Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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