Cozy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Autumn’s golden embrace brings a delightful pumpkin dump cake that promises pure comfort.

The classic dessert combines rustic charm with effortless preparation.

Layers of warm spices and creamy pumpkin create a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Seasonal baking becomes a breeze with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Rich, buttery crumbles top a silky pumpkin base, delivering a symphony of textures.

Each forkful delivers a warm hug of sweet, spicy goodness.

Grab a plate and savor the magic of this fall-inspired dessert that will become your new seasonal favorite.

Why Pumpkin Dump Cake Is A Favorite

• Quick-Assembly Magic: Dump all ingredients directly into the pan without complicated mixing or layering techniques, making this recipe super beginner-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, seasonal flavors that appeal to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its irresistible combination of pumpkin, toffee, and pecans.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual family dinners, offering a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin desserts that everyone will love.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: A quick and convenient base for this delicious dessert.

• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth and rich autumn vegetable base.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy dairy product that adds richness.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet and caramel-like flavor enhancer.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient for the pumpkin mixture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm and aromatic spice blend.

• Unsalted Butter, Pecans, Toffee Pieces: Crunchy, sweet, and rich additions for extra texture.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick surface preparation.

• Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool accompaniments.

Easy Steps For Pumpkin Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Mixture

• Pumpkin puree
• Evaporated milk
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Pour Pumpkin Base

Transfer the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Layer Cake Components

Sprinkle dry cake mix uniformly over the pumpkin base.

Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface.

• Chopped pecans
• Toffee pieces

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Step 6: Verify Cake Readiness

The cake should have a slight jiggle in the center but not be totally liquid.

A toothpick might show some pumpkin residue, which is completely normal.

The cake will continue to set as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Smart Tips For Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Mix pumpkin layer thoroughly to ensure even distribution and avoid wet patches in your cake.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to add different nutty textures and flavors to the dessert.
• Insert toothpick near the center to determine cake doneness, remembering some pumpkin residue is perfectly acceptable.
• Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the warm, rich pumpkin flavor and add creamy contrast.
• Prepare the cake in advance and reheat gently before serving to maintain its delicious texture and warmth.

Store Pumpkin Dump Cake The Right Way

• Store leftover pumpkin dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Heat single servings for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to refresh the dessert’s texture and flavor.

What Goes With Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, spiced pumpkin cake. Its rich creaminess balances the cake’s texture perfectly.
• Sip Caramel Macchiato: A warm, sweet caramel macchiato complements the pumpkin’s autumnal flavors. The coffee’s boldness and caramel notes enhance the dessert’s richness.
• Match Spiced Chai Tea: Fragrant chai tea with its warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom mirrors the pumpkin pie spice in the cake. Its subtle sweetness and aromatic profile elevate the dessert experience.
• Enjoy Salted Caramel Latte: A decadent salted caramel latte adds depth to the pumpkin dump cake. The drink’s sweet-salty complexity provides a luxurious accompaniment that highlights the cake’s toffee and pecan elements.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and choose a vegan yellow cake mix with plant-based butter substitute to create a dairy-free and egg-free dessert.
• Nut-Free Option: Eliminate pecans completely or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cake’s crunchy texture without compromising safety.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with a monk fruit sweetener, and choose sugar-free toffee bits to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly serving.

FAQs

• What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is an easy dessert where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a baking pan without complex mixing, creating a quick and delicious treat with minimal preparation.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients like evaporated milk and pumpkin puree are certified gluten-free.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Check for a slightly jiggly center and insert a toothpick – it’s okay to have a little pumpkin residue, similar to a pumpkin pie. The cake will continue to set as it cools.

• What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

You can replace pecans with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or simply omit the nuts altogether without significantly changing the cake’s texture or flavor.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy pumpkin dump cake delivers autumn’s warmest comfort in one simple dessert. Effortless baking meets nostalgic flavors, promising rich spices and buttery crumble that invite you to savor seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (29 ounces / 822 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (13.25 ounces / 375 grams) box spice cake mix

Baking Enhancers and Sweeteners:

• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Toppings and Extras:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup toffee bits

Serving Options:

• Whipped cream
• Ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and liberally coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Gently transfer the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
4. Carefully layer the dry cake mix over the pumpkin base, creating a consistent blanket of powder that covers the entire surface.
5. Drizzle melted butter uniformly across the cake mix layer, allowing it to seep into the dry ingredients.
6. Generously scatter chopped pecans and toffee pieces over the top, creating a delectable crunchy topping.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, monitoring the dessert’s consistency.
8. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – a slight pumpkin residue is acceptable, indicating a moist interior typical of traditional pumpkin desserts.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 15 minutes, enabling it to set and develop a more stable texture.
10. Serve while still warm, complemented by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Notes

• Select pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice levels for a more authentic taste.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the dessert.
• Check cake at 45 minutes to prevent over-browning, as oven temperatures can vary slightly between different models.
• Substitute gluten-free cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg