Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe to Try Today
If you’re craving something incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious, this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is exactly what you need. With just a handful of plant-based ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to delight everyone at your table. Perfect for fall celebrations or cozy nights, this Pumpkin Dump Cake combines sweet pumpkin flavor with a crunchy, golden topping to create an unforgettable treat that’s ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Preparation: No complicated mixing or multiple bowls, just dump and bake for effortless enjoyment.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Made with all natural, plant-based ingredients that boost flavor and texture naturally.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Delicious as a holiday dessert or a spontaneous treat, it fits any season.
- Quick and Ready Soon: From start to finish, this Pumpkin Dump Cake takes less than an hour to bake.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to adapt with your favorite spices or alternative toppings to suit your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with these simple yet essential ingredients. Each contributes uniquely to the overall flavor, texture, and color, making this Pumpkin Dump Cake absolutely unforgettable.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: The star of the dish providing natural sweetness and that classic fall flavor.
- Sugar Blend: A mix of brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note and moisture to keep the cake tender.
- Plant-Based Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a fluffy, light topping with a golden crust after baking.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to keep the crumb soft and airy.
- Baking Soda: Helps with leavening for the perfect cake rise.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness naturally.
- Warm Spices Mix: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for that inviting aroma and authentic pumpkin spice profile.
- Plant-Based Butter or Margarine: Gives richness and helps create that irresistible crispy topping.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Incorporated to enhance the texture and keep the cake moist.
Variations for Pumpkin Dump Cake
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this Pumpkin Dump Cake. It’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients or add a special touch according to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy contrast.
- Chocolate Infusion: Sprinkle plant-based chocolate chips through the batter for a rich surprise.
- Maple Syrup Twist: Drizzle pure maple syrup (natural) over the finished cake for added sweet complexity.
- Fruit Boost: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of tartness and chewiness.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for a unique, warming spice blend.
How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Base
In a bowl, gently combine the pure pumpkin puree with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, spices, and the natural gelling agent until smooth and fragrant.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the plant-based yellow cake mix gently over the pumpkin layer, making sure to cover as much as possible without pressing down.
Step 4: Add Butter and Leavening
Drop small pieces of plant-based butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer, then sprinkle the baking soda carefully on top to activate during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy and the pumpkin filling bubbles around the edges.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Use Fresh Spices: For the brightest flavor, choose freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Don’t Stir Layers: Keep the layers intact for the classic dump cake texture contrast.
- Check Oven Temperature: A consistent 350°F ensures even cooking and a perfectly set filling.
- Butter Distribution: Distribute the plant-based butter evenly to create that iconic crispy topping.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Letting the cake rest for 10 minutes enhances flavor melding and easier slicing.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake
Garnishes
Top your Pumpkin Dump Cake with a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar to instantly elevate your dessert experience.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced grape juice or a gentle plant-based chai latte for complementary flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the Pumpkin Dump Cake in individual ramekins, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted nuts and a fresh cinnamon stick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it moist and fresh.
Freezing
This dessert freezes beautifully; wrap tightly and freeze in a container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F or microwave in short bursts to keep that tender top crispy and filling luscious.
FAQs
Can I make this Pumpkin Dump Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free plant-based cake mix, and make sure any added ingredients also align with gluten-free requirements.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, by using plant-based butter and ensuring all other ingredients are free from animal products, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is fully plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?
You can assemble the cake up to a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge and bake fresh when ready to serve for best results.
What is the best way to achieve a crispy topping?
Evenly distributing small pieces of plant-based butter over the cake mix before baking is key to a golden, crisp topping you’ll love.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled on top before baking to add delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe brings a warm hug of flavor to your table with minimal fuss and maximum joy. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a delicious, no-fail dessert, this recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dish today!
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Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Plant-Based, Gluten Free (when using gluten-free cake mix)
Description
This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is an incredibly simple and irresistibly delicious plant-based dessert that combines sweet pumpkin flavor with a crunchy, golden topping. Perfect for cozy nights or fall celebrations, it requires minimal preparation and bakes in under an hour to deliver a warm, comforting treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (natural)
- 1 cup brown sugar blend (natural)
- 1 box plant-based yellow cake mix
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (natural)
- ½ cup plant-based butter or margarine, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup plant-based chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (natural)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom or ginger (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the Pumpkin Base: In a bowl, gently combine the pure pumpkin puree with the brown sugar blend, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and natural gelling agent until smooth and fragrant.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the plant-based yellow cake mix gently over the pumpkin layer, covering as much as possible without pressing down.
- Add Butter and Leavening: Drop small pieces of plant-based butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer, then sprinkle the baking soda carefully on top to activate during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the pumpkin filling bubbles around the edges.
Notes
- Use fresh spices such as freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best flavor.
- Do not stir layers to keep the classic dump cake texture contrast.
- Maintain a consistent oven temperature of 350°F for even cooking and a perfectly set filling.
- Distribute the plant-based butter evenly for a golden, crispy topping.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and improve slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pumpkin dessert, Dump cake, Plant-based dessert, Vegan pumpkin cake, Fall recipe, Easy pumpkin cake
