This 5-ingredient oven baked pumpkin dessert is the kind of easy family treat that feels almost too simple to be this good. Using canned pumpkin puree keeps it budget-friendly and convenient, and the whole recipe comes together right in the baking dish with very little fuss. It bakes into a softly spiced, cozy dessert with a smooth pumpkin layer and a sweet golden top, making it perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight cravings, or anytime you want a homemade dessert without a long ingredient list.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of cinnamon. For a cozy dessert table, pair it with hot coffee, chai, or cold milk. If you are serving it after dinner, it also goes nicely with simple fresh fruit on the side to balance the sweetness.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Pumpkin Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 box yellow cake mix
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
2. Dump the pumpkin puree into the prepared baking dish. Add the evaporated milk, eggs, and sugar, then whisk right in the dish until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
3. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture to cover the surface in a thin, even layer.
4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so it can settle.
5. Scoop into bowls or cut into squares and serve warm, plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Variations & Tips
For more spice: Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice into the pumpkin mixture if your family likes a warmer fall flavor. A little cinnamon on top after baking is lovely too.
For picky eaters: Serve it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream to make it feel extra special. Kids often enjoy this dessert even more when it is dressed up a little.
For a richer topping: If you keep butter on hand and do not mind adding one more ingredient, drizzle melted butter over the cake mix before baking for a more classic dump-cake style finish and a crisper golden top.
Make-ahead tip: Bake the dessert earlier in the day and warm individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before dessert time. It holds together better after resting, and the pumpkin flavor seems even cozier.
Pan tip: A glass baking dish works especially well here because it helps the pumpkin layer bake gently and evenly. Just be careful not to overbake, or the edges can become too firm before the center is set.