If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is just what you need. This dessert brilliantly combines the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling with a buttery, golden cake topping that crisps in the oven, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, yet delivers show-stopping results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the pumpkin puree provides rich color and velvety texture, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg layer in that classic autumn flavor, and the yellow cake mix with melted butter creates the irresistibly crisp topping. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this delicious dessert to life.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering creamy texture and vibrant pumpkin flavor.
- Evaporated milk: Adds richness and a smooth consistency to the filling.
- Eggs: These bind everything together while helping the cake set perfectly.
- White sugar: Sweetens the filling to balance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice that enhances the pumpkin taste.
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and spicy depth.
- Nutmeg: Rounds out the spice profile with a slightly nutty warmth.
- Yellow cake mix: Creates the perfectly textured crispy topping.
- Melted butter: Moistens and browns the cake topping for that golden finish.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For added crunch and a nutty contrast that elevates the flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. A well-greased pan also helps that luscious crust come out beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until the mixture is silky smooth. This filling is where all the cozy, autumn-inspired flavors meld together, creating the heart of your pumpkin dump cake.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. This careful spreading ensures every bite has just the right amount of that creamy pumpkin goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Topping
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin filling. This step might seem simple, but the cake mix topping is crucial—it will bake up into a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling beneath.
Step 5: Pour Over Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix. The butter’s richness is what transforms the dry cake mix into a beautifully crisp, buttery topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Optional Pecans for Crunch
If you love a bit of texture variety, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top. They add a delightful nutty crunch and enhance the overall flavor with their toasted taste once baked.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are deliciously crisp. The smell wafting from your oven will instantly make you feel like fall has arrived. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set perfectly.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is delicious on its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy balance to the slightly spiced, buttery cake. A sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pecans over the garnish can also add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, making it a perfect end to a cozy dinner. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside creamy custard or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, bake the pumpkin dump cake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This personal-sized portioning not only looks charming but also ensures everyone gets their own warm, comforting dessert. You can even add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for an extra festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare), cover your pumpkin dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers might even taste better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, though the texture of the topping may soften slightly upon thawing. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy warm pumpkin dump cake anytime, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This helps crisp the topping back up. Microwaving is quicker but may leave the topping a bit soft, so the oven is your best bet for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
While fresh pumpkin can be used, canned pumpkin puree offers consistent moisture and texture, which are key to the success of this recipe. If using fresh, be sure to cook and puree it completely, removing excess water to prevent a soggy cake.
Is it necessary to add nuts?
Nuts are optional and provide a delightful crunch, but the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is perfectly delicious without them. Feel free to leave them out or substitute with your favorite nuts or even seeds for different textures.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a certified gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a friendly option for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert for a crowd?
This recipe serves about 24, so it’s ideal for gatherings. Bake in a large dish and serve directly from the pan to save time and effort. You can place whipped cream and toppings on the side so guests can customize their servings.
Can I add other spices or flavorings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile. A splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall flavor and add a lovely aroma to the filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and warmth this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe brings to the table. It’s a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and comfort that’s sure to become a favorite for any season, especially fall. So grab those humble ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of this delightful pumpkin goodness. You’re going to love every bite!
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Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
This Pumpkin Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert perfect for autumn gatherings. Combining the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with smooth pumpkin puree and a crunchy golden cake topping, it delivers comforting fall flavors with minimal effort. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a moist, flavorful cake with a crisp, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup melted butter
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Pumpkin Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, white sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Pumpkin Mixture: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Add Cake Mix Topping: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Try to cover the surface uniformly without mixing.
- Butter the Top: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer, covering as much of the surface as possible to help create a golden, moist crust during baking.
- Add Pecans (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to crisp. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This will help the dessert set for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or leave out nuts entirely if preferred.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dump cake is perfect for holiday parties and potlucks, requiring minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
