Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible pumpkin dump cake recipe! Made with a simple spice cake mix, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It's the ultimate homemade cooking solution, delivering a delicious dish that tastes incredibly complex yet requires minimal effort. This quick dinner dessert is the perfect ending to any fall meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra pumpkin flavor)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and looks perfect.
Assembling the Cake: Layers of Deliciousness
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In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice (if using). Mix until just combined; don't overmix. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the batter. This creates the signature dump cake topping.
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Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) over the butter. These add a wonderful textural element.
Baking & Cooling: The Final Touches
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on it after 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dump Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tougher cake.
- Use good quality ingredients. The flavor of your pumpkin dump cake will be enhanced by using high-quality spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and butter.
- Adjust the spices. Feel free to add more pumpkin pie spice or other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Add a little something extra. Consider adding chocolate chips, caramel chips, or other candies to the batter or topping for an extra decadent touch.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cooled cake with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Different Nuts: Substitute other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts.
- Spiced Streusel Topping: For a crispier topping, make a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, butter, and spices.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This pumpkin dump cake recipe is a delightful example of easy recipes and healthy meals (relatively speaking, compared to other desserts!). It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy this simple yet impressive fall treat!