When you need an easy Thanksgiving dessert that feels cozy and a little nostalgic, this simple baked pumpkin pudding cake is a wonderful one to keep in your back pocket. Dry vanilla pudding mix helps create a soft, rich texture with very little effort, and when it bakes together with pumpkin, warm spices, and cake mix, you get a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. It is the kind of recipe that works beautifully for busy holiday kitchens because it comes together fast and bakes in one pan.
This dessert is lovely served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a Thanksgiving table, I like to pair it with hot coffee, apple cider, or spiced tea, and if you want to make it feel extra special, a little drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top fit right in with the season.
6-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert with Vanilla Pudding Mix
Servings: 12
Ingredients
1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix, dry and uncooked
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan or 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, dry vanilla pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer, then drizzle the melted butter all over the top as evenly as possible.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still soft.
6. Let the dessert cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the layers can settle. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Pecan topping: If your family likes a little crunch, scatter 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the cake mix before adding the butter. It gives the top a nice nutty finish that feels especially right for Thanksgiving.
Spice it up: For a deeper fall flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger along with the pumpkin pie spice. That little extra warmth makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful.
For picky eaters: Keep the topping plain and serve whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts on the side so everyone can dress up their own portion however they like.
Make-ahead tip: You can bake this earlier in the day and warm it gently before serving. It stays soft and comforting, which is perfect when oven space is tight around the holidays.
Pan tip: If using a sheet pan, make sure it has a rim and do not spread the mixture too thin. A 9x13-inch pan will give you a slightly thicker, more pudding-like dessert.
