Pumpkin Dump Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Craving a fall dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious? This pumpkin dump cake is the perfect treat. It’s sweet, spiced, and ridiculously simple to make.

I made it last weekend, and it was gone in no time. The pumpkin filling blends perfectly with the buttery, crunchy topping—it’s like a pumpkin pie with a cake twist.

It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you just want something comforting and cozy. Plus, there’s no mixing involved—just dump, bake, and enjoy!

Ready to make the ultimate fall dessert? Let’s get this pumpkin dump cake in the oven—you’ll love it from the first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: This dessert brings all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Think pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery crumble on top.
• Easy to Make: There’s no need to be an expert baker for this recipe. Simply dump the ingredients in a pan and let the oven do the magic!
• Minimal Effort, Big Flavor: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Make it in advance, store it, and then reheat it when you need it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
• Family Favorite: This cake is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a sweet, creamy dessert with just the right amount of spice.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Servings: This recipe yields 12 generous servings—enough to satisfy your family and friends at any fall gathering. If you need more, simply double the recipe.

Difficulty: This recipe is perfect for beginners! No need to worry about fancy techniques or complicated steps. Just layer the ingredients and bake.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients for Pumpkin Dump Cake

This simple dessert requires just a handful of ingredients, all of which you likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin Puree: Adds the rich pumpkin flavor that makes this cake so comforting.
• 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk: Provides creaminess and a smooth texture to the filling.
• 1 cup Brown Sugar: For a sweet, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
• 3 large Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake structure.
• 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice mix brings that quintessential fall flavor to the table.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of depth to the flavor.
• 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz): Forms the buttery, crumby topping that completes this dessert.
• 1 cup Chopped Pecans: Optional but highly recommended for a little crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted: Helps to form the golden, crunchy topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is the perfect temperature for the cake to bake evenly and create that perfect golden topping.

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin puree
• Evaporated milk
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until it’s smooth and fully combined. The mixture should have a creamy, slightly thick consistency. This is the base of your pumpkin filling.

2. Layer the Cake Mix

Now, it’s time to assemble the cake. Instead of mixing the cake mix, you’ll layer it dry over the pumpkin mixture. Spread the yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture in the baking dish. Don’t stir or mix—it’s okay if the cake mix isn’t fully smooth on top of the pumpkin. This will give you that signature “dump” cake texture.

3. Add Butter and Pecans

Next, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to spread it out evenly so the butter soaks into the cake mix as it bakes, creating that crispy, buttery topping.

If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top for an extra crunch. The nuts give a lovely contrast to the soft pumpkin filling and crumbly topping.

4. Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—the cake will be golden brown on top, and you may see some of the filling bubbling up around the edges.

After about 50 minutes, you should see the cake topping crispy and golden, while the pumpkin filling remains creamy. You can insert a toothpick into the center of the cake (in a dry spot) to check if it comes out clean, but a little moisture from the pumpkin is okay.

How to Store Pumpkin Dump Cake

If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container. Here’s how you can store your pumpkin dump cake:

• At Room Temperature: It’s best to store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• In the Refrigerator: You can also refrigerate any leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Freezing: If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, it freezes well! Let the cake cool completely, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother batter, ensure that your eggs are at room temperature. They blend better with the other ingredients.
• Customize the Spice: If you love extra spice, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture.
• Cake Mix Variations: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can try using spice cake mix or even butter cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Carbohydrates	Fiber	Sugars	Protein
1 slice (1/12 of cake)	300	16g	6g	55mg	150mg	38g	2g	26g	3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Pumpkin Dump Cake FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.
• Can I use a different type of cake mix?
  Absolutely! You can use a spice cake mix for an extra burst of fall flavor or a butter cake mix for a different twist.
• What’s the best way to serve this?
  It’s delicious on its own, but pairing it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level!

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that embodies everything wonderful about fall. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as an after-dinner treat, this cake is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Enjoy!