Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Spray a 13 × 9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray (or grease lightly).

2. Mix Pumpkin Base

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Combine the pure pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.

2. Beat the 3 eggs separately, then pour into the pumpkin mixture and blend for about 1 minute with an electric mixer.

3. Add the evaporated milk and mix again until fully combined and creamy.

You should have a smooth, custard‑like mixture.

3. Layer Into Pan

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared 13 × 9 inch pan, spreading it evenly.

4. Add the Cake Mix and Nuts

Sprinkle the dry carrot cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Then scatter the chopped walnuts uniformly on top of that.

5. Drizzle Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the top surface as possible. If needed, use the back of a spoon to gently guide the butter, or very lightly swirl with a knife—but don’t dig into the layers. You want the top to remain dry-looking but moistened by the butter.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated 350 °F oven for about 50 minutes. The center will still be a little jiggly when done—that’s okay.

• If it appears soupy or very loose in the middle, continue baking 5–10 more minutes and check again.

• Don’t overbake, or the pumpkin layer could dry out.

7. Cool Fully

Allow the cake to cool at least 1 hour, ideally until completely room temperature, before proceeding to frosting. If you frost while warm, the icing will melt and run off.

8. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for about 2 minutes until smooth and lump‑free.

• Add the softened butter and beat until fully incorporated and silky.

• Scrape the bowl sides and mix again to ensure even texture.

• Pour in the vanilla extract, then gradually sift in the powdered sugar and beat until creamy and spreadable.

9. Frost & Garnish

Spread the frosting over the totally cooled cake, smoothing it out to the edges. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top (if using) for added crunch and visual appeal.

10. Serve & Enjoy

Slice into squares and serve. The contrast—soft pumpkin custard below, cake texture above, and creamy frosting—is simply heavenly.