs
Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the cake. They help to emulsify the batter, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, though this isn’t strictly necessary for a recipe this simple.
Spice Cake Mix (The Flavor Foundation)
While you might be tempted to use other varieties, a **spice cake mix** is highly recommended for this recipe. Its pre-blended spices beautifully complement the pumpkin pie mix, reinforcing the warm, autumnal flavors and creating a rich, complex taste. Yellow or vanilla cake mixes could work in a pinch, but they won’t deliver the same depth of flavor. If you do opt for a plain cake mix, consider adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to enhance the overall profile.
Salted Butter (For Balance and Richness)
Melted salted butter adds incredible richness and a tender crumb to the cake. The salt in the butter is particularly important as it helps to cut through the sweetness of the pumpkin pie mix and cake mix, creating a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, you can certainly use it, but consider adding a pinch (about ¼ teaspoon) of fine sea salt to the batter to achieve a similar balancing effect.
Vanilla Frosting (The Perfect Topping)
A simple store-bought container of white or vanilla frosting is all you need to finish this cake. It adds a creamy, sweet layer that perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin flavor. If you prefer a lighter topping, cool whip (whipped topping) is an excellent alternative. For a more gourmet touch, homemade buttercream frosting, a fluffy marshmallow frosting, or even a pumpkin spice flavored frosting would also be incredibly delicious and elevate the dessert.
Brach’s Mellowcreme Pumpkins (Optional Decoration)
These festive candy pumpkins are entirely optional but make for an adorable and edible decoration for each slice of cake, especially during the Halloween and Thanksgiving seasons. They add a whimsical touch and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make the Easiest Pumpkin Pie Cake
This Pumpkin Pie Cake recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for ease and maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes completely homemade.
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray the bottom and sides of a standard 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking, making serving a breeze.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the entire can of **pumpkin pie mix** with the **four large eggs**. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This typically takes about 1-2 minutes on medium speed if using a stand mixer, or a bit longer by hand.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Butter
Next, gradually add the **box of spice cake mix** and the **melted salted butter** to the pumpkin mixture. Start mixing slowly at first to prevent the dry cake mix from flying out of the bowl. Once the dry ingredients are slightly moistened, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for at least 2 full minutes. This thorough mixing ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and contributes to the cake’s desirable texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure no dry spots remain.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. The cake is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggly when gently shaken. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. This step is crucial: allow the cake to cool completely before applying any frosting. Attempting to frost a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, resulting in a messy presentation. Patience here will be rewarded! Once the cake is fully cooled to room temperature, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top.
Slice and Serve
After frosting, cut the cake into 12 even squares. For an extra festive touch, you can top each individual slice with Brach’s Mellowcreme Pumpkins or other seasonal candy. Serve immediately and watch your guests delight in this effortlessly delicious fall dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Pie Cake
For a touch of festive charm, consider adding decorative elements like Brach’s Mellowcreme Pumpkins on top of the frosting. These aren’t essential for flavor but create a super cute and edible decoration perfect for individual slices. You could also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosting for added aroma and visual appeal, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
This is a common issue that almost always occurs when the cake hasn’t cooled sufficiently. It is absolutely crucial to let the cake cool completely to room temperature before you attempt to spread any frosting. Even a slightly warm cake can cause the frosting to melt, become runny, and slide off. For best results, allow several hours for cooling, or even chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes once it has mostly cooled on the counter.
Absolutely! While vanilla frosting is a classic choice, feel free to get creative. A rich homemade buttercream frosting, a light and airy marshmallow frosting, or even a cream cheese frosting would be absolutely delicious. For those who prefer something less sweet or dairy-free, a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip (whipped topping) makes a wonderful alternative. You could also experiment with a caramel drizzle or candied pecans for added texture and flavor.
This cake stores exceptionally well. You can keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To maintain its freshness, especially if frosted, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Frost it just a few hours before serving, or even the morning of your event. The flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it an even more delicious option for busy hosts.
This is a crucial distinction for this recipe! Pumpkin pie mix is a pre-seasoned product that includes pumpkin, sugar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, along with sometimes evaporated milk. It’s essentially a ready-to-use pie filling. Pumpkin puree, on the other hand, is just 100% cooked, mashed pumpkin with no added ingredients. If you use pumpkin puree by mistake, your cake will be bland and lack the rich, spiced flavor characteristic of pumpkin pie. Always double-check the can label to ensure you’re grabbing “pumpkin pie mix” for this recipe!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’re anything like us, you can’t get enough of fall flavors, especially when pumpkin is involved! Dive into more delightful recipes that celebrate the season:
- Magic Pumpkin Layer Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Pumpkin Cobbler
- Pumpkin Magic Bars
- Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- 40 Best Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Poke Cake
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Italian Love Cake
Originally published: October 2016
Updated photos & republished: September 2024
Pumpkin Pie Cake
This Pumpkin Pie Cake, made with only 5 ingredients, tastes completely homemade! It’s a delightful fusion, offering the best of pumpkin pie and spice cake in every bite, topped with creamy vanilla frosting.
Average Rating: 4.86 (68 Reviews)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes |
Cook Time: 45 minutes |
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 |
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) can pumpkin pie mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 1 container white or vanilla frosting
- Brach’s Mellowcreme Pumpkins (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl), mix together pumpkin pie mix and eggs until well combined.
Then, mix in the spice cake mix and melted butter. Mix slowly at first to avoid scattering the cake mix, then continue mixing for a full 2 minutes until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 45-55 minutes. The center of the cake should not be jiggly when gently shaken, indicating it is fully cooked.
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before spreading the frosting evenly on top.
Cut the cake into 12 squares and serve! Optional: Top each slice with festive mellowcreme pumpkins for a decorative touch.
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Notes
- Please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common questions.
- For a deeper spice flavor, a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the batter.
- Ensure your ingredients, especially the pumpkin pie mix, are at room temperature for the smoothest batter consistency.
Course: Dessert |
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 32g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 22g |
Sodium: 439mg |
Sugar: 20g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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