Introduction
Fall has always been my favorite season, not just because of the crisp air and colorful leaves, but also because it’s the season of pumpkin everything. One of my go-to desserts when I want something easy yet comforting is pumpkin dump cake. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy fall afternoon when I was craving something pumpkin-flavored but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, I had a warm, spiced dessert ready to be enjoyed. I’m Ella chef, and this pumpkin dump cake recipe has since become a fall favorite in my kitchen.
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Pumpkin Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if using.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure that the cake doesn’t stick and that it bakes evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with the spices evenly distributed.
Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. You’ll notice how velvety and smooth the filling looks—this is the base of your dump cake.
Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Don’t mix the cake mix in, as the topping will form as it bakes. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring all the dry spots are covered. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The cake will be bubbling around the edges, and the top should be slightly crisp. Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
You can enjoy it on its own, or serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Pumpkin dump cake is the epitome of an easy and delicious fall dessert. With minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. The combination of spiced pumpkin and buttery cake is irresistible, and the best part is that it’s foolproof. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s the ultimate dessert for pumpkin lovers—quick to prepare and always delicious!