Pumpkin Gooey Cake

One of the reasons why I love this time of year is the fact that pumpkin puree is readily available.  And this cake is one of my most favorite things to make.  Super easy, your family is going to love this ooey, gooey, pumpkin goodness.

When I first tried this recipe I had all kinds of horrible problems, but since I'm not one to give up easily (especially when it comes to yummy pumpkin goodness), I worked and worked (actually googled, and googled) until I figured out what the problem was...

Tips

DO NOT USE PUMPKIN PIE FILLING. YOU MUST USE PUMPKIN PUREE IF YOU WANT THE CAKE TO BAKE CORRECTLY.  (Smitten Kitchen has a great tutorial on making your own pumpkin puree, just click the link.)

The cake mix + pumpkin puree version of pumpkin cake may not be for everyone. I like it just fine, especially when it’s soaked in SCM and caramel. But if you’re not sure about it, feel free to substitute your own pumpkin cake recipe as the cake base.

DO NOT mix together the pumpkin, cake mix, and the other ingredients on the back of the cake mix box!!!! ONLY mix the cake mix and the pumpkin puree.

You must let the sweetened condensed milk soak in all the way. Letting it sit overnight will yield best results.

Use the bottom of a wooden mixing spoon to poke the holes in the cake.  

What I Used

1 box yellow cake mix

1 - 15 oz. small can pumpkin puree

1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 - 8 oz. tub cool whip

1/2 bag Heath Bits

Caramel Sundae Sauce

How It's Done

Mix together the cake mix and the pumpkin puree (DO NOT add the other ingredients on the cake mix box).

Pour batter into a well greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350º according to the directions for a 9x13 cake on the cake mix box.

Let cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Spread the cool whip over top of cake. Sprinkle on the heath bits, and drizzle caramel over top (just to your liking). Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight (best).

This cake gets really gooey.  But, it's sooo yummy.  If you make this, comment and let us know how you liked it.

The original cake recipe posted at Something Swanky.