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Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Swirl and Pecans for Perfect Fall Dessert

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A quick and easy pumpkin dump cake featuring a creamy cream cheese swirl and crunchy pecans, perfect for cozy fall gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 box (about 15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
  • 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir gently until just blended; do not overmix.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and eggs with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer and swirl gently with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect.
  5. Repeat with the remaining pumpkin batter and cream cheese mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. Toast pecans beforehand in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes for extra flavor (optional but recommended).
  7. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the cream cheese swirl to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. Soften cream cheese before mixing for a smooth swirl. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch. Tent cake with foil if pecans brown too quickly. Lower oven temperature if cake is undercooked but top is golden. Can substitute nuts or make gluten-free or vegan adaptations as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dump cake, cream cheese swirl, pecans, fall dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, quick dessert, autumn cake

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-pumpkin-dump-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-swirl-and-pecans-for-perfect-fall-dessert/