Texas-Style Pumpkin Dump Cake: A Perfect Fall Treat

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When fall rolls around in Texas, there's a certain magic in the air. The crisp breeze, warm colors, and smell of spiced treats fill the streets. One dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in Texas is the Pumpkin Dump Cake. It’s simple to make, packed with rich, seasonal flavors, and the kind of treat that brings family and friends together around the table.

In Texas, where hearty meals and big flavors reign supreme, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is no exception. With its mix of pumpkin, spices, and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it during a lazy weekend or serving it at a fall gathering, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

The Perfect Blend of Texture and Taste

Pumpkin Dump Cake isn’t just about taste; it’s about the experience. The smooth, spiced pumpkin layer at the bottom pairs perfectly with the buttery, crumbly cake mix on top, all brought together by the satisfying crunch of pecans. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make—no complicated steps, no fancy tools. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Recipe: Texas-Style Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients:

• 29-ounce (822 g) can pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
• 12-ounce (355 ml) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chopped pecans, divided
• 1 cup (226 g) butter, cut into thin slices
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
5. Top with half of the chopped pecans and arrange the thin slices of butter evenly across the cake mix.
6. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Finishing Touch

As the smell of warm spices and butter fills your kitchen, you’ll know that this Pumpkin Dump Cake is going to be something special. The cake’s crisp, buttery top gives way to a rich, velvety pumpkin filling, making every bite a perfect blend of texture and flavor. It's the kind of dessert that feels like home, especially when you're sharing it with loved ones on a cool Texas evening.

This Texas-style Pumpkin Dump Cake is perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or just because you’re craving something sweet. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So, grab a fork and dig in!

The Pumpkin Dump Cake is a fall dessert that’s simple to make and packs all the seasonal flavors we love. Perfect for a Texas fall, this cake blends the smooth texture of spiced pumpkin with a buttery, crumbly topping and crunchy pecans, offering a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and comforting, great for any gathering or just to enjoy on a cool autumn evening.

To make this dessert, all you need is a can of pumpkin puree, some basic pantry ingredients, and yellow cake mix. What’s unique about a dump cake is its ease—you simply layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the rest. The result is a dessert that’s part cake, part pie, with the richness of pumpkin pie and the crunch of a cake crumble. You can serve it warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, making it the ultimate fall comfort food.

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin puree and evaporated milk form the rich, creamy base.
• A mix of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice adds sweetness and warmth.
• The cake mix, combined with chopped pecans and butter, creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pumpkin layer.

Bake it for about an hour until golden and firm, and let it cool before serving. The best part is that it keeps well in the fridge, meaning you can enjoy leftovers for days—or reheat it to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven taste​(Southern Crush at Home)​(Love From The Oven)​(Cookies and Cups).