Pumpkin Surprise is a nice light dessert to serve after a dinner with all the trimmings.  

This gluten free dessert is very easy to make and will delight your guests with the combination of fall flavours and the surprise topping of cake mix and pecans.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

I started by dumping the full can of pure pumpkin puree into a large mixing bowl.

Then I added the eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt to the bowl with the pumpkin.

Using a large spatula, I stirred the ingredients until they were combined and no lumps remained.

Now I poured in the almond milk.  I try to avoid dairy whenever possible and that is why I used almond milk.  

You can use regular milk if you prefer or even evaporated milk.

I used the spatula again to stir in the milk until it was smooth.

Once blended, I carefully poured the pumpkin mixture into a 9 x 13″ baking pan that had been sprayed with cooking spray.

I put the pan into a preheated 425F oven for 20 minutes.  When I removed the pan I lowered the oven temperature to 350F.  I allowed the pumpkin to cool for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes I sprinkled the cake mix on top followed by the melted margarine and maple syrup.  I finished by sprinkling a layer of pecan pieces on the top.

Now I returned it to the oven at 350F to cook for 30-35 minutes.  I cooked it until it was golden brown around the edges.

I allowed the Pumpkin Surprise to cool in the pan before slicing and serving it.  Enjoy!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Pumpkin Recipes You Will Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Pumpkin Surprise:

• 796 ml can pure pumpkin puree (27 oz)
• 4 eggs, large
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 15 oz Betty Crocker Gluten Free Golden Cake Mix (425 g)
• 3/4 cup margarine, melted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Pumpkin Surprise:

1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Grease a 9 x 13″ baking pan.
3. Dump the pumpkin puree into a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt and milk to the bowl and mix the ingredients together well.
5. Pour pumpkin into the greased pan.
6. Bake in the 425F oven for 20 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
8. Lower oven temperature to 350F.
9. Sprinkle the gluten free cake mix over top of the pumpkin after the 15 minutes has passed.
10. Take the melted margarine and drizzle it over the cake mix.
11. Drizzle the maple syrup over the cake mix as well.
12. Finish by sprinkling a layer of chopped pecan pieces on the top.
13. Return to the oven at 350F for 30-35 minutes. Until golden brown around the edges.
14. Cool in the pan before serving.
15. Cut into pieces and serve warm or cold.

FAQS:

What should I serve with pumpkin surprise?

Pumpkin surprise sounds like a delicious dessert, and there are several accompaniments you can consider serving with it to enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic pairing for pumpkin desserts. The light and airy texture of the whipped cream complements the richness of the pumpkin surprise.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is another excellent choice. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm and spiced flavors of the pumpkin dessert.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your pumpkin surprise for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. The caramel’s richness pairs well with the pumpkin.
4. Chopped Nuts: Toasted and chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your dessert. Sprinkle them on top or serve them on the side.
5. Fresh Berries: A small serving of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can provide a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the pumpkin’s sweetness.
6. Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a chocolate lover, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can be a decadent addition to your pumpkin surprise.
7. Spice it Up: Dust a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice blend on top of the dessert to enhance the pumpkin’s spiced flavor.
8. Custard: A silky custard, such as crème anglaise, can be a luxurious complement to pumpkin surprise.
9. Ginger Snaps or Gingersnap Crust: You can serve pumpkin surprise with a side of ginger snap cookies or use them to create a crumbly crust for the dessert. The ginger flavor pairs well with pumpkin.
10. Whipped Topping Alternatives: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can opt for coconut whipped cream, almond whipped cream, or other plant-based alternatives.

Ultimately, the choice of accompaniments depends on your personal preferences and the specific recipe for your pumpkin surprise. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or get creative with your own favorite pairings to create a delightful dessert experience.  Make sure all your choices are gluten free.

How do I store pumpkin surprise?

Pumpkin surprise is a delicious dessert made with pumpkin puree, spices, and other ingredients. To store pumpkin surprise properly and ensure its freshness, follow these guidelines:

1. Covering: If the pumpkin surprise is in a dish with no cover, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.
2. Labeling: If you’re storing it for more than a day, label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Can I freeze pumpkin surprise?

Pumpkin surprise, like many dishes, can often be frozen for later consumption. Here are some general guidelines for freezing pumpkin surprise:

1. Cool Before Freezing: Allow the pumpkin surprise to cool to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent the formation of ice crystals that can affect the texture of the dish.
2. Containers: Cover the dish really well. Label the container with the date of freezing for reference.
3. Freeze Quickly: Place the container in the freezer promptly after cooling to room temperature. The quicker you freeze the dish, the better the quality will be when you reheat it.
4. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pumpkin surprise, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, depending on the portion size and your preference. 
5. Adjustments: Keep in mind that freezing and reheating can alter the texture and flavor of certain ingredients. You might need to adjust seasonings or add fresh ingredients (like a drizzle of cream) to restore the dish’s flavor and texture.

Remember that while many dishes can be successfully frozen and reheated, the results can vary. The quality may not be the same as when freshly prepared.