Your Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake is a fall dessert dream come true! With the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie and a buttery, golden cake topping, this easy dump cake recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave warm pumpkin goodness. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Pumpkin Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Do not stir.
- Add Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin layer is set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of ground ginger and nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture.
- Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free yellow cake mix.
- For even richer flavor, brown the butter before drizzling it over the cake mix.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days — serve cold or reheat in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~42g
- Protein: ~4g
As fall comes, you might be searching for a tasty dessert to share with family. The perfect pumpkin dump cake recipe is just what you need. It’s a classic fall treat that mixes pumpkin puree with a cake mix. This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dessert.
If you love traditional pumpkin dump cake or want to try something new, this recipe is for you. It combines pumpkin puree and cake mix for a delicious dessert. So, why not try making this pumpkin dump cake and see how simple it is?
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake
To make a deliciouscake, you’ll need the right ingredients. The base is pumpkin puree and cake mix. Choose a high-quality, 100% pumpkin puree without added spices or sugars.
Pumpkin Layer Components
The pumpkin layer is key in your pumpkin dump cake. You’ll need pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices. The sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess, and eggs help bind everything.
Cake Mix Options
You can choose between yellow or spice cake mix. For a twist, try carrot or gingerbread mix. Just adjust the spices and flavorings as needed.
Additional Flavorings and Spices
To enhance your pumpkin dump cake, add extra flavorings and spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are popular choices. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin puree | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Eggs | 2 large eggs |
| Spices | 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger |
How To Make The Delicious Cake
To make a tasty pumpkin dump cake, start by greasing your baking dish. Use butter and mix it with sugar and spices. This recipe is simple and will make a moist, flavorful cake. You can choose between a pumpkin cake with yellow mix or a spice mix for a unique taste.
When mixing the pumpkin layer, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This includes canned pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, and spices. The pumpkin layer is key, so make sure it’s right. Adding a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
After mixing the pumpkin layer, add the cake mix layer. You can pick between yellow or spice cake mix. This layer adds texture and flavor, and you can customize it with your favorite spices and ingredients.
Perfecting the Butter Topping
The butter topping is the final step for your pumpkin dump cake. It’s made from melted butter, sugar, and spices. It adds a rich, creamy flavor. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the butter topping. With a spice cake mix, you can create a delicious fall flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned Pumpkin | 1 can |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can |
| Yellow Cake Mix | 1 box |
| Spice Cake Mix | 1 box |
| Melted Butter | 1/2 cup |
Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines
Baking a perfect pumpkin dump cake requires the right time and temperature. You want it to be moist and have a crispy top. A good recipe and adjusting the baking time and temperature are key.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes. But, the exact time depends on your oven and dish size. Check it after 35 minutes and every 5 minutes after that.
Here are some factors to consider when determining the baking time for your pumpkin dump cake:
- Oven temperature: Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature, as this can affect the baking time.
- Baking dish size: A larger baking dish will require a longer baking time, while a smaller dish will require less time.
- Oven type: Different types of ovens, such as convection or gas ovens, may require adjustments to the baking time.
By following these guidelines and using a tried-and-true pumpkin dump cake recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and moist pumpkin dump cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to always check your cake regularly to ensure it’s cooked to perfection, and don’t hesitate to adjust the baking time and temperature as needed to achieve the perfect result for your pumpkin dump cake.
| Baking Dish Size | Baking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13 inches | 40-50 minutes | 350°F (180°C) |
| 8×8 inches | 30-40 minutes | 350°F (180°C) |
Creative Variations of Traditional Pumpkin Dump Cake
Exploring pumpkin dump cake recipes can lead to exciting flavors. Mixing pumpkin puree with cake mix, like pumpkin and yellow, makes a moist cake. Spice cake mix adds a warm, aromatic taste to your pumpkin dump cake.
Adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can improve the cake’s texture and taste. A cream cheese swirl on top brings a tangy, creamy element. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Spice cake mix: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix to add a warm and aromatic flavor to your pumpkin dump cake.
- Nutty additions: Add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to enhance the texture and flavor of the cake.
- Cream cheese swirl: Add a cream cheese swirl on top of the cake to add a tangy and creamy element.
These creative twists can elevate your pumpkin dump cake. They make it a standout dessert at any event. With a bit of creativity, you can impress your friends and family with a unique pumpkin dump cake.
Trying these variations can help you find the perfect mix for your taste. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. This way, you can create a truly unique and delicious pumpkin dump cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a pumpkin dump cake, it’s key to know common mistakes. You want your cake to be moist and delicious, not dry or soggy. To get this right, don’t overmix or undermix the batter. It affects the cake’s texture and taste.
Also, avoiding temperature problems is crucial. The wrong oven temperature can mess up the baking time and texture. Make sure to use the right temperature as your recipe suggests for the best results.
Mixing Issues
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense pumpkin dump cake
- Undermixing can result in a soggy or unevenly textured cake
Temperature Problems
- Using an oven temperature that’s too high can cause the cake to burn or dry out
- Using an oven temperature that’s too low can result in a cake that’s undercooked or soggy
To make sure your pumpkin dump cake is a hit, watch out for these common mistakes. Stick to your recipe and avoid mixing and temperature issues. This way, your cake will be a treat to enjoy.
| Mistake | Effect on Pumpkin Dump Cake |
|---|---|
| Overmixing | Dense texture |
| Undermixing | Soggy or uneven texture |
| Wrong oven temperature | Burned, dry, or undercooked cake |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Keeping your pumpkin dump cake fresh is key. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To prep ahead, make the pumpkin and cake mix layers separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time when you’re ready to bake. Just mix the pumpkin, spices, and sugar in one container, and the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter in another. Then, pour the pumpkin layer into the dish, followed by the cake mix layer, and top with butter and spices.
- Always use airtight containers to store your pumpkin dump cake to maintain freshness.
- Label and date your containers so you know how long they’ve been stored.
- When freezing, make sure to thaw your pumpkin dump cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Consider making individual servings of pumpkin dump cake to make storage and reheating easier.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your pumpkin dump cake longer. You can also make it ahead for special occasions. Whether you’re using a pumpkin dump cake recipe or trying variations like adding nuts, these tips will help you succeed.
Besides, if you love quick, flavorful recipes, you’ll also want to check out our easy coconut cake recipe, which delivers tropical sweetness in every bite. (Easy Coconut Cake Recipe)
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoying pumpkin dump cake is fun in many ways. You can have it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast. Top it with whipped cream, nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
Pairing your pumpkin dump cake with pumpkin spice latte or apple cider is perfect. These combinations make for a memorable experience. This recipe is easy to make and delicious, perfect for fall traditions.
- Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Pairing it with a side of fresh fruit
These ideas are just the start. You can find even more ways to enjoy your pumpkin dump cake.
Try making this dessert for your fall traditions. It’s great for parties, family gatherings, or just a special treat. Your pumpkin dump cake will be a hit.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Whipped Cream | A classic topping for pumpkin dump cake, whipped cream adds a sweet and creamy texture |
| Chopped Nuts | A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch and flavor to your pumpkin dump cake |
| Cinnamon | A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to your pumpkin dump cake |
Conclusion
As we wrap up our look at the pumpkin dump cake recipe, we hope you’re ready to make your own. The secret to a great pumpkin dump cake is using the right ingredients. Also, follow the baking time and temperature, and steer clear of common mistakes.
You now know how to pick the best pumpkin puree and cake mix. You also know how to add tasty spices and optional mix-ins. With the right tools and care, you can layer your pumpkin filling and cake topping just right.
When you’re ready to bake your pumpkin dump cake, remember to store leftovers well. Think about serving it with seasonal foods for an even better experience. This recipe is perfect for any fall event or when you just want a cozy dessert. It will warm your kitchen with autumn’s spirit.