Hosting the Ultimate Virtual Thanksgiving Dinner Party: Featuring Our Beloved Pumpkin Pie Cake

The scent of pumpkin spice, roasted turkey, and simmering cranberries is already filling the air – Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Can you believe how quickly the holidays approach each year? As families and friends prepare to gather, whether virtually or in person, the excitement for this cherished American tradition builds.

Are you starting to plan your festive feast yet? If the thought of organizing a multi-course holiday meal feels daunting, worry not! We are here to help make your Thanksgiving preparations smoother and more enjoyable than ever. We’ve teamed up with a wonderful group of fellow food bloggers to host a spectacular Virtual Thanksgiving Dinner Party, bringing together a collection of our most treasured holiday recipes. From the savory star of the show – the perfectly roasted turkey – to delightful drinks and decadent desserts, we have everything you need to craft an unforgettable Thanksgiving menu.

Just thinking about the succulent turkey, golden-brown and glistening, makes my mouth water! But what truly completes any Thanksgiving meal is a show-stopping dessert. That’s why I’m thrilled to re-share my absolute favorite, a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall: the Pumpkin Pie Cake. This unique dessert offers the best of both worlds – the creamy texture of a classic pumpkin pie combined with the comforting crumb of a moist cake. It’s truly a game-changer for your holiday table!

The Star of Our Table: Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Cake (Gluten-Free Option!)

This Pumpkin Pie Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors. It stands out from traditional pumpkin pies with its delightful cake-like texture and rich, spiced pumpkin layers. What makes it even better? It’s incredibly versatile, offering a delicious gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a slice of this seasonal masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.

Created by: Kristy Still

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 Servings

Make this amazing Pumpkin Pie Cake that is perfect for the fall season and holiday celebrations!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 30 oz Canned Pumpkin Puree
• 4 Eggs
• 12 oz Can Evaporated Milk
• 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
• 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 Package Yellow Cake Mix or Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix
• 1 Cup Melted Butter
• 1 Cup Chopped Nuts (Optional)
• Topping:
• 2 Containers of Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting (12oz Each)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a stand mixer, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and all the spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg). Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Gradually add in the yellow cake mix and melted butter, mixing until a smooth batter forms. If you’re including chopped nuts, stir them in at this stage.
4. Pour the prepared batter evenly into two 9-inch round cake pans.
5. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
6. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding.
7. Carefully remove the cooled cakes from their pans.
8. To assemble, place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of whipped cream cheese frosting on top of it. Gently place the second cake layer directly on top of the frosting to create a beautiful two-layer cake.
9. Using a Wilton 1M tip and a decorator’s bag filled with the remaining whipped cream cheese frosting, decorate the top portion of the cake. For a balanced sweetness, we recommend frosting primarily the top rather than the sides.
10. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing dessert experience.

Notes

This recipe is a delightful adaptation of a classic from the 1960s, originally published in Capper’s magazine. The traditional method suggested mixing ingredients up to the nutmeg, pouring into a 9×13 pan, sprinkling with dry cake mix, then drizzling with melted butter and topping with nuts. We’ve modernized it into this layered cake format for an even more impressive presentation and texture!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1 Serving
• Calories: 786 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 107g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 740mg
• Potassium: 499mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 74g
• Vitamin A: 17545 IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 327mg
• Iron: 4mg

Beyond the Cake: A Full Virtual Thanksgiving Menu to Inspire You

The Pumpkin Pie Cake is just one delicious piece of our virtual Thanksgiving puzzle! Our collaborative dinner party brings together a diverse array of dishes from talented bloggers, ensuring your entire holiday meal is covered. We’ve curated a menu that balances classic flavors with exciting twists, perfect for those seeking new inspiration or simply tried-and-true favorites. Get ready to plan your perfect Thanksgiving feast with these incredible contributions:

• Oven Roasted Turkey Breast from Pocket Change Gourmet: No Thanksgiving is complete without a perfectly cooked turkey. This recipe focuses on the breast, offering a tender and juicy option that’s easier to manage for smaller gatherings while still delivering that iconic holiday flavor.

• Bacon Croissant Stuffing from Crumbs and Chaos: Elevate your stuffing game with this irresistible version. The rich, buttery croissants paired with savory bacon create a stuffing that is incredibly flavorful and boasts an exquisite texture, making it a truly memorable side dish.

• Sweet Potato Casserole in the Crock Pot from Wholesome Mommy: Free up valuable oven space with this convenient slow-cooker sweet potato casserole. It’s wonderfully creamy, perfectly spiced, and topped with a delightful pecan streusel, offering a comforting and essential Thanksgiving side dish with minimal fuss.

• Pumpkin Pie Cake from Mommy Hates Cooking: (That’s us!) As you’ve seen, this delightful hybrid dessert combines the best of pumpkin pie and moist cake, creating a sweet, spiced finale that’s both familiar and exciting, with a fantastic gluten-free option available.

• Cranberry Apple Spritzer from Hoosier Homemade: Refresh your palate with this vibrant and festive drink. A blend of tangy cranberries and crisp apples, this spritzer is a non-alcoholic option that’s perfect for guests of all ages, adding a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.

Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Meal Planning

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind, but with a little planning, it can also be one of the most relaxing holidays. Here are some of our top tips for a seamless celebration:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! Plan your menu several weeks in advance. Make your grocery list and consider purchasing non-perishable items early to avoid crowded stores.
2. Delegate Tasks: If you’re hosting, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign specific dishes to family members or guests, or let them bring drinks or appetizers. A potluck-style Thanksgiving can reduce your workload significantly.
3. Make-Ahead Dishes are Your Best Friend: Many Thanksgiving sides and desserts, like our Pumpkin Pie Cake (which can be baked and frosted ahead of time), can be prepared partially or fully in advance. This frees up your kitchen on the big day.
4. Plan Your Oven and Stovetop Schedule: Map out exactly when each dish needs to go into the oven or onto the stovetop. This avoids last-minute scrambling and ensures everything is hot and ready at the same time.
5. Consider Dietary Needs: Ask your guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) well in advance. Having options for everyone shows thoughtfulness and ensures all guests feel welcome. Our Pumpkin Pie Cake, for example, is easily made gluten-free!
6. Set the Table the Day Before: Get your serving dishes, cutlery, glasses, and decorations ready a day or two before. This seemingly small task can save a lot of time and stress on Thanksgiving morning.
7. Embrace Virtual Tools: For a virtual dinner party, test your video conferencing platform beforehand. Share recipes, cooking schedules, or even host a pre-Thanksgiving virtual cooking session with friends.

Happy Thanksgiving dinner planning! We hope these recipes and tips inspire you to create a truly special and delicious holiday celebration.

Have you visited our Products list? Be sure and check out Mommy Hates Cooking Products and Services. We’re always creating new ways to make your cooking adventures easier and more delicious.

Need more recipe ideas for every occasion, not just Thanksgiving? Explore our comprehensive Recipe Index by Mommy Hates Cooking. You’ll find a treasure trove of dishes, from quick weeknight meals to elaborate holiday feasts, catering to all tastes and dietary needs.