Description
This Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Snack Cake is a delightful fall-inspired dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon with a moist cake base. Made easy with a boxed yellow cake mix and enriched by a pumpkin puree batter, it’s baked to perfection, then soaked with sweetened condensed milk for extra moisture and sweetness. Topped with creamy Cool Whip, crunchy Heath bits, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake offers a luscious combination of textures and tastes perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can pumpkin purée (15 oz)
Toppings and Extras
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 tub Cool Whip (8 oz)
- ½ bag Heath bits (4 oz)
- Caramel sundae sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix and the pumpkin purée, mixing thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter. Note that no eggs or oil are required for this recipe.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the pumpkin batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake which will help it soak up the condensed milk.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into all the holes for added moisture and sweetness.
- Refrigerate: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the condensed milk set and the cake chill.
- Apply Toppings: Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the chilled cake. Then sprinkle the Heath bits generously on top for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sundae sauce generously over the top of the cake to add a rich, sweet finish.
- Final Chill: Chill the cake for 3 to 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow all flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- The cake does not require eggs or oil because the pumpkin purée adds moisture and richness.
- Poking holes in the cake allows the sweetened condensed milk to fully soak in, making the cake incredibly moist.
- Heath bits provide a wonderful crunch, but you can substitute with chopped toffee or nuts if preferred.
- For a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- This cake is best refrigerated and served cold; it can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin snack cake, snickerdoodle cake, fall dessert, pumpkin cake, easy pumpkin dessert, holiday cake
