Cozy Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Crafting a delightful pumpkin pecan dump cake brings pure autumn magic right to your kitchen.

Cozy aromas will swirl through your home, promising comfort in every bite.

Layers of sweet, spiced goodness come together effortlessly with minimal effort.

Crisp fall afternoons call for simple desserts that spark joy and warmth.

Mixing ingredients becomes a delightful dance of seasonal flavors and textures.

Nuts and pumpkin create a harmonious blend that feels like a gentle hug.

Pumpkin Pecan Cake That’s Easy and Cozy

• Whip Up Effortless Dessert: This dump cake requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy bakers who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of pumpkin, pecans, and butter pecan cake mix creates a warm, nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Celebrate Seasonal Perfection: Packed with autumn-inspired ingredients like pumpkin and warm spices, this dessert captures the cozy essence of fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch, making it adaptable for casual family dinners or special occasions.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• Solid-Pack Pumpkin: Creamy base that provides rich pumpkin flavor.
• Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Quick and convenient cake foundation with nutty undertones.

• Evaporated Milk: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Eggs: Help bind and create structure.
• Melted Butter: Provides moisture and enhances flavor.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.
• Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm, traditional autumn spices.

• Pecans, Chopped Pecans: Crunchy nutty element that adds texture.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Luscious Pumpkin Base

• Solid-pack pumpkin
• Evaporated milk
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend until the mixture looks super smooth and creamy. Pour this delectable mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix Layer

Sprinkle the butter pecan cake mix evenly across the entire surface of the pumpkin base. Make sure it covers everything nicely.

Step 4: Drizzle and Decorate

Pour melted butter across the entire cake mix layer. Scatter chopped pecans and brown sugar over the top, creating a crunchy, sweet blanket.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Dump Cake Guidance for Pumpkin Pecan Bliss

• Bake to Perfection: Use a light-colored metal baking pan to prevent over-browning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Let the pumpkin mixture set for 5 minutes before adding cake mix to help absorb liquid and create a more stable base.
• Enhance Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling to intensify their nutty taste and aroma.
• Serve with Style: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap butter pecan cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake: Easy Storage You’ll Love

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm. Add a small splash of milk to maintain moisture.
• Warm slices in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and keep cake soft and delicious.

Pecan Dump Cake Pairing Ideas

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Delight: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced pumpkin cake, creating a cool and rich contrast that enhances the dessert's flavors.
• Match Rich Caramel Coffee: A strong, freshly brewed caramel or hazelnut coffee balances the sweet, nutty cake, cutting through its richness and providing a sophisticated beverage pairing.
• Elevate with Spiced Chai: A warm, aromatic chai latte with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger mirrors the cake's autumnal spices, creating a harmonious and comforting taste experience.
• Enhance with Bourbon Cream: A smooth bourbon or whiskey-based cream liqueur adds depth and warmth, complementing the pecan and brown sugar notes while providing an indulgent adult twist.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Recipe: Sweet Swap Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace butter pecan cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and use gluten-free flour blend to ensure celiac-friendly dessert.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegan Transformation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and select vegan cake mix to create compassionate version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Choose sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and reduce brown sugar quantity to minimize overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly recipe.

FAQs

• What exactly is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a super easy dessert where you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish without mixing them thoroughly, creating a delicious, rustic-style dessert with minimal preparation.

• Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter pecan cake mix with yellow cake mix or spice cake mix, which will slightly change the flavor profile but still create a delicious dessert.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! This pumpkin pecan dump cake combines classic fall flavors and is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn family gathering. It’s crowd-pleasing and easy to make.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Check the cake at around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, your dump cake is ready to enjoy.

Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake Recipe

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

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Description

Seasonal magic meets comfort in this irresistible Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake, blending warm spices with rich textures. Effortless dessert preparation promises delightful results you can savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1 box butter pecan cake mix (15.25 ounces / 432 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Transfer the pumpkin custard-like mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
4. Uniformly scatter the butter pecan cake mix over the pumpkin base, creating a dry layer that will transform during baking.
5. Carefully drizzle melted butter across the cake mix layer, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible for optimal moisture and texture.
6. Generously sprinkle chopped pecans and brown sugar over the top, which will create a delectable caramelized crunch during baking.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree for the most vibrant autumn flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Adjust cake mix quantity based on dish size to ensure perfect texture and even baking throughout.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Experiment with gluten-free cake mix and alternative milk options to make this recipe friendly for dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 248 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg