"Pumpkin Better Than... Cake" success

Let me start by saying, 

I love finding an awesome recipe on Pinterest 

And then discovering that I already have ALL the ingredients!

That was this case with

Something Swanky's "Pumpkin Better Than Cake"

This looked so gooey and yummy I just had to make it

I had no excuse not to!

I had everything!

Well Almost Everything...

Here is the recipe

(copied directly from "Something Swanky") 

Pumpkin Better Than... Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 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

 Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and pumpkin puree until a smooth batter forms.
2. 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.
3. Let cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. 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).

{UPDATE}

I like to use a special topping for my poke cakes like this that is just to die for, and crazy easy!  

All you need is: 

1 large container of cool whip 

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese (you can use fat free and it's still awesome)

and 1 cup powdered sugar

Mix all these together until smooth and use as topping for this cake!  

also you can save what's left over for a really light and delectable fruit dip or topping for ice cream... well really it's good on anything... and who says you'll need extra anyway?!  you may wanna just slather the whole mixture onto this cake and call it a day! <3 data-blogger-escaped-font="font">

{UPDATE}

A reader suggested using a spice cake mix instead of the yellow the recipe calls for.  She said it was awesome!!  and "spiced" it up very nicely!  

The only thing missing was the heath bits, 

But i figured I could use something else;

You see I am a bit of a candy hoarder

After every "candy holiday" I got to the store and load up on stuff when they mark it way down

However, after making the cake and giving it a taste to see what type of candy to smash to pieces and sprinkle on top I discovered this cake really needed nothing else.

So i only added the caramel drizzle and nommed the heck out of it. 

My husband was so mad at how good this cake was

So, Here we are mixing the can of pumpkin with the cake mix

(I also read @ Sweet Verbena that you can make muffins by using just these 2 ingredients!  So I may be trying that soon as well) 

Let me also say, just as a aside, 

that doing things with your right hand and taking pics with your left 

(when your right handed) is awkward at best....   

This has a nice consistency

 Alright, pan has been sprayed

This comes out thicker than a regular cake mix would, but not to worry, it works just fine! 

Preheated the oven to 350 and now it's into the oven for 28 minutes (per my cake mix directions) 

time to cool for ten minutes....  

(cue Jeopardy music)

See how fluffy but dense it is?? 

Goofy dollop on top 

Ready to start pokin' 

I surrendered and use my left hand for this one.  lol

AAAAAAND Poking Complete!

Condensed milk GOOOOO!

1. 

2. 

3. 

Done. 

 Smeared all over to make sure there's some in every hole

Now it's into the fridge for 30 minutes!

 Now just smother it with the cool whip

 There ya go

 See the milk all soaked up?  mmmmmm

This should be called "Pumpkin mock Cheesecake" 

because it literally tasted like pumpkin cheesecake and the texture was like it too.  

it was freakin' amazing

It's got a really sweet and rich flavor

Look at all the "goody" in the bottom of the pan!

We made quick work of this cake.

This recipe is just too delicious and too easy not to try!  

and it just gets better the longer it sits in the fridge!

Give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out!