Pumpkin Dump Cake (Printable Version)
Spiced pumpkin custard layered under yellow cake mix, melted butter and pecans, a cozy one-pan fall comfort.
# What You'll 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. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and homogeneous.
03 - Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
04 - Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the pumpkin layer, ensuring full coverage without mixing.
05 - Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired.
06 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the center is set. The dessert will firm as it cools.
07 - Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- This is the sort of dessert you can throw together in five minutes and pretend you spent hours on once the aroma drifts through the house.
- Layers of spiced pumpkin, buttery cake, and crunchy pecans satisfy every texture craving—plus it gets even better the next day.
02 -
- Don't try to rush the cooling—it really does need to set up or you'll be scooping soup instead of dessert.
- Toasting the pecans before adding boosts flavor far more than expected—just five minutes in a dry pan makes a world of difference.
03 -
- Let the dessert cool fully so it cuts into neat squares—impatience leads to spoonfuls but nobody ever really seems to mind.
- The smell will have everyone lingering near the oven so keep some whipped cream or ice cream on hand for negotiations.