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Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake: Best Buttery Crunch Topping Recipe

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This easy pumpkin dump cake with a buttery crunch topping is the perfect last-minute dessert for fall gatherings. With a creamy pumpkin filling and a golden, crunchy crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 10 minutes of prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Tap the dish gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling. Do not stir.
  5. Arrange the cold, thinly sliced butter pats evenly over the cake mix layer, covering as much as possible.
  6. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the butter layer.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center should be set with a slight jiggle. If browning too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
  8. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
  9. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Use cold butter, not melted, for the best crunchy topping. Do not stir the cake mix into the filling. Let the cake cool properly before serving to allow the filling to set. For a crunchier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, easy pumpkin dessert, buttery crunch topping, fall dessert, potluck dessert, quick dessert