Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe So Good

What makes a pumpkin dump cake recipe stand out is how easy it is to make – with cozy fall flavors that come together in minutes. Unlike a traditional pumpkin pie, this recipe forgoes the rolling, mixing, and fussing that comes along with it, and instead, serves deliciously spiced pumpkin underneath an incredibly crisp and buttery cake topping. It’s the kind of fall dessert that looks extravagant, yet requires minimal effort – Simply “dump,” bake, and enjoy.

If you seek out something less challenging but more indulgent than the warm spices of pumpkin pie, this pumpkin dessert is the perfect option. With a soft base made out of canned pumpkin puree garnished with evaporated milk and pumpkin pie spice, then topped with crunchy yellow cake mix paired with melted butter. Each bite taken is unbelievably blissful balanced with creamy goodness and crisp perfection.

If you plan to host a holiday gathering, or quite simply want a no fuss pumpkin recipe, this pumpkin dump cake recipe has you covered. Not only does it look great, but tastes spectacular when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. Best part? No one will know how little time it took to prep!

Ready to make this easy and delicious treat? Let’s dive in!

Key Benefits

If you’ve never prepared a pumpkin dump cake before, then prepare to be amazed. This dessert is rich, and cozy, and requires little effort to prepare, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, fall get-togethers, or midweek splurges. Here’s why you’ll love this dessert with a pumpkin twist:

Super Simple to Prepare

If we compare this to pumpkin pie, there’s no rolling out of dough or precise mixing involved. One only has to mix pumpkin puree with some ingredients, sprinkle dry cake mix on top, pour melted butter over, and let the oven do its job.

Autumn Favorite Taste

This recipe has all the warm and spiced flavors of autumn in every morsel. This uses pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin butter, as well as homemade topping. It has the delicious taste of homemade pumpkin dessert with literally zero hassle.

Good for First Timers

Even if you are an absolute beginner, this delicious and easy cake recipe is almost impossible to fail at. Being a dump cake means there’s no overmixing or measuring involved, just layering and baking.

Great Favorite and Multifunctional

This dessert is always the star of the show whether it be a potluck, family gathering or a holiday celebration. In addition, toffee bits and pecans can be included or a spice cake can replace the yellow cake.

The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

There’s nothing better than a warm, pumpkin spice-filled dessert on a chilly day. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, and it transforms into a restaurant-quality fall dessert with minimal effort.

Ingredients

This pumpkin dump cake recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, spiced pumpkin layer topped with a buttery, golden crust. Here’s everything you need to make this easy fall dessert:

Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cake Topping:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or use spice cake mix for extra flavor)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans or toffee bits (optional, for crunch)

Toppings (Optional, but Highly Recommended!):

• Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Caramel drizzle or cinnamon sugar sprinkle

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Pumpkin puree creates a silky pumpkin base with deep, natural flavor.
• Pumpkin pie spice adds the signature warm spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Evaporated milk makes the pumpkin filling rich and creamy, like a classic pumpkin pie filling.
• Yellow cake mix on top creates the perfect sweet, buttery contrast to the pumpkin layer.
• Melted butter drizzled over the dry cake mix evenly helps form a golden, crispy topping.
• Toffee bits or pecans add extra texture and crunch for those who love pumpkin dessert variations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this pumpkin dump cake is as easy as layering the ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pumpkin dessert with minimal effort.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Layer

• In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Add the Cake Topping

• Open the box of dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly on top of the pumpkin layer—do not stir.
• Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible for an even, golden topping.
• If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or toffee bits on top for added crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and the edges are set.
• The pumpkin layer will be soft like a pumpkin pie filling, while the cake mix on top will form a crisp, buttery crust.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

• Let the pumpkin dump cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set properly.
• Scoop warm servings onto plates and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best flavor.

Pro Tip:

If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cake for a couple of hours before serving–it will set more like a pumpkin cobbler.

Pro Tips and Variations

This pumpkin dump cake recipe is already easy and delicious, but with a few tweaks, you can customize it to your taste. Here are some expert tips and variations to take this dessert to the next level.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pour Butter into Mixing Bowl

To ensure a crisp golden topping, drizzle the butter over the dry cake mix. After baking, lightly brush any dry spots with more melted butter and return to the oven for a couple minutes.

Add Additional Flavor with Spice Cake

To intensify the flavor for an extra spiced pumpkin dessert, change the yellow cake mix to a spice cake mix. This makes it cozier with deeper flavors of Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Clove.

Chill for a Firmer Texture

For a firmer, chilled dessert, refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving. This allows it to set like a pumpkin cobbler rather than soft, spoonable dessert.

Check for Doneness

Golden brown is the color the top of the cake mix should be. The jiggle test should be currently in the center is jiggles and the rest is on the firm side. Add on another 5–10 minutes of bake time if needed.

Make It in Advance

This cake is best served cold instead of warm. Refrigerate overnight and microwave an individual portion for a warm, cozy treat.

Delicious Variations to Try

Pumpkin & Chocolate Dump Cake

• Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a rich, fall-inspired pumpkin and chocolate combo.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.

Pumpkin Apple Dump Cake

• Add thinly sliced apples to the pumpkin layer for a fall twist similar to an apple dump cake.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra warmth.

Graham Cracker Crunch

• Replace part of the dry cake mix with crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-like crust.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a next-level treat.

Nutty Pumpkin Delight

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Sprinkle toffee bits for a sweet, buttery finish.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

• Add ½ cup of cream cheese to the pumpkin mixture for a silky pumpkin cheesecake-like texture.
• Serve chilled for a pumpkin dessert with a creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin dump cake is already a treat on its own, but pairing it with the right toppings takes it from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it warm or chilled, here are the best ways to enjoy this easy fall dessert.

Classic Pairings

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The contrast of warm pumpkin cake and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is unbeatable.
• Try cinnamon or caramel swirl ice cream for an extra fall-inspired twist.

Whipped Cream on Top

• A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream balances out the rich, spiced pumpkin filling.
• Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving to enhance its buttery sweetness.
• Add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel pumpkin dessert.

Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake

Graham Cracker Crumble

• Crush graham crackers on top for a cheesecake-like crunch.
• Pairs especially well with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Crunchy Nut Topping

• Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits for extra texture.
• Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.

Chilled for a Pumpkin Cobbler Texture

• Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours before serving to set the layers.
• This gives it a firmer texture, perfect for slicing like a pumpkin pie dump cake.

Grown-Up Twist

• Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the pumpkin mixture before baking.
• Serve with a spiked caramel sauce for a cozy adult dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This recipe for pumpkin dump cake is the ultimate fall indulgence. It’s super simple to prepare, scrumptiously satisfying, and evokes all the comforting flavors we adore. If you’re celebrating the season or just wanting a sugary delight, this cake will always come to the rescue. The combination of pumpkin puree, spices, and cake mix will always form an exquisite dessert for any occasion.

So what’s the best part? You don’t have to be a master in the kitchen to nail it. With a handful of ingredients, zero guess work and almost no effort, you can have a dessert as if it was prepared by a Michelin chef in mere minutes.

Add a touch of magic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an amazing presentation. However you choose to serve it, there’s no denying this pumpkin dump cake will always please the crowd.

Feeling like trying this no-fuss pumpkin dump cake recipe yourself? Start rounding your ingredients and get ready to dive into a world of magic with every single bite.