Easy & Delicious Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe: A Fall Favorite!

Sweet potato dump cake? Yes, you read that right! This incredibly easy and delicious dessert is a delightful twist on the classic dump cake, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy weeknight treat. It’s surprisingly moist, flavorful, and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy bakers. If you are looking for a dessert that is easy to make but is impressive, you must try this delicious Sweet Potato Dump Cake recipe.

This recipe takes the inherent sweetness of sweet potatoes and elevates it with warm spices and a buttery topping. It’s the kind of dessert that elicits “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone who tries it. Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s virtually foolproof. Let’s dive in!

## Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Dump Cake

* **Effortless:** As the name suggests, dump cakes are all about simplicity. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake. No mixing bowls or complicated techniques required.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and buttery topping creates a warm, comforting, and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Moist and Tender:** The sweet potato puree keeps the cake incredibly moist, preventing it from drying out during baking.
* **Versatile:** You can customize this recipe with different spices, toppings, and additions to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dump cake is always a hit at potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of them in your pantry!

* **1 (15-ounce) can Sweet Potato Puree:** Make sure it’s pure puree, not sweet potato pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
* **1 (15.25-ounce) box Yellow Cake Mix:** You can also use spice cake mix for a richer flavor.
* **1 cup Evaporated Milk:** This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted:** This is the key to the golden, crispy topping.
* **1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice.
* **1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg:** Complements the cinnamon and enhances the sweet potato flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger:** Provides a subtle hint of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves:** Adds depth and complexity.
* **1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional):** For added crunch and flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce (optional, for serving):** A drizzle of caramel sauce takes this cake to the next level.
* **Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (optional, for serving):** For a classic dessert pairing.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious sweet potato dump cake.

**1. Preheat Your Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.

**2. Prepare Your Baking Dish:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

**3. Spread the Sweet Potato Puree:**

* Evenly spread the sweet potato puree over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire bottom surface. This forms the moist base of the cake.

**4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix:**

* Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the sweet potato puree. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible. Don’t mix or stir!

**5. Add Spices:**

* In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the cake mix. This infuses the cake with warm, comforting flavors.

**6. Pour the Evaporated Milk:**

* Pour the evaporated milk evenly over the cake mix and spice mixture. Again, avoid stirring or mixing. The evaporated milk helps to moisten the cake and bind the ingredients.

**7. Drizzle the Melted Butter:**

* Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. This is important for creating the golden, crispy topping. Ensure that all areas are covered with butter.

**8. Add Nuts (Optional):**

* If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top of the cake. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

**9. Bake the Cake:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from burning.

**10. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the cake cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.
* Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

## Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Dump Cake

* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness after 50 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Use quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your cake. Use good quality sweet potato puree, cake mix, and spices.
* **Evenly distribute the ingredients:** Make sure to spread the sweet potato puree, cake mix, spices, evaporated milk, and melted butter evenly over the baking dish. This will ensure even baking and consistent flavor.
* **Customize the spices:** Feel free to adjust the spice amounts to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add more cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
* **Add other toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! You can add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, marshmallows, or a streusel topping.
* **Serve it warm:** This cake is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of dump cakes lies in their versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your sweet potato dump cake:

* **Spice Cake Mix:** Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** Substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves).
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cake mix for a chocolatey twist.
* **Shredded Coconut:** Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over the cake mix for added texture and flavor.
* **Marshmallows:** Top the cake with marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping.
* **Streusel Topping:** Prepare a streusel topping with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the cake mix before baking.
* **Apple Pie Filling:** For a sweet potato apple dump cake, spread a thin layer of apple pie filling over the sweet potato puree before adding the cake mix.

## Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato dump cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments:

* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** The classic pairing of warm cake and cold ice cream is always a winner.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a decadent touch.
* **Pecans or Walnuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake for added crunch.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Dust the cake with cinnamon sugar for a simple yet flavorful topping.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the dump cake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add the melted butter just before baking.
* **Storage:** Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

## Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe

Here is the full recipe for easy reference.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50-60 minutes
**Servings:** 12

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can Sweet Potato Puree
* 1 (15.25-ounce) box Yellow Cake Mix
* 1 cup Evaporated Milk
* 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
* 1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
* Caramel Sauce (optional, for serving)
* Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (optional, for serving)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread the sweet potato puree evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the sweet potato puree.
5. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the cake mix.
6. Pour the evaporated milk evenly over the cake mix and spice mixture.
7. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix.
8. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top of the cake.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 60-70mg
* Sodium: 250-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 25-30g
* Protein: 3-4g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Sweet potato dump cake is a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and customizable flavors, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting, and delicious treat! This recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!