Okay, friends, let’s talk about the easiest, most ridiculously delicious fall dessert EVER: pumpkin dump cake! Seriously, if you need a recipe that’s basically foolproof and guaranteed to please, this is IT. I’ve been making this pumpkin dump cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit – from Thanksgiving dinner to a random weeknight treat.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a fancy-pants baker to pull this off. If you can dump ingredients into a bowl and stir (and who can’t, right?), you’re golden. My kids love helping me make this, which is always a bonus. It’s just so simple and comforting, and that warm pumpkin spice smell baking in the oven? Forget about it! It’s fall in a cake pan. Trust me, once you try this pumpkin dump cake recipe, you’ll be making it all season long. It’s that good, and that easy!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to love? This pumpkin dump cake recipe is a total winner. Here’s why:
- It’s ridiculously easy. Like, almost too easy.
- It’s super quick. You can have a warm, gooey dessert in under an hour.
- The flavor is out of this world. Think warm spices and creamy pumpkin goodness.
- It’s perfect for fall gatherings. Bring it to potlucks, Thanksgiving, you name it!
Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe for Any Skill Level
Okay, I’m not kidding about the easy part. If you’ve never baked a cake before, don’t sweat it! This pumpkin dump cake recipe is SO forgiving. Seriously, even if you mess up a little, it’ll still taste amazing. Trust me on this one!
Quick Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Ready in Under an Hour
Who has hours to spend baking a fancy dessert? Not me! That’s why I love this quick pumpkin dump cake recipe. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe an hour tops. That’s prep time AND bake time. Can’t beat that for a delicious fall treat!
Delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe Flavor
Oh, the flavor! This pumpkin dump cake isn’t just sweet; it’s got that cozy, warm pumpkin spice thing going on. Think cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of cloves. It’s like a pumpkin pie and a cake had a baby, and it’s pure deliciousness. My favorite part is how the spices mingle together as it bakes – makes the whole house smell amazing!
Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this crazy-easy pumpkin dump cake recipe. Don’t skimp on the spices, they’re what make it sing!
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup melted butter (yes, real butter!)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but SO good!)
How to Prepare this Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? This pumpkin dump cake recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious dessert in no time!
Step 1: Preparing for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
First things first: let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will keep your pumpkin dump cake from sticking. You could also use baking spray if you’re feeling lazy (I won’t judge!).
Step 2: Mixing the Pumpkin Base for the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
In a large bowl (I like using my stand mixer, but a regular bowl and whisk work just fine), whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Make sure everything is well combined – no one wants a clump of cinnamon in their cake!
Step 3: Assembling the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Now, pour that lovely pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Try to get it as even as possible, so you don’t have any dry spots. Finally, pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is key, folks! The butter helps create that delicious, gooey topping. Careful, it splatters a bit!
Step 4: Baking Your Delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re using nuts (and I highly recommend it!), sprinkle those chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the cake. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If not, bake for a few more minutes. Every oven is different, ya know?
Step 5: Cooling and Serving the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Once your pumpkin dump cake is baked to golden perfection, let it cool slightly before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, a little cooling time makes it easier to slice. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh my goodness… so good!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Want to take your pumpkin dump cake recipe from good to AMAZING? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share. These little tips make a big difference, trust me!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Out of yellow cake mix? No problem! You can totally use spice cake mix instead. It actually adds even MORE warm spice flavor, which is never a bad thing, right? You could even try a butter pecan cake mix for something a little different. Get creative!
Perfecting the Texture of Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Nobody wants a dry pumpkin dump cake! The key is to make sure you’ve got enough butter and that you don’t overbake it. If you’re worried about it drying out, you can even add a tablespoon or two of sour cream to the pumpkin mixture. It’ll make it extra moist and delicious!
Variations on the Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Okay, so the basic pumpkin dump cake recipe is pretty darn perfect, but sometimes you just wanna mix things up, right? I get it! Here are a few fun ways to jazz up your pumpkin dump cake. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Add chocolate chips! Seriously, who doesn’t love chocolate and pumpkin? A cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips sprinkled over the cake mix before baking is pure heaven.
- Spice it up! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the pumpkin mixture for an extra kick.
- Go nuts! Not a fan of pecans or walnuts? Try slivered almonds or even macadamia nuts.
- Caramel drizzle! Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top after it’s baked. So decadent!
- Cream cheese swirl! Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla, then swirl it into the pumpkin mixture before adding the cake mix. OMG.
Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pumpkin dump cake recipe is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just pop it in the fridge, covered, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, or you can warm it up in the oven at a low temp. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Got questions about this amazing pumpkin dump cake recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about making this fall favorite.
Can I make this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Totally! This pumpkin dump cake recipe is actually great made a day ahead. Just bake it, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it at room temperature. The flavors meld together even more overnight! Then just warm it up a bit before serving. Easy peasy!
How do I store this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe?
Storing this pumpkin dump cake recipe is a breeze. If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), just cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Cold pumpkin dump cake is surprisingly delicious too!
Can I freeze this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe?
Yep, you can freeze this pumpkin dump cake recipe! Let it cool completely, then cut it into squares and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap. Then, put the wrapped squares in a freezer bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw it out before enjoying!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “How many calories are in this slice of heaven?!” I get it! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one slice of this pumpkin dump cake recipe. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. You’re probably looking at around 350 calories, 18g of fat, 4g of protein, and 45g of carbs. But hey, it’s worth it, right?!
Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe!
Alright, my friends, that’s it! You’re now officially equipped to make the most amazing pumpkin dump cake recipe EVER. I seriously hope you give it a try. And if you do, please, PLEASE come back and leave a comment or rate the recipe! I love hearing from you guys. Thanks for baking with me!
PrintPumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Foolproof Fall Dessert
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This pumpkin dump cake recipe is easy to make and perfect for fall. You can have a delicious dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Pour pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts (if using) over the top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute spice cake mix for yellow cake mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg