Fall is in the air, and what better way to embrace the season than with a delightful Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake? Imagine the aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen, the rich pumpkin flavor melting in your mouth, and the ease of making a dessert that looks like it took hours when, in reality, it’s ready in a snap! This recipe is all about simplicity and deliciousness, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
What’s unique about this dump cake? It’s not just any ordinary cake; it combines the rich flavors of pumpkin pie with the comforting sweetness of a cake, all baked in one pan. Plus, you can whip it up in less time than it takes to pick your favorite fall sweater! If you love my Apple Crisp recipe, this pumpkin version carries that same cozy appeal but with a delightful twist that you won’t want to miss. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into this scrumptious autumn treat!
What is Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake?
So, what’s in a name? The “dump cake” certainly sounds a bit silly, doesn’t it? But stick with me here! This cake is called a dump cake because it involves “dumping” all the ingredients into a pan without the fuss of mixing and layering. Who doesn’t love a dish that sounds fun and is simple to make?
The beauty of this cake lies in its paradox; as easy as it is to prepare, the results are impressively delicious! It’s like saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but in this case, it’s true for everyone who takes a bite. If you’re searching for a dessert that marries ease with flavor, this is the recipe you need in your repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Effortless Delight: The main highlight of this dish is undoubtedly its simplicity. You can literally dump everything into one pan, give it a little spread, and let the oven do all the work. No rigorous mixing or layering involved!
- Budget-Friendly: Making a dessert from scratch can save you money, and this recipe is a prime example. Using basic pantry staples like pumpkin puree, cake mix, and spices, you’ll create a delightful treat that’s far more cost-effective than store-bought options.
- Flavor Power: The blend of warm pumpkin flavors, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crunchy topping make it irresistible. Plus, you can serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat! If you enjoyed my Chocolate Lava Cake, you’ll find this offering a warm, comforting contrast in flavor and texture.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s start baking!
How to Make Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake
Quick Overview
Making this Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake is as straightforward as it gets. With a preparation time of around 15 minutes and a baking time of about 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm and delicious dessert ready to serve in no time. The magical combination of pumpkin and cake mix comes together to create a comfort dessert that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly satisfying!
Key Ingredients for Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix the Pumpkin Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the Mixture: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the base.
- Add the Cake Mix: Take the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Don’t stir—this is where the magic happens!
- Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the cake mix evenly.
- Drizzle Butter: Carefully drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to coat it as evenly as possible for the best results.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for the top to be golden brown and the cake to be set.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. It’s divine with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
What to Serve Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake With
This scrumptious Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, which adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich pumpkin flavor! You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Consider accompanying it with a warm spiced cider or a classic cup of coffee, as these flavors complement the cake beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to add a splash of your favorite liqueur (like almond or coconut) to the pumpkin mixture to elevate the flavor profile!
- Make-ahead: Prep your ingredients in advance. You can mix the pumpkin filling the night before and keep it in the fridge, making your baking process even quicker.
- Don’t Overbake: The pumpkin layer should be cooked but still slightly jiggly in the center; this ensures a moist texture.
- Store Those Leftovers: If you have any cake left (which is unlikely!), make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it beyond that, consider freezing individual pieces by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can defrost just what you need.
To reheat, simply place a piece in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. For a more delightful experience, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream!
Now, are you excited to give this Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake a try? With its simplicity, flavor, and minimal clean-up, you’ll understand why it’s quickly gaining popularity as a family favorite! Happy baking!
Easy One-Pan Pumpkin Dump Cake
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Base
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Cake Topping
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Optional for added crunch
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the base.
Assembly and Baking
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture; do not stir.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cake mix.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
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