As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn colors. Nothing beats the scent of a pumpkin dessert heating in your home. This Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall treat.It blends the rich taste of pumpkin pie with a buttery cake topping.
With just a few ingredients and little effort, you can make a dessert that wows everyone. It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving and other drop gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin Dump Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make fall dessert
- It combines a pumpkin pie-inspired filling with a buttery cake mix topping
- The recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving and other autumn gatherings
- It’s a great alternative to traditional pumpkin pie with a moist, custard-like filling and crispy crust
- The dessert has garnered almost 100 5-star reviews and over 500,000 views online
What Makes This Pumpkin Dump Cake Special
Looking for a simple pumpkin treat this fall? The pumpkin dump cake is a great choice. It’s a mix of a dump cake and a pumpkin pie, with a moist filling and a crispy topping. This combination will make your taste buds happy.
The Perfect Blend of Convenience and Flavor
This pumpkin dump cake is easy to make. It needs just a few ingredients and is quick to assemble. Over 1 million people have seen the recipe, showing how much they love it.
Why It’s Better Than Traditional Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin dump cake is different from pumpkin pie. People like it more because it tastes richer and more indulgent. The cake’s filling is moist, and the topping is crunchy, making it a special treat.
“This pumpkin dump cake is a game-changer! It’s so much more flavorful and satisfying than pumpkin pie. The texture is just perfect – the pumpkin filling is melt-in-your-mouth while the topping has an incredible crunch. It’s become a new fall favorite in our household.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake
Making a tasty pumpkin cake with yellow cake mix or a simple semi-homemade pumpkin cake starts with the right ingredients. This easy pumpkin dump cake recipe uses a few key items. They come together to make a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall.
The main ingredients you’ll need include:
- 1 (15 oz) can of pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling.
- 1 (10 ounce) can of evaporated milk
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of melted unsalted butter
- Optional: ½ cup of toffee bits or chopped pecans
These ingredients mix to make a moist, tasty pumpkin cake with yellow cake mix. The pumpkin puree and evaporated milk make a rich, creamy base. The brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice add sweetness and autumn flavor.
The yellow cake mix and melted butter create a golden, crispy topping. This topping complements the pumpkin-y goodness below. For extra crunch, add toffee bits or chopped pecans.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake a stunning semi-homemade pumpkin cake. It’s sure to impress your family and friends this fall.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin desserts are a classic favorite. This pumpkin dump cake with cake mix is easy and delicious. Follow this guide to make a layered and baked pumpkin dump cake that will impress everyone.
Preparing the Pumpkin Layer
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Adding the Cake Mix Topping
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface. You can add chopped pecans on top, tossed with cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor and crunch. Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix topping.
Final Touches and Baking Tips
- Don’t blend the cake blend into the pumpkin layer. The key to a great pumpkin dump cake is keeping the layers distinct.
- Bake the pumpkin dump cake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Ensure the cake cools for 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve. This will help the layers set and prevent it from falling apart when you slice into it.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious pumpkin dessert with cake mix that’s perfect for your simple thanksgiving dessert or any fall gathering. Enjoy!
The Secret to Perfectly Layered Results
To get a pumpkin dump cake with layers just right, you need to layer the ingredients carefully. Don’t mix everything together. Instead, layer them so the cake mix forms a crispy top crust. Meanwhile, the pumpkin mixture stays moist and creamy below.
This method makes a dessert that’s both a pumpkin dump cake and a pumpkin pie. It has a great mix of textures that will make your taste buds happy. By layering correctly, your harvest dessert will look and taste amazing every time.
- Start by spreading the pumpkin puree evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Gently pour the evaporated milk over the pumpkin, being careful not to disturb the layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the evaporated milk layer, again avoiding any disruption.
- Finally, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Optional: Top with a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
By layering like this, you’ll get a pumpkin dump cake with a moist, creamy pumpkin base and a golden, crisp cake topping. The mix of textures is what makes this harvest dessert so special.
“The layered approach in this pumpkin dump cake recipe is genius. It creates the perfect balance of pumpkin pie and cake in every bite.”
– Taste of Home Test Kitchen
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin puree | 15 oz can |
| Evaporated milk | 12 oz can |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 2 tsp |
| Yellow cake mix | 15.25 oz |
Customization Options and Variations
Baking is all about creativity, and the pumpkin spice cake is no different. This fall recipe lets you add your own twist. You can change the cake mix or add tasty toppings. The choices are endless.
Different Cake Mix Choices
The original recipe uses a classic spice cake mix. But you can try other flavors for a unique taste. Use a white cake mix for a lighter pumpkin flavor or chocolate for a rich twist. It’s fun to mix and match to find your favorite.
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor.
- Drizzle the top of the cake with caramel or a streusel topping for a more decadent dessert.
- For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the finished cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Feel free to get creative with different flavors. The pumpkin spice cake is a blank canvas for your baking skills and taste. So, go ahead and try new things!
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Your easy pumpkin dessert is ready to be enjoyed! It’s great warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, try it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Drizzling caramel sauce over the top before serving is a great idea. The warm cake, cool cream, and rich caramel make a perfect mix. It’s sure to make everyone want more.
This easy pumpkin dessert is perfect for any occasion. It’s a hit whether it’s a casual family treat or a fancy holiday dish. Its mix of ease and flavor makes it a true autumn delight.
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 | 438 kcal |
Enjoy this delightful easy pumpkin dessert at any harvest dessert occasion!
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Instructions
Proper storage and preparation are crucial for the pumpkin dump cake. This easy fall dessert stays moist and flavorful for days. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting treat, these tips will keep your cake fresh.
Freezing and Reheating Guidelines
To solidify the cake, wrap it firmly in plastic wrap and thwart. This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors in. The cake can be solidified for up to 3 months.
Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
How Long Does It Last?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. This is perfect for preparing ahead of time. For best taste, serve within 24 hours of baking.
Follow these tips to enjoy the pumpkin dump cake for longer. Whether frozen or chilled, this easy fall dessert stays moist and flavorful. It’s ready to delight your taste buds whenever you want.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your pumpkin dump cake with yellow cake mix, watch out for a few common mistakes. Don’t swap canned pumpkin pie filling for the pure pumpkin puree the recipe asks for. Pumpkin pie filling has a different taste and texture that won’t give you the right results.
Also, make sure the melted butter is spread evenly over the cake mix layer. If it’s not, you might end up with dry spots in your cake. Remember, the beauty of a dump cake is in its mix of textures. So, don’t overmix the layers. This rule is key to getting a gooey inside and a crispy top.
Finally, avoid overbaking your pumpkin dump cake. This can make the pumpkin layer dry and affect the cake’s moisture and texture. Keep an eye on the baking time. Take the cake out of the oven when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.