Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin Dump Cake is a delightful autumn dessert that is incredibly easy to prepare. With its creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy topping, this cake is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. It captures the flavors of fall with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a favorite for Thanksgiving and other celebrations. Besides the comforting taste, this recipe requires minimal effort—just mix the ingredients, dump them in a pan, and wait for the magic to happen!
How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer—do not stir.
- Scatter chopped nuts on top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow cooling slightly before serving; pair with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake is best served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra special touch. This cake can be enjoyed as a dessert after dinner or as a delightful treat during an afternoon gathering with friends or family.
How to Store Pumpkin Dump Cake
To store leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before wrapping, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spices.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of salt to the pumpkin mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or even omit them if desired.
Variation
For a twist on the classic Pumpkin Dump Cake, try adding chocolate chips to the pumpkin mixture or the top layer. This will give an extra sweet and rich flavor that chocolate lovers will enjoy!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it until smooth, and use the same amount (15 oz) as the canned version.
Q2: Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the cake, then store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before serving.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, while yellow cake mix is traditional, you can try spice cake mix for a stronger flavor profile that complements the pumpkin.
