Ah, Thanksgiving desserts! They’re the sweet finish to a day filled with family, gratitude, and, of course, a feast that leaves you stuffed. One of my absolute favorites that I keep coming back to is this delightful *thanksgiving dump cake*. Trust me, it’s not just delicious; it’s incredibly simple to make! You just throw everything together, and voila! This cake magically transforms into a warm, spiced pumpkin delight that’s perfect for sharing. I remember the first time I brought it to a family gathering; it disappeared faster than you could say “pumpkin pie”! Everyone raved about it, and now it’s a staple at our holiday table. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort, this is the one for you!
Ingredients List
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1 cup of melted butter
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First things first: you’ve got to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that our *thanksgiving dump cake* bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown. So, while you’re gathering your ingredients, let that oven warm up for about 10-15 minutes. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Mixing the Pumpkin Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want all those flavors to blend beautifully! The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in—but hold on! We still have more to do!
Assembling the Cake
Now, grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour that luscious pumpkin mixture right into it. Spread it out evenly so that it covers the bottom of the dish. Next, take your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the pumpkin layer. Don’t worry about mixing it; just let it sit there like a cozy blanket! Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for that lovely crunch. Finally, drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix and pecans—this is what’s going to make it all deliciously golden and crusty.
Baking the Cake
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary. It should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. The smell wafting through your home will have everyone gathering in the kitchen—just try not to let them sneak a taste before it’s ready!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit—about 10-15 minutes is perfect. This will help it set a little more. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into squares and enjoy it warm. I highly recommend topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream—it makes it all the more indulgent! Your guests will be thanking you for this delicious treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Combines classic flavors of Thanksgiving that everyone loves.
- Perfect for large gatherings—one recipe serves 12!
- Requires minimal effort—let the oven do all the work while you enjoy time with your loved ones.
Tips for Success
To make your *thanksgiving dump cake* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by:
- Even Distribution: Make sure to sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. This helps ensure that every bite has that perfect balance of flavors and textures!
- Monitor the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Ovens can be sneaky and vary in temperature. Start checking around the 50-minute mark, and look for that lovely golden brown top.
- Cool Before Serving: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting it cool for about 10-15 minutes helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
- Top It Off: While whipped cream and ice cream are classic toppings, don’t hesitate to get creative! A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate it even more.
- Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure, poke the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re all set!
With these tips, you’ll be a *thanksgiving dump cake* pro in no time, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds! Happy baking!
Variations
While the classic *thanksgiving dump cake* is absolutely divine as is, I love to get a little creative with it! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Fruit Medley: Swap out the pumpkin for other seasonal fruits like apples or pears. Just chop them up and layer them at the bottom before adding the cake mix!
- Nutty Delight: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts or even slivered almonds for a different crunch. Each nut brings its own unique flavor!
- Spice It Up: Add a little extra warmth by mixing in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg with the pumpkin base. It’ll give that cozy fall aroma an extra boost!
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For those who can’t resist chocolate, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cake mix right before adding the butter. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
- Maple Twist: Drizzle some maple syrup over the top before baking for a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Cheesecake Layer: For a decadent twist, add a layer of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla on top of the pumpkin layer before adding the cake mix. It adds a delicious creaminess!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of this *thanksgiving dump cake* is its versatility, making it a canvas for your creativity. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this scrumptious *thanksgiving dump cake*, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers—if there are any! First off, let me tell you, this cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have some left, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that deliciousness!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat your *thanksgiving dump cake* is to pop it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake in there for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This will help it regain that cozy, just-baked texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just heat a slice for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it or it might get a bit rubbery. Trust me, you want it to be soft and gooey!
And don’t forget, serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream is the cherry on top! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional aspects of this delightful *thanksgiving dump cake*. While it’s always a treat to indulge, it’s good to know what you’re munching on! Here’s an estimated breakdown for one piece of this cake:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. Regardless, you can enjoy this cake with the knowledge that it’s a delicious way to celebrate the season! Happy indulging!
Share Your Thoughts
I absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve tried my *thanksgiving dump cake*, please drop a comment below and let me know what you think. Did your family rave about it like mine? I’d love to know your favorite part or any tweaks you made to the recipe. Your feedback not only warms my heart but also helps fellow bakers out there looking for the perfect dessert to grace their holiday tables.
Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! And feel free to share your own variations—whether it’s a unique topping or a different fruit option, I’m all ears! Let’s spread the love for this easy, delicious dessert together. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
Print
Thanksgiving Dump Cake: 7 Irresistibly Easy Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving dump cake recipe that combines fruit and cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dump cake, pumpkin cake, easy dessert
