Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat. With a luscious pumpkin base topped with crumbly cake mix and nuts, it’s a quick way to enjoy seasonal flavors without fuss.

A thick slice of cake sits on a white plate with a thin brown edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a dense, light beige cake base, the middle layer is a moist, slightly gooey golden caramel filling, and the top layer is a crunchy, crumbly topping with small nut pieces sprinkled throughout. On top, there are three dollops of white whipped cream dusted lightly with brown cinnamon powder, giving a soft texture contrast. A fork with crumbs is placed next to the slice on the plate, and blurred background elements include more slices of the same cake on a dark grey plate and soft neutral-colored fabric. 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Step 3: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir it in.
  5. Step 5: Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix, then drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
  7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
  • Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips under the cake mix for extra sweetness.
  • Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • Try swapping yellow cake mix for spice cake mix to enhance the fall spices.

Storage

Store leftover pumpkin dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. The cake can also be frozen: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert with three layers sits on a white plate. The bottom layer is a light golden, crumbly cake base. The middle layer is a translucent, amber-colored jam or fruit filling that looks sticky and sweet. The top layer is a crumbly, darker golden crust with some chopped nuts scattered on it. On top sits a dollop of white whipped cream with a light dusting of cinnamon powder. In the background, there is a blurred larger piece of the same dessert on a white plate, all 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, but make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and measure out the same amount (15 oz) for best results in texture and moisture.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Traditional yellow cake mix contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Print

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple and delicious fall dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a crunchy cake topping. It’s a fuss-free recipe perfect for any occasion, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor with a moist pumpkin base and a golden, buttery crust.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix pumpkin base: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
  3. Spread pumpkin layer: Pour and spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
  4. Add cake mix topping: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir or mix with the pumpkin layer; it should remain a distinct top layer.
  5. Top with nuts and butter: Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the cake mix layer. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the entire top to help create a golden crust while baking.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture underneath is bubbly, indicating it is cooked through.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream on the side.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not stir the cake mix into the pumpkin batter; it creates the signature crumbly topping.
  • Butter drizzled on top is essential for crispness and richness.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if allergic.
  • Serve warm for best texture and flavor experience.

Keywords: Pumpkin Dump Cake, Easy Pumpkin Dessert, Fall Dessert, Yellow Cake Mix Pumpkin Cake, One Dish Pumpkin Cake

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