Peek-a-boo Fall Flavor Cake

It's hard to tell in Southern California
That Summer's fled and Autumn's moved in
But hints lie tucked between evergreens
Liquid Amber's vermillion glow
Gingko's lazer yellow
And hidden berries of the toyon and cotoneaster
Make a crimson appearance
Peek-a-boo
I spy Autumn
And the spirits of Halloween
Wandering through the city

Do you ?

In Southern California Fall does not hit you with loads of color, but there are hints of autumn if you know where to look.  This fall, Chef Azuki and I have been enjoying a little pumpkin spice creamer in our coffee.  We love the flavor and so Chef Azuki came up with this dessert recipe by adding this creamer to cake mix.  The cake is delicious and just hints at fall's mystery.  It's not an in your face, only for pumpkin lovers cake, but a rather subtle spiced cake that gently reminds you fall is here; just like the Southern California landscape.

Peek-a-boo Fall Flavor Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
1 1/2 C Pumpkin Spice Creamer
3 eggs
Cool Whip
Candy Pumpkins or candy corn

Beat together the cake mix, creamer and eggs for two minutes. Pour into a 13" x 9" pan.   Follow the cooking directions on the box.  Let it cool.  Then serve with a dollop of cool whip and top with a candy pumpkin or candy corn.  The pumpkin flavor just peeks out at you for a fun dessert.

Halloween parties may be up and running starting this Friday and next Wednesday is already Halloween.  Do you have your costume?  Do you have a dessert to take to your Halloween event?  Well if you're in a pinch for a dessert, try this recipe.  You can cut the cake into 2" squares and put it in decorative cupcake baking cups and  top with cool whip and candy. The Halloween spirit is hiding in Southern California.  Have fun with your friends and family while playing peek-a-boo...look around Southern California for hints of fall and spooky spirits!