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Cozy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Butter Pecan Topping

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A comforting and easy pumpkin dump cake featuring a spiced pumpkin layer with cream cheese and a crunchy butter pecan topping, perfect for fall gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup (125 g) chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly browned
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon in topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (2-3 minutes). Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and chopped pecans.
  5. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to brown lightly (3-4 minutes), stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  6. Pour the browned butter over the cake mix and pecans and stir until evenly moistened; mixture will be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
  7. Sprinkle the butter pecan topping evenly over the pumpkin layer.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy and pumpkin layer is set (toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs). Tent with foil after 30 minutes if topping browns too quickly.
  9. Cool the cake for at least 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Softening cream cheese well is key to a smooth pumpkin layer. Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning and enhance nutty flavor. Toast pecans for extra crunch and aroma. If topping sinks, chill pumpkin layer before adding topping. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. Can substitute gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, cream cheese, butter pecan topping, fall dessert, easy pumpkin cake, autumn dessert, Thanksgiving dessert

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/cozy-pumpkin-dump-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-butter-pecan-topping/