Pumpkin season calls for warm, spiced, and comforting desserts, and Pumpkin Dump Cake is one of the easiest and most delicious seasonal desserts to enjoy. With minimal effort, you’ll have a rich, creamy pumpkin filling topped with a crisp, buttery cake crust. This simple pumpkin dessert is a perfect alternative to traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering. The best part? No complicated steps—just dump, layer, and bake!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Easy pumpkin dessert – Just layer the ingredients; no mixing needed!
- Best pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving – A perfect balance of pumpkin, spice, and buttery crunch.
- Crowd-pleasing seasonal cake recipe – Great for holiday gatherings.
- Customizable pumpkin cake – Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- No-fail recipe – Even beginners can make this effortlessly.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert – Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for extra spice)
Quality Tools for This Recipe
- 9×13-inch baking dish – for even baking
- Whisk – to mix pumpkin filling smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
- Rubber spatula – to scrape every last bit of batter
- Offset spatula – for even butter distribution
- Cooling rack – allows even cooling before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Topping
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin filling. Do not stir! Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, ensuring it covers as much of the cake mix as possible. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. The center should be set but slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pumpkin Dump Cake Variations
- Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Caramel Pumpkin Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking.
- Nutty Pumpkin Dessert: Add a mix of pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- Spiced Chai Pumpkin Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and cardamom for a chai-like flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Related Seasonal Dessert Recipes
- Ultimate Mediterranean Wrap – Fresh, Healthy, and Easy to Make
- Homemade Brownie Baked Oatmeal: A Sweet Start to Your Day
The Ultimate Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
8
servings15
minutes45
minutes320
kcalThis Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy, no-mix dessert with a spiced pumpkin filling and buttery golden crust. Perfect for any occasion, it’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree: 1 can (15 oz)
Evaporated Milk: 1 can (12 oz)
Eggs: 3 large
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, packed
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 oz)
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, melted
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: ½ cup (optional)
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional for extra spice)
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture without stirring.
- Step 5: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, ensuring it covers as much as possible.
- Step 6: Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts and cinnamon on top for added flavor and texture.
- Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool for 20-30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.
FAQs for Pumpkin Dump Cake
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use pumpkin puree for this recipe as pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can alter the balance of flavors in the cake.
What type of cake mix works best for Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Yellow cake mix is the most common choice, but you can also use spice cake mix for added flavor or butter pecan mix for a nutty twist.
How do I ensure the cake mix doesn’t remain powdery after baking?
Make sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. If any dry spots remain, lightly press them down with a spoon or drizzle additional butter.
Can I make Pumpkin Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat individual servings in the oven or microwave before serving.
What toppings pair well with Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all excellent choices to enhance the flavors of this dessert.
Final Thoughts: A Cozy, Effortless Seasonal Dessert
And there you have it—the best Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe! This easy seasonal dessert is the perfect way to bring warm, spiced flavors to your table while keeping things simple. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a seasonal gathering, or just because, it’s sure to be a hit.
Now it’s your turn to whip up a batch of this comforting pumpkin dessert! Get creative with toppings, enjoy every bite, and share your baking success. For more exciting seasonal cake recipes, visit Fitorecipes.com. Happy baking!
