Description
Pumpkin Better Cake is a delicious, moist yellow cake infused with pumpkin puree and topped with sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, Heath candy bits, and caramel sauce. This easy-to-make dessert combines the flavors of fall with a creamy, indulgent topping, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz, not pumpkin pie mix)
Toppings & Filling
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 package Cool Whip (8 oz)
- 1/2 bag Heath bits (8 oz)
- Caramel sundae sauce (amount as desired for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter equally and pour into two greased 9×13-inch baking dishes. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across both cake layers.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle half of the sweetened condensed milk over each cake layer, allowing it to seep into the holes. Refrigerate the layers for 30 minutes to let the milk absorb.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving dish. Spread half of the Cool Whip evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer, then spread the remaining Cool Whip on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle Heath bits generously over the top layer, then drizzle with caramel sundae sauce to your liking.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3-4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, to avoid added spices and sugars that can alter the flavor.
- Greasing the baking dishes well prevents the cake from sticking.
- Poking holes in the cake allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak in, adding moistness and sweetness.
- For a firmer cake, chill it overnight instead of just 3-4 hours.
- Heath bits can be substituted with other toffee or chocolate candies if preferred.
