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Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe

If you’re hunting for a dessert that blends the comforting flavors of fall with a fun twist on traditional pumpkin pie, then this Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s like pumpkin pie met cake at a family reunion and decided to stick together forever. What makes it truly special is how the moist pumpkin custard layers beautifully under a lightly crisp cake topping – you get the best of both worlds in every bite!

I first stumbled upon this Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe several autumns ago, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen for holiday dinners and cozy weekend treats. It’s simple, doesn’t require fancy techniques, and brings that warm, homey vibe that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to pumpkin desserts or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how this cake is totally forgiving and packed with that nostalgic pumpkin-spice goodness.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together easily, so you don’t need to hunt for anything unusual.
  • Unique Texture: The pumpkin custard base bakes up dense and creamy, topped with a light, cakey crust that’s just dreamy.
  • Perfect for Fall: Spiced perfectly with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, it’s a seasonal treat that captures autumn in each bite.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves a crowd effortlessly, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a special role in creating the perfect Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe. From the creamy pumpkin puree to the boxed cake mix that adds a delicious crust, everything comes together in a harmonious way. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when shopping.

  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic flavor and texture control.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg provide that classic pumpkin spice warmth without overwhelming the cake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
  • Eggs: These bind everything and give structure to the custard layer.
  • Evaporated Milk: Brings creaminess and richness without making the batter too runny.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: This creates the cakey layer on top that’s simple and foolproof.
  • Butter: Melted butter poured over the cake mix helps it brown perfectly and adds flavor.
  • Pecans: Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that the Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe is a great base for making it your own—you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be shy to experiment; I’ve adjusted the nuts and spices to make it just right for different occasions.

  • Nut-Free Version: I’ve made this without pecans by simply increasing the topping butter and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for crunch—just as delicious!
  • Spice Boost: Some days I add a pinch of cloves or allspice when I want that extra cozy warmth; it’s subtle but makes a big difference.
  • Sugar Swap: If you prefer less sweetness, cutting down the brown sugar a bit won’t hurt, but balance with spices so it doesn’t get bland.
  • Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free yellow cake mix works well here—I tried it for a friend and nobody missed the gluten at all.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F and greasing a 9”x13” baking pan—this helps the cake release easily after baking. Next, measure out your pumpkin puree, spices, sugar, eggs, and evaporated milk. Having everything ready makes the mixing process smooth, and trust me, no one enjoys hunting for the evaporated milk last minute!

Step 2: Whisk the Pumpkin Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and uniform. Make sure you mix well to evenly distribute those warm spices—you want every bite to taste like fall bliss.

Step 3: Add Evaporated Milk & Pour Into Pan

Stir in the evaporated milk gently but fully, then pour this custardy pumpkin mix into your prepared baking pan. This forms the luxurious, creamy base of the cake, so spreading it out evenly ensures it bakes uniformly.

Step 4: Layer the Cake Mix & Butter

Sift the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer—you want to cover the pumpkin completely so that it can rise and bake into a lightly crisp top. Then drizzle the melted butter all over the surface; this step is key to getting that beautiful golden crust that I always look forward to.

Step 5: Sprinkle Pecans & Bake

Top everything with chopped pecans to add crunch and a nutty aroma. Pop your pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cake topping is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool before cutting to keep those layers intact.

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Pro Tips for Making Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe

  • Even Layering: When sifting the cake mix, gently spread it if needed so the pumpkin is fully covered and bakes up evenly.
  • Butter Drizzling: Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly to ensure the top crust gets that perfect golden brown without patches.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: The cake should spring back lightly and a toothpick won’t come out wet; moist crumbs are okay but no raw batter.
  • Cool Fully: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set perfectly.

How to Serve Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe

The image shows a baked casserole in a white oval dish filled with a creamy yellow base topped with a layer of small, evenly spread chopped nuts that are dark brown in color, giving a crunchy texture. The casserole’s edges are slightly browned, showing it is well baked. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring a circle of orange and blue floral patterns beneath. There are two small pumpkins beside the dish, one green and one pale yellow, adding an autumn feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always serve this cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream because it contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and adds that light creaminess I crave. Sometimes, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top makes it feel extra special, especially for guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee, and for a heartier fall dessert spread, I like to add a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream and fresh apple slices on the side. It turns an everyday dessert into a festive treat!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve tried cutting the cake into elegant squares and serving them on a rustic wooden board with pecans scattered around for a cozy autumn vibe. On casual occasions, it’s fun to spoon the cake into ramekins and garnish individually with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg—makes each serving feel personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake covered tightly with foil or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or after-dinner treat.

Freezing

Freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil works great if you want to save some cake for later. When I’ve frozen portions, I’ve found it best to thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep the texture just right without becoming soggy.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I usually pop a piece into the microwave for about 20 seconds; it brings back that soft freshness. Alternatively, a quick reheat in a warm oven at 300˚F for 10 minutes revives the crisp cake topping without drying it out.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Swap the evaporated milk for a full-fat coconut milk or another dairy-free evaporated milk alternative and use a dairy-free yellow cake mix. For the melted butter, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan margarine. The taste and texture may vary slightly but it still turns out delicious!

  2. Why do I have to sift the cake mix on top?

    Sifting the cake mix evenly creates a dry layer that bakes into a crisp, light crust over the pumpkin base. If you just dump it on without sifting or spreading evenly, the top may bake unevenly or not develop that desirable cakey texture.

  3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

    You sure can, but be sure to roast and puree the pumpkin flesh thoroughly, removing all excess moisture. The texture of homemade pumpkin puree can be more watery, so draining it or cooking it down a bit helps maintain the cake’s consistency.

  4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

    Look for a golden-brown top and edges pulling slightly away from the pan. Insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. If it’s too wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comfort food at its finest—warm spices, creamy texture, and an easy method that makes baking stress-free. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family because it always feels like a cozy moment captured in a dessert. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe rotation just like I do!

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Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Amish Pumpkin Pie Cake is a delightful autumn dessert combining the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie with the moist texture of a yellow cake. This easy-to-make recipe features a creamy pumpkin base topped with yellow cake mix, melted butter, and crunchy pecans, baked to perfection for a comforting treat perfect for fall gatherings.


Ingredients

Pumpkin Mixture

  • 3 1/2 cups (1 29-ounce can) pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

Topping

  • 1 15-ounce box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” x 13” baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Pumpkin Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, brown sugar, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Add Evaporated Milk: Pour in the evaporated milk and blend well with the pumpkin mixture to create a creamy batter.
  4. Pour Pumpkin Mixture into Pan: Transfer the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire bottom.
  5. Add Cake Mix Topping: Sift the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin batter, ensuring the mix reaches the edges of the pan for full coverage.
  6. Drizzle with Butter and Add Pecans: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for a crunchy finish.
  7. Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut into squares to serve. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream for added richness.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.
  • Chopped walnuts can be used instead of pecans based on preference.
  • Ensure the batter is evenly spread to avoid uneven baking.
  • Let the cake cool before cutting to help it set and prevent crumbling.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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