Pumpkin Dump Cake (Printable Version)
Spiced pumpkin layered with cake mix and pecans, baked until golden for a comforting autumn dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Pumpkin Layer
01 - 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
02 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Cake & Topping
07 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and salt until homogenous.
03 - Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
04 - Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the surface of the pumpkin layer without mixing.
05 - Drizzle melted butter uniformly over the dry cake mix to ensure thorough coverage.
06 - Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top, if using.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the center is set. The structure will firm up more as it cools.
08 - Allow the dessert to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's one of those magical bakes where the layers come together with practically zero fuss—just combine, layer, and bake.
- The contrast between creamy pumpkin and crisp, caramelized topping is addictive enough to make even late-night snackers sneak a second helping.
02 -
- Once, I forgot to drizzle the butter evenly and ended up with powdery patches—pour slowly and aim for every spot.
- Letting the cake cool is the secret: cutting too soon means a pumpkin puddle instead of neat layers.
03 -
- Toasting the nuts before sprinkling amplifies their flavor and adds crunch that stands up to chilling.
- Swap in a spice cake mix when you crave more autumn depth—I learned that's what guests grab seconds of first.