Emilie Meyer
Pumpkin cake is a popular dessert, especially around Halloween and Thanksgiving. It can be made in the oven, but cooking it in a crock pot is a great way to save oven space and is also a simple way to make a delicious dessert without having to do much work. There are various recipes for pumpkin cake, but most involve adding a pumpkin mixture to a crock pot, sprinkling a spice cake mix on top, and then adding butter. The crock pot is then cooked on a high heat for around 2 hours. The cake can then be served with ice cream, cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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What You'll Learn
Pumpkin cake ingredients
Pumpkin cake is a popular dessert, especially during the fall season. It can be made in a crockpot, requiring few ingredients and minimal preparation. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make a delicious pumpkin cake in your crockpot:
Pumpkin Puree:
The star ingredient of this cake is, of course, pumpkin. You will need pure pumpkin puree, which can be easily found in stores or made at home. Pumpkin puree provides a smooth and creamy texture to the cake while also contributing to its fluffy structure.
Evaporated Milk:
Evaporated milk is another essential ingredient in crockpot pumpkin cakes. It adds moisture to the cake, ensuring that it turns out soft and tender. If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, regular milk can be simmered down to reduce its quantity and create a similar effect. Alternatively, you can use heavy cream as a 1:1 substitute.
Eggs:
Although some recipes for crockpot pumpkin cake are egg-free, using eggs can enhance the cake's texture and structure. Whisk up 3 eggs and add them to your crockpot before incorporating the other ingredients. Eggs help with binding and can give your cake a fluffier texture.
Spices:
To infuse your pumpkin cake with autumnal flavours, spices are a must. Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are classic choices, adding warmth and depth to the cake. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavour. These spices not only enhance the taste but also make your kitchen smell incredible!
Sugar:
Sugar is used to sweeten the cake and balance the savoury notes of the pumpkin and spices. Brown sugar is a common choice, but you can adjust the quantity to suit your preference for sweetness.
Cake Mix:
A good quality spice cake mix forms the base of your crockpot pumpkin cake. It provides structure and flavour, ensuring your cake holds together while also tasting delicious. Follow the instructions on the box for the appropriate quantity and preparation method.
Butter:
Butter is a key ingredient in many cakes, and pumpkin cake is no exception. Use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Melted butter is typically mixed with the cake mix to create a crumbly dough, which is then sprinkled over the pumpkin batter.
Pecans or Walnuts:
Nuts add a delightful crunchy texture to the cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the cake batter before cooking, adding a tasty surprise in every bite. If you're not a fan of nuts, you can omit them or substitute them with chocolate chips.
With these ingredients and a crockpot, you're all set to create a mouthwatering pumpkin cake that will impress your family and friends!
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Crock pot preparation
To prepare a pumpkin cake in a crock pot, you will first need to grease your crock pot with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, add the pumpkin puree and evaporated milk to the crock pot and whisk until combined. Next, whisk 3 eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the crock pot, along with the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully combined.
In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix and melted butter using a fork or your hands until it forms a crumble. Sprinkle this crumble mixture over the top of the pumpkin batter in the crock pot. You can also add some pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the cake is set and no longer jiggly. If you prefer a slower cook, you can cook it on low for 4 hours. Once done, serve your pumpkin cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Please note that the cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot's settings and size. It is always a good idea to check the cake's progress and adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Cooking times and settings
The cooking time and settings for a pumpkin cake in a crock pot can vary depending on the specific recipe and the desired texture. Here are some general guidelines:
For a crockpot pumpkin dump cake, it is recommended to cook the cake on high heat for about 2 hours. However, if you prefer a slower cook, you can set the crockpot to low heat for 4 hours. This longer cooking time at a lower temperature will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Another recipe for crockpot pumpkin crunch cake suggests a slightly longer cooking time. For this cake, you should set your crockpot to high heat and let it bake for 2 and a half to 3 hours. You'll know it's done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly firm but no longer jiggly. This longer cooking time is likely due to the addition of extra ingredients, such as eggs, spices, and brown sugar, which may require more time to cook thoroughly.
If you're looking for a faster option, there is a recipe for a crockpot pumpkin spice dump cake that can be ready in as little as 2 hours. For this recipe, you'll set the crockpot to high and cook for 1 hour. Then, give the cake a stir and cook for another hour or two, depending on your desired texture. This recipe emphasizes that the cake is meant to be gooey and moist, so you may not need to cook it for the full additional 2 hours.
It's important to note that crockpot temperatures can vary, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your cake and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, some recipes suggest covering the crockpot during the initial cooking phase and then uncovering it for the final hour of baking. This can help ensure that the cake cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot pumpkin cake is best served warm. It is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle over some caramel sauce or add a sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg.
If you prefer your cake with a crunch, you can top it with chopped pecans or walnuts. Alternatively, you could add chocolate chips for a different texture.
Due to the soft, gooey texture of crockpot pumpkin cake, it is not a typical 'slice and serve' cake. Instead, it is often served in scoops, with a spoon.
For a special dessert, you could serve crockpot pumpkin cake with cookies and cream ice cream or, for a seasonal twist, cranberry ice cream.
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Recipe variations
There are several variations of the pumpkin cake recipe for crockpots. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Pumpkin Dump Cake
This variation involves creating a crumble by mixing melted butter and cake mix, which is then sprinkled over a pumpkin mixture. Chopped pecans are added on top, and the crockpot is cooked on high heat for 2 hours or low heat for 4 hours. It can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
This recipe includes adding eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the crockpot and whisking them together. Yellow cake mix and melted butter are combined separately to form a crumble, which is then sprinkled over the pumpkin batter. The crockpot is cooked on high heat for 2-3 hours until cakey. It can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pumpkin Spice Dump Cake
This variation uses spice cake mix, which is poured into the crockpot. The pumpkin mixture is added without stirring, and the slow cooker is set to high for an hour. After stirring once, it is cooked for another hour or two. This recipe is egg-free and uses evaporated milk, resulting in a soft and moist cake.
Sticky Caramel Pumpkin Cake
This recipe creates a sticky caramel dessert with a pumpkin base. It is an affordable, easy-to-prepare, and delicious crockpot dessert option for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering.
Pumpkin Dump Cake with a Twist
For a twist on the classic pumpkin dump cake, you can add a touch of maple to the pumpkin mixture or use a carrot cake mix with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. You can also double the pecans or add Skor Bits for an extra crunchy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Grease your crockpot, add in a can of pumpkin puree and a can of evaporated milk, and whisk together. In a separate bowl, mix yellow cake mix and melted butter until it forms a crumble. Sprinkle the crumble over the pumpkin mixture and add chopped pecans. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
It takes around 2-3 hours to cook a pumpkin cake in a crock pot.
Crock pots don't have temperature settings, but you should cook your pumpkin cake on a high setting for the majority of the cooking time.
Pumpkin cake is often served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Yes, you can make a pumpkin cake in the oven. Prepare the ingredients as directed and place them in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown.
