Patsy Reiter

Writing stories for children and adults for over fifteen years

Holiday Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake

 

Looking for an easy last-minute dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas? I found this Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake online and it is quick and delicious.

My neighbor, who recently moved away, gave me the recipe, but I lost it. Rather than bother her, I just googled and found a similar one.

I’ve included the recipe below. Since I only made it once, I would recommend not over-baking. Next time, I’ll remove it from the oven a few minutes early.

Enjoy.

Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake

The best pumpkin dessert ever! Pecan Pumpkin Dump Cake is easy for every night but delicious enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Prep Time20minutes 
Cook Time1hour 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin dessert, thanksgiving
Servings: 15
Author: Julie Clark

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces solid-pack pumpkin
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix Betty Crocker (15.25 ounces)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 pan with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice until well blended. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
  • Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin.
  • Drizzle with the melted butter.
  • Sprinkle the pecans on top. Then sprinkle the brown sugar over the pecans.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Check the cake at about 45 minutes while baking. If it is getting too brown, cover with foil for the remainder of baking.
  • Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and blessed Christmas!

 

Apple of My Eye

It’s Apple Season! Here’s a fun apple craft for children and a yummy apple cake recipe. 

I tweaked the craft for a church preschool class and included a scripture from Psalms 17:8. 

Keep me as the apple of your eye.

Supplies needed:

  • Free apple template
  • white paper
  • green and brown washable markers
  • glue sticks
  • cut up red tissue or red construction paper. (We found working with construction paper was easier for little hands).
  • Spread glue inside entire apple and add odd-shaped pieces of paper. If the apple isn’t completely filled in, repeat with additional glue and paper.

Have Fun!

Apple Cake Recipe

 

I believe the apple cake recipe is from my mother-in-law who passed away several years ago. She made the best desserts. 

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 and 2/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups raw diced apples

Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Mix together dry ingredients and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat shortening and sugars then beat in eggs. Add milk and vanilla, beating well. Stir in dry ingredients (blending well.) Fold apples in last. Spread in pan and sprinkle with the brown sugar and nut mixture.

Grease and flour the bottom of a 9×13 cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. My cake was done in 25 minutes, so check often. Do not overbake. If toothpick in center comes out clean, cake is done.

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipping cream–a must.

Enjoy.

 

Fall Bulb Planting with Kids

It’s almost time to plant bulbs for spring flowers. This is a great way to get children involved in earthy fun. Their hard work and end results may steer them toward a lifelong passion for outdoor planting. Pictures taken throughout the process can make great school reports.

Bulbs can be planted in containers too. Just keep them tucked close to the foundation of your home. Directions for planting in your area are on bulb packages. I like to use large craft sticks and place them in the ground or in the containers to identify early shoots.

Who knows? You might be the recipient of a beautiful spring bouquet.

 

 

Summer Picnic Salad

Summer is the season for family reunions and picnics. I’m sharing a delicious Amish Macaroni Salad recipe that I’ve made several times in the last few weeks. It’s easy to prepare and will disappear quickly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 3 stalks chopped celery
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 cups creamy dressing (Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise)
  • 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
  1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to boil.
  2. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes, drain and set aside to cool — do not rinse.
  3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, eggs, onion, celery and red bell pepper.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, white sugar, vinegar, mustard, sweet relish, salt, and celery seed. Pour over macaroni and veggies and mix. Refrigerate.

Enjoy!

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