The Effortless Cake I'll Be Baking All Season

Let's face it—baking can be a hassle, especially for home cooks. I started baking during the pandemic, but I was completely out of my depth with some of the recipes. It felt like I couldn't make anything because I didn't have the right tools and ingredients. And don't even get me started on the mess afterward. That's when I discovered dump cakes—and it completely shifted my perspective on baking.

What Exactly Is a Dump Cake?

Whether you're a beginner or just need a super simple dessert, dump cakes are about to become your go-to. Unlike traditional cakes that require a lot of mixing and measuring, dump cakes are wonderfully easy: you just dump everything together and pop it in the oven. There's minimal cleanup, no complicated steps, and it’s received the perfect fall twist.

I'm already craving fall (yes, I’m one of those people who celebrates Halloween a bit early), so when I saw @bbyychachi's pumpkin dump cake, I knew it was exactly what I needed. It’s the ideal treat to hold me over until it's fully acceptable to bring out all things pumpkin.

How to Create the Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake

If you're craving the taste of fall in one perfect bite, this beloved recipe from Dinogo is just what you need. You'll need some basic baking ingredients like cake mix, pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, and eggs, along with cozy autumn spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, and both types of sugar. Mix in cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. For an extra flavor boost, consider using fresh spices instead of dried ones. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, then evenly spread the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer. While the recipe calls for a spiced cake mix, some suggest a moist yellow cake mix as a great alternative (like in this Pumpkin Crunch Cake recipe). Top with pecans, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cake cool completely before indulging in this autumn delight.