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Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it's name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it’s name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it's name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin French Toast, Pumpkin Fudge, Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Pumpkin Cupcakes, Pumpkin Pancakes, oh my! Will the pumpkin madness ever end???

Maybe some day it will. But today is not that day.

Because today we are making something fabulously easy, crazy delicious, and undeniably pumpkin.

Pumpkin Dump Cake!

Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it's name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

Have you ever had a dump cake before? It’s typically some kind of fruit or pie filling on the bottom (in this case, we’re essentially making a pumpkin pie for the base) topped with straight up cake mix (NOT batter) with butter drizzled over the cake mix to make it crunchy when baked.

It’s all about throwing a few simple ingredients into the baking dish and having it in the oven within just a few minutes.

We add a few extra steps to the standard dump cake version, because we’re making the bottom pumpkin layer from scratch. But I think you could use a canned pumpkin pie filling if you wanted to (no judgement here!).

Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it's name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

I have to confess that I was stunned by how much I liked this dessert. I’m a little picky about the pumpkin foods I eat, and I just wasn’t sure about this one. The whole making and baking process, I kept thinking *I don’t think I’m going to share this one.*  *Hmm… no, I just don’t think it’s going to be quite right.* *There is no way this is going to work.*

Well, shame on me! Because this turned out to be a really yummy recipe!

I normally refuse to eat pumpkin foods warm– I like them at room temp or cold, please. But not this one. This dump cake is heavenly straight from the oven with a big scoop of ice cream and a big glob of caramel sauce on top.

Pumpkin pie on the bottom with a sweet crunchy layer on top. True to it's name, the recipe is easy as dumping the ingredients in a bowl and stirring!

The pumpkin pie layer on the bottom is complemented perfectly by the crunchy cake mix layer on top. It’s almost like a crispy sugary cookie all crunched up and sprinkled over the pie. SO GOOD.

I added lots of caramel sauce to mine straight out of the oven, so it could seep into all the little nooks and crannies on top. I highly recommend, but you could get away with skipping that if you wanted to.

As I said before, I loved this warm with ice cream. But if you’re making it for Thanksgiving, you can definitely make it ahead of time and serve it room temp or cold (like a pie) with a big dollop of whipped cream! Enjoy 🙂

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

You guys! Thanksgiving is just TWO WEEKS away!!! How did that happen?!

Did you know Thanksgiving is by far and away my favorite of all the holidays (with July 4th coming in at a close second place)? And do you know what Thanksgiving and July 4th have in common?

PIE. 

I’m not ashamed to admit that’s probably the reason I like them both so much. Apple pie in the summer. Pecan pie in the Fall. As we like to say here in North Carolina… ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. No sir.

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

Historically, this Chocolate Pecan Pie is always my favorite at Thanksgiving. My sister and I always fight over who makes the best one even though we use the exact same recipe every year. In the end, I usually let her make it because I’ve been making pie for a month by the time we hit the end of November.

And hers really is pretty good ????.

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

But this year…. I’m thinking things are gonna change. Because there’s a new favorite chocolate pie in town– move over chocolate pecan, I think this chocolate chess pie has you beat!

This pie is literally heaven on earth. I wish I had the words to do it justice. Crackly on top, rich and creamy chocolate custard in the middle, and a buttery homemade crust on the bottom.

I know I get a bit dramatic when it comes to dessert, frequently throwing out words like, “best!” and “life changing!” and “all-time favorite!” But in all seriousness, this pie is utterly life changing, the absolute best, and my new all-time favorite. 

Decadent and delicious classic chocolate chess pie. This pie is a Southern staple, and it is absolutely incredible!

Trust me when I tell you that you need make room for this beauty on your Thanksgiving menu. You will not regret it!! In fact, you’ll probably need to make two, because it goes quick!

I’m just sayin…

If you love brownie batter, this is the recipe for you!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Batter Dip Recipe

If you loved this brownie batter dip from last year, you’re going to flip over this peanut butter cup version! It’s double the yum and perfect for parties and get-togethers!

If you love brownie batter, this is the recipe for you!

This is one of my favorite recipes. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s really, really good.

I imagine if Chris and I were big party-goers, this is something I would probably bring with me. But since we’re voluntary recluses (read: exhausted parents), here are some of the occasions I make this dip for:

Friday nights at home. Or Sunday afternoons at home. Really… anytime at home.

Some “light” ???? snacking while I read my book during nap time.

Annnnnnnnnnd that’s pretty much it.If you love brownie batter, this is the recipe for you!

But for those of you out there who lead a more exciting life than mine and are in need of a good dip recipe to take to a party, this is it.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like brownie batter. And if you’re friends with people who don’t, I feel obligated to suggest you remove that negativity from your life. No one can live like that.

But assuming your friends are all normal human beings who love peanut butter and brownie batter and all things that are delicious, this dip will be an instant hit wherever you bring it!

If you love brownie batter, this is the recipe for you!

Plus, did I mention easy to make? SO EASY! It’s a dream. Literall.

XOXO. Happy Halloween weekend peeps! Party safe!! Or climb in your PJ’s by 8 o’clock like me. Whatevs ????.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Happy Wednesday! Did you know that it’s also National Baked Pumpkin Donut Day???

Juuuuuuuuust kidding ????!

I looked. It doesn’t exist. And it should, because these donuts are very deserving of their own national holiday! I mean… if there’s a “Stay Home Because You are Well Day” and a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” day (yeah, those are real), then Baked Pumpkin Donut Day should definitely be happening.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipe

In fact, let’s just declare today is National Baked Pumpkin Donut Day. Technically, it’s King Tut Day (????). But… I’m pretty sure I’d rather celebrate donuts. You?

I usually prefer frying my homemade donuts. Like these copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts, or these Heavenly Hash Donuts, or these Apple Cider Donuts, or these Bacon Fried Chicken and Donuts… mmmmmmmm.

But I know a lot of you are pretty wary of frying stuff, and baking donuts seems to be generally more acceptable to everyone. So I’ve been working on trying more baked donut recipes that I can share with you guys. This Chocolate Baked Cake Donut, for starters, is insanely delicious. SO GOOD.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Today’s recipe marks another baked donut in the books, and you pumpkin crazies out there are going to love this one.

They are soft, soft, SOFT! And full of fragrant pumpkin spice. Also: super easy.

All you have to do is mix one cake mix (yellow or white) with one can of pumpkin puree and add a touch of pumpkin pie spice. Give ’em a dunk in cinnamon sugar, and you’re good to go!

These donuts are delicious when warm straight out of the oven (aren’t all donuts??), and they are best eaten on the day you bake them. This isn’t really a make-ahead kind of recipe, but they’re so easy to make so that’s not really a big deal.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Enjoy 🙂 And Happy National Baked Pumpkin Donut Day ????.

https://www.somethingswanky.com/pumpkin-pie-fudge-with-nutella/

Pumpkin Pretzel Bites Recipe

These easy pumpkin pretzel bites are an easy salty + sweet Fall snack that you won’t be able to stop munching on!

These easy pumpkin pretzel bites are an easy salty + sweet Fall snack that you won't be able to stop munching on!

I’m pretty picky about my pumpkin consumption. Generally, my rule is that I stay away from pretty much anything pumpkin that is NOT baked. I think the “fresh” pumpkin flavor is just too overwhelming, and it desperately needs some butter, sugar, and flour to even it out a little bit.

My exceptions to the must-be-baked rule almost entirely include pumpkin treats that have been made with pumpkin FLAVOR (not real pumpkin). Like this pumpkin cream pie made with pumpkin pudding mix– that’s something I can get behind! Or this pumpkin fudge made with pumpkin spice morsels (like chocolate chips).

Or these pumpkin pretzel bites!

https://www.somethingswanky.com/pumpkin-pie-fudge-with-nutella/

With a pretzel on the bottom, a Pumpkin Hershey Kiss, an M&M, and a drizzle of white or dark chocolate these poppable pumpkin bites are pretty irresistible.

I entirely surprised myself by loving those pumpkin Hershey Kisses. Like I said– I’m picky about pumpkin treats. And these just did not look or smell all that appealing. But in the name of research, I tried one. And then another. And then another. And then I was hooked.

Add to that a little salty crunch and an M&M and I never really stood a chance against these little guys.

These easy pumpkin pretzel bites are an easy salty + sweet Fall snack that you won't be able to stop munching on!

Another obviously awesome thing about this recipe is that it is SO EASY. And pretty quick too.

You could skip the chocolate drizzle at the end, but I’m going to advise you not to for two reasons:

☝???? I’m sorry to say it, but these kind of look like boobs without the chocolate drizzle on top ????! And I swear, I don’t think it’s that my mind is in the gutter over here ????. You have to admit the pumpkin Kisses are pretty close to flesh colored. And the way they melt in the oven.. well, you’ll see!

And ✌???? Is there anything not made better by a chocolate drizzle? It adds the perfect texture and flavor. I really feel like it balances out the strength of the pumpkin flavor just right.

Enjoy!

These easy pumpkin pretzel bites are an easy salty + sweet Fall snack that you won't be able to stop munching on!

Here is a recipe for the perfect Fall weekend breakfast or brunch: Apple Cider Waffles with an amazing homemade Caramel Apple Cider Syrup. 

Apple Cider Buttermilk Waffles & Caramel Apple Cider Syrup Recipe

Here is a recipe for the perfect Fall weekend breakfast or brunch: Apple Cider Waffles with an amazing homemade Caramel Apple Cider Syrup. 

Here is a recipe for the perfect Fall weekend breakfast or brunch: Apple Cider Waffles with an amazing homemade Caramel Apple Cider Syrup. 

Like clockwork, every time Fall rolls around I start craving apple cider. Starbucks caramel apple cider to be precise. Omg, is there anything in the world that tastes as good as that??

Maybe not. But the caramel apple cider syrup on this apple cider buttermilk waffles comes preeeeeettty close.

Here is a recipe for the perfect Fall weekend breakfast or brunch: Apple Cider Waffles with an amazing homemade Caramel Apple Cider Syrup. 

If you’re not already feeling as apple cider-y as I am, here are a few little tidbits about these waffles to get you in the mood:

A) There’s a WHOLE CUP of apple cider in the waffle batter. B) It’s not pumpkin. I know a lot of you are like, enough with the pumpkin already! and C) Imagine a caramel apple in liquid form, heavy on the caramel. That is this syrup. It is the kind of amazing your breakfast dreams are made of. If you had no other interest in these waffles, I can assure you that the syrup alone would make eating them worth your while.

Here is a recipe for the perfect Fall weekend breakfast or brunch: Apple Cider Waffles with an amazing homemade Caramel Apple Cider Syrup. 

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did! And don’t feel bad if you find yourself licking the syrup off the plate… you’re in good company ????.

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

Cream Cheese Filled Snickerdoodles Recipe

Soft and chewy cream cheese-filled snickerdoodles are exactly what you didn’t know you wanted.

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

Happy Monday everyone! It’s finally starting to (maybe?) cool down around here and feel just a little bit like Fall. Which means we should all head inside, don our fuzzy sweaters, and turn on the oven!

Because the arrival Fall necessitates cookies. Obvs.

And it just so happens that I have a fabulous Fall cookie to share with you today. Cream Cheese (think cheesecake) Filled Snickerdoodles ????.

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

The ingredients for these Snickerdoodles are fairly standard. I’m using my favorite snickerdoodle cookie dough as the base of course. These snickerdoodles turn out famously soft and dreamy every single time.

The sweet cream cheese filling in the center of these cookies is incredibly simple with only two ingredients: cream cheese and sugar. To get the cream cheese filling inside, all you’ll need to do is scoop about a teaspoon onto a flattened bit of dough. Place another flattened piece of dough on top and pinch the sides together to seal it up nice and tight. After that, roll it into a ball, and you’re ready to continue. Easy!

Soft and chewy snickerdoodles with a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle.

Enjoy, and Happy Fall, ya’ll!

Yellow cake soaked in cheesecake pudding and salted caramel, topped with Cool Whip and a salted caramel swirl.

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Poke Cake Recipe

Yellow cake soaked in cheesecake pudding and salted caramel, topped with Cool Whip and a salted caramel swirl.

Yellow cake soaked in cheesecake pudding and salted caramel, topped with Cool Whip and a salted caramel swirl.

If you love caramel and you love cheesecake, then I can tell you right now– this recipe is for YOU.

I didn’t really think I could be surprised by a poke cake anymore, but I have to confess that this one was shockingly good. I don’t mean that I was shocked that it was good. Just that it was that good. Like, it’s on an entirely new level of good.

Yellow cake soaked in cheesecake pudding and salted caramel, topped with Cool Whip and a salted caramel swirl.

The yellow cake base is simple enough– I just used a cake mix. If you’d rather, you can always use this homemade and utterly delicious yellow cake recipe. That’s totally up to you.

As for me? Most of the time, I don’t mind a good cake mix cake. They’re soft, fluffy, and wonderfully dependable. ????????

Once the cake is baked (and while it’s still warm), poke holes in the cake and fill them with cheesecake pudding and salted caramel sauce. You can use a fork if you’d like, I see a lot of people do that. But I really prefer using the handle of a sturdy wooden mixing spoon. Bigger holes = more filling = more better.

Yellow cake soaked in cheesecake pudding and salted caramel, topped with Cool Whip and a salted caramel swirl.

Top the whole thing with whipped cream and more salted caramel sauce and let it chill for a few hours. Once everything has come together, you’ll have this incredibly indulgent cake filled with caramel and cheesecake flavors. And the light, fluffy, yet sinfully saturated-in-caramel texture is absolutely unbeatable!

This cake is so easy to make– it really just takes a few minutes of hands on time. And it’s so, so, SO good! This is a perfect Thanksgiving or Fall dessert, but it’s still a cool and creamy summer treat too.

So what are you waiting for?? I can’t wait for you to try it!

Pumpkin, Nutella, and marshmallow cream make this like no other pumpkin fudge you've had before!

Pumpkin Nutella Marshmallow Fudge Recipe

Pumpkin, Nutella, and marshmallow cream make this like no other pumpkin fudge you’ve had before!

Pumpkin, Nutella, and marshmallow cream make this like no other pumpkin fudge you've had before!

Warning! You are about to enter high addictive pumpkin territory.

Let me start out by saying that this recipe is one of my all-time personal favorite pumpkin recipes. And you should know that I’m rather picky when it comes to pumpkin…

I like it. And I like it as early in the year as possible.

HOWEVER– I do not like weird pumpkin desserts. Tell me I’m not alone here, but there are just some things that pumpkin SHOULD NOT go in. Am I right?! For instance, it is my firm belief that pumpkin (as it REAL pumpkin) should not not go into anything not baked. I also have really strong feelings about pumpkin and oatmeal– that the combination should never happen ever.

So when I saw some no-bake pumpkin energy bites recently, and I barely held it together. Even now, I’m kind of gagging in my mind ????. But different strokes and all that, right?

Pumpkin, Nutella, and marshmallow cream make this like no other pumpkin fudge you've had before!

Now that you know how picky I am about my pumpkin treats, you know that you can completely trust me as I gush over this amazingly fabulous pumpkin fudge.

Which contains no actual pumpkin, just to clarify– because, again, pumpkin should be baked. In my humble opinion ????.

The base of this fudge is actually a variation of my favorite 2-ingredient fudge, which is essentially 3 cups of chocolate melted together with 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. It’s easy and simple, and it always turns out just right.

For this recipe, I’m using 3 cups (about 2 bags) of Nestle’s Pumpkin Spice Morsels. In the past, I’ve used Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Kisses to make this same fudge, but it was so unnecessarily tedious to unwrap 3 cups worth of Hershey Kisses when I could just dump out a bag of morsels instead!

I find both the Hershey Kisses and the morsels at Target. Feel free to use either one you can get your hands on.

This Pumpkin Nutella Marshmallow fudge will rock your world.

Once you’ve made the 2-ingredient fudge base and poured it into the prepared pan, you need to act quickly to get the Nutella and marshmallow cream swirled in before the fudge begins to set.

I went ahead and prepped two piping bags (you could even just use big zip top baggies) by filling them with the Nutella and cream. Once the fudge is poured, snip of the ends of the piping bags and squeeze little pockets of Nutella and marshmallow throughout the fudge. Swirl it all a little with a knife, and voila!

Hands down, the best pumpkin fudge you will ever eat. I promise!