The aroma of warm pumpkin spice, the creamy richness of cream cheese, and the delightful crunch of a buttery cake topping – that's the magic of pumpkin cream cheese dump cake. This incredibly easy dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it a perfect treat for busy fall days or any occasion when you want something delicious without the fuss. This recipe goes beyond the basic dump cake, offering tips and tricks for an even better result.
What is a Dump Cake?
Before we dive into the specifics of our pumpkin cream cheese masterpiece, let's clarify what a dump cake is. It's a simple dessert where ingredients are, well, dumped into a baking dish in layers, and then baked. No complicated mixing or creaming is needed – just layering and baking! This makes it incredibly convenient for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The result is often a moist, comforting cake with a crispy, crumbly topping.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
This recipe yields a 9x13 inch cake, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients:
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Cake Layer:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra pumpkin flavor)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add spices: Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Pour into dish: Pour the pumpkin cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the dry cake mix and melted butter. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the cake mix topping evenly over the pumpkin cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
How Long Does Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dump Cake Last?
Properly stored, your pumpkin cream cheese dump cake will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dump Cake?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What Variations Can I Make?
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice textural element to the topping.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, stir in some chocolate chips to the cake batter.
- Make it a pie: You can adapt this recipe to make a pumpkin cream cheese dump pie by using a pre-made pie crust.
Is Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dump Cake Gluten-Free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses a standard cake mix which contains wheat flour. However, you can easily adapt the recipe using a gluten-free cake mix to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dump Cake
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures that it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Don't overmix the topping: A slightly crumbly topping is key to its texture.
- Check for doneness: Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Let it cool: Cooling allows the cake to set and the flavors to develop.
This pumpkin cream cheese dump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and ease of preparation make it a go-to dessert for any fall gathering or a cozy night at home. Enjoy!
