Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a crisp, sweet cake topping. It’s an effortless and crowd-pleasing treat perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a cozy dessert.

A close-up of a single slice of dessert cake on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: a bottom golden brown crust that looks firm and crumbly, a thick middle layer of smooth, orange pumpkin filling, and a top layer of light brown crumbled streusel with small pecan pieces. There are two dollops of whipped cream on top, sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the cake. In the background, there is another plate with more cake slices slightly out of focus and a small white pumpkin adding an autumn feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer—do not stir.
  5. Step 5: Scatter chopped nuts on top and drizzle with melted butter.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Allow cooling slightly before serving; pair with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts lightly before adding them on top.
  • Use a mix of spices like ginger or cloves to deepen the fall flavors.
  • Swap yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for extra warmth and complexity.
  • Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries in the pumpkin layer for added texture and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover pumpkin dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm, or serve cold topped with cream or ice cream.

How to Serve

The image shows a slice of pumpkin dessert with three layers on a white plate. The bottom layer looks like a firm crust, golden-brown and slightly crumbly. Above that, there is a thick, smooth, bright orange pumpkin filling. The top layer is a streusel topping with small pieces of pecans and a few dollops of whipped cream, slightly dusted with cinnamon or nutmeg. The slice is neatly cut and placed near the edge of the plate, with a fork next to it. In the background, there is a soft focus of more dessert on a similar white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin if you cook and puree it until smooth. Substitute the same quantity, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?

Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes serving easier, so it’s recommended to lightly grease your pan before adding the ingredients.

Print
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Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple and delicious autumn dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin base topped with a golden yellow cake mix crust and crunchy nuts. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for fall gatherings and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Mixture

  • 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix pumpkin batter: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Layer pumpkin mixture: Pour and spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
  4. Add cake mix topping: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer, taking care not to stir so it forms a dry topping crust.
  5. Add nuts and butter: Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix, then drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly on top to help it brown and crisp while baking.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin layer is bubbly along the edges.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, pair with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute chopped pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
  • Ensure the melted butter is poured evenly to achieve a crispy topping.
  • This dessert keeps well refrigerated and can be reheated gently before serving.
  • Optional garnishes include whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, easy pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, autumn cake, pumpkin recipe, quick pumpkin cake

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