Pumpkin dump cake recipe
Try this easy and delicious pumpkin dump cake recipe for a cozy fall dessert! Warm, spiced, and perfect for any occasion—baking has never been this simple!
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin
- The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sweeteners.
1 box yellow cake mix
- This is the base of your cake. You can use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version if needed.
1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Melted to add richness and help the cake crumble just perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- To bring in that warm cozy spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A little nutmeg adds depth to the flavor and elevates the fall essence.
1/2 cup sugar
- Sweetens the pumpkin filling just enough balancing out the savory flavor of the pumpkin.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- This adds a subtle aromatic sweetness that rounds out the cake.
Optional Add-Ins:
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor which contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
1/2 cup chocolate chips
- For a fun twist add a handful of chocolate chips for a chocolate-pumpkin combo that’s impossible to resist.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- For serving! Nothing beats the classic pairing of warm cake with cold creaminess.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help the cake come out easily once it's baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your canned pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The pumpkin should look thick and velvety—this will be the base of your cake!
Step 3: Layer the Cake
- Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You want to cover the bottom completely, creating a nice base for the cake to sit on.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
- Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about spreading it out too much—just sprinkle it directly from the box. The cake mix will naturally settle over the pumpkin, creating a “dump” effect (hence the name!).
Step 5: Pour the Butter
- Now, pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will melt into the mix as it bakes, creating that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Bake It!
- Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check it around the 40-minute mark—you're looking for the top to be golden brown and the center to be set (a toothpick should come out clean). Depending on your oven, it might need a little more or less time, so keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Let It Cool
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into squares.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 80%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%