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Easy Maple Pumpkin Dump Cake with Crunchy Pecans

easy maple pumpkin dump cake with crunchy pecans - featured image

This easy maple pumpkin dump cake with crunchy pecans is a simple, no-fuss dessert that comes together in minutes. With a silky pumpkin layer, a crispy buttery crust, and toasted pecans, it’s the perfect fall treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Toast the pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, stir the chopped pecans for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the pumpkin layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and pale orange.
  4. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
  5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Do not stir.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the cake mix layer, pressing them gently into the dry mix.
  7. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire top, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The center should be set but slightly jiggly. If browning too fast, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. The filling needs time to set.
  10. Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving, if desired.

Notes

Toast pecans for extra crunch. Ensure butter covers the entire cake mix layer to avoid dry spots. Let cake cool completely before cutting to allow filling to set. For a spice cake version, use spice cake mix instead of yellow. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. For nut-free, omit pecans or substitute with pepitas.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, maple pumpkin dessert, easy fall dessert, pecan pumpkin cake, dump cake recipe