pumpkin dump cake recipe is the quickest way to bring warm autumn magic into your kitchen. Imagine a cozy afternoon where golden pumpkin filling meets velvety maple-infused cream. You’ll layer smooth pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger, then sprinkle a buttery cake-mix blanket on top. A dash of almond milk stands in for heavy cream, keeping things luscious and light. As it bakes, edges turn crisp while the center stays moist, inviting you to dig in with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This playful, dump-and-go dessert will delight everyone in minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This pumpkin dump cake recipe
- It’s super easy to make—just dump and bake!
- Perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall.
- Great for gatherings; everyone will ask for the recipe!
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Deliciously moist and topped with a crunchy layer.
pumpkin dump cake recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base of your cake!
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even for the best results.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about mixing it in; it will create a lovely texture as it bakes!
- Step 5: If you’re using pecans, scatter them over the cake mix. Then, drizzle melted butter evenly on top. This will give your cake a rich, buttery flavor.
- Step 6: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 7: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin dump cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ingredients
Get ready to whip up this delightful pumpkin dump cake with these simple ingredients!
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – the star of the cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warm spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – gives a zesty kick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – enhances the fall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – adds depth to the spice blend
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix – the base of our dump cake
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) – for a crunchy texture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – to bring it all together
How to Make the Recipe
This delightful pumpkin dump cake is perfect for fall! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45–50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to enjoy. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving for the best experience.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base of your cake!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even for the best results.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about mixing it in; it will create a lovely texture as it bakes!
Step 5: Add Pecans and Butter
If you’re using pecans, scatter them over the cake mix. Then, drizzle melted butter evenly on top. This will give your cake a rich, buttery flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin dump cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with whipped cream! |
Pro Tips for Making pumpkin dump cake recipe
- Opt for fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor.
- Layer the cake mix evenly for consistent baking.
- Consider adding chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy touch.
How to Serve this pumpkin dump cake recipe
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte.
- Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Serve alongside a slice of apple pie for a delightful dessert duo.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the cake completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when making a dump cake is not layering the ingredients correctly. Make sure to follow the order specified in the recipe, as this ensures even cooking and the right texture. Additionally, avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake rather than the light, fluffy texture you want. Remember, the beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity!
2. What ingredients do you need for a pumpkin dump cake?
To make a delicious pumpkin dump cake, you will need canned pumpkin puree, a box of yellow cake mix, melted butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up for any fall gathering!
3. What’s the difference between cobbler and dump cake?
The main difference between cobbler and dump cake lies in their textures and preparation methods. Cobbler typically has a biscuit or pie crust topping, while dump cake is made by simply dumping the ingredients in layers without mixing. Dump cakes often have a more cake-like texture, while cobblers are more fruit-forward with a thicker topping. Both are delicious, but they offer different experiences!
4. Can I make a dump cake the night before?
Yes, you can make a dump cake the night before! Just prepare it as directed, but instead of baking it right away, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or gatherings, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends without the last-minute rush!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this easy pumpkin dump cake recipe as we are! It’s the perfect blend of cozy flavors and effortless preparation, making it a delightful addition to your fall gatherings. So grab your ingredients, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!