Description
This easy Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is a quick and satisfying autumn dessert that combines warm spices, smooth pumpkin puree, and a crisp buttery (plant-based) topping. Perfect for beginners and festive gatherings, it offers a moist, tender pumpkin base with a golden crust made from plant-based ingredients and natural flavorings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based milk or cream alternative
Topping
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (dry, gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup melted plant-based butter
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (natural, optional)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
- Replace sugar with 3/4 cup natural maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your Pumpkin Dump Cake slides out easily after baking.
- Mix the Pumpkin Base: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and plant-based milk or cream alternative. Whisk everything together until smooth and fragrant.
- Spread Pumpkin Mixture in Pan: Pour the well-mixed pumpkin batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so every corner is covered for even baking.
- Add the Dry Cake Mix: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. This dry topping helps create the signature dump cake texture, giving you crunchy bits amidst the softness.
- Drizzle Melted Plant-Based Butter: Pour melted plant-based butter over the cake mix layer in small amounts, allowing it to soak through and create a beautiful golden crust once baked.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin mixture is set but still moist.
- Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow your Pumpkin Dump Cake to cool for about 15 minutes so it firms up just enough while keeping that warm, indulgent feel.
Notes
- Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural pumpkin flavor.
- Taste the pumpkin mixture before baking and adjust sugar levels to preference.
- Do not overmix the cake topping to maintain a crunchy texture.
- Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Allow the cake to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let layers settle nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, autumn dessert, plant-based dessert, gluten-free pumpkin cake, easy pumpkin recipe