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Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

5 from 60 reviews

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is a delightfully simple and comforting dessert perfect for the fall season. Combining the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin puree with a crunchy yellow cake topping dotted with nuts and butter, this easy-to-make cake is baked to golden perfection, creating a warm and cozy treat ideal for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Filling

  • 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

Dry 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Pumpkin Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth and all the spices are well incorporated.
  3. Spread Pumpkin Layer: Pour and spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will hold the crunchy topping.
  4. Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly on top of the pumpkin layer without stirring. This dry mix will soak moisture from the pumpkin during baking and form a crumbly crust.
  5. Top with Nuts and Butter: Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix layer. Then drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the entire surface to help the cake crisp and brown beautifully.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • You can substitute the nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for a nut-free version.
  • To enhance the spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the pumpkin mixture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; warm gently before serving.
  • This dump cake is easily doubled for larger gatherings using a 9×15-inch pan and adjusted baking time.
  • Use a quality yellow cake mix to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Pumpkin dump cake, easy pumpkin dessert, fall desserts, spiced pumpkin cake, holiday pumpkin cake