Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Easy & Tasty Fall Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home on a crisp autumn day. As the leaves change and temperatures drop, my kitchen inevitably becomes a laboratory for all things pumpkin. And let me tell you, this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe has become my go-to fall dessert for good reason! It combines the velvety richness of pumpkin with the buttery crunch of cake mix in a way that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this pumpkin dump cake truly special is its incredible simplicity. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those last-minute dinner invitations or when you need a quick treat for unexpected guests. And the best part? It’s virtually foolproof! Even if you’re a beginner baker who’s had more kitchen failures than successes (we’ve all been there!), this recipe will give you a confidence boost and a delicious dessert to share.

What is Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Ever wondered why it’s called a “dump” cake? Well, the name comes from the preparation method—you literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish with minimal mixing! It’s not the most elegant name for a dessert, but it perfectly describes the simplicity of the process.

Pumpkin dump cake is essentially a cross between a pumpkin pie and a buttery cake. The bottom layer is a smooth, custardy pumpkin mixture, while the top transforms into a golden, crispy cake layer with a texture similar to a crumble or streusel. They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and this cake has certainly won over many hearts at my dinner table!

Ready to make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven? Let’s dump our way to dessert perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this pumpkin dump cake recipe, but here are the top three that make it a standout:

First, the texture is absolutely divine. The contrast between the silky pumpkin custard base and the crispy, buttery cake topping creates a dessert experience that’s hard to beat. Each bite gives you the perfect balance of smooth and crunchy, making it more interesting than a traditional pumpkin pie.

Second, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like canned pumpkin and boxed cake mix keeps the cost low while delivering gourmet-level flavor. I calculated that this entire dessert costs less than $15 to make, yet it easily serves 12 people—that’s just over $1 per serving for a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery!

Finally, the versatility of this pumpkin dump cake is unmatched. You can customize it with different toppings like pecans, walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s equally delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Unlike my pumpkin cheesecake recipe which requires precise temperature control, this dump cake is forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Quick Overview

This pumpkin dump cake requires just 15 minutes of active preparation time, followed by about 50 minutes in the oven. The minimal effort-to-reward ratio is what makes this recipe so satisfying! You’ll combine a handful of ingredients to create a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any fall occasion.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Dump Cake

• 15 oz canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 12 oz evaporated milk (creates a rich, creamy texture)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (adds depth and caramel notes)
• 3 large eggs (binds the custard layer)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (the quintessential fall flavor)
• 15.25 oz yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (creates the crispy golden top)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but adds wonderful texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create the pumpkin layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined. This forms the custard-like base of your dump cake.
3. Layer the ingredients:
   • Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Try to cover the entire surface.
   • If using pecans, distribute them evenly across the top of the cake mix.
   • Drizzle the melted butter over everything, ensuring you cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. (Alternatively, you can place thin slices of butter across the top.)
4. Bake to perfection: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. To test, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
5. Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool for about an hour at room temperature before serving. This gives the layers time to set properly.

What to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake With

This versatile dessert pairs beautifully with so many accompaniments! Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream (cinnamon-spiced for extra flavor)
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the warm cake
• A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence
• A sprinkle of additional chopped nuts for texture
• A cup of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea for the ultimate fall experience

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Dump Cake

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t skimp on the butter: Make sure you use enough butter to cover most of the dry cake mix. Any dry spots will remain powdery rather than forming that perfect crispy crust.

Try different cake mixes: While yellow cake mix works wonderfully, don’t be afraid to experiment! Spice cake mix adds an extra dimension of flavor, and butter pecan cake mix creates a rich, nutty profile that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Add extra spices: Feel free to boost the flavor by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture. Fresh spices will give you the most vibrant flavor.

Watch the baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake at the 45-minute mark. You want the top golden and crisp, but you don’t want to dry out the pumpkin layer.

Let it rest: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the cake to cool for at least an hour helps the layers set properly and makes serving much easier.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This pumpkin dump cake keeps beautifully for several days, making it perfect for advance preparation:

Refrigeration: Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, many people (myself included) think it tastes even better on the second day as the flavors have time to meld.

Freezing: This cake freezes surprisingly well! Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To restore that freshly-baked taste and texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or place in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave followed by a few minutes under the broiler will help restore some of that crispy top.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Here’s a comparison of some popular variations:

Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Dump Cake

This pumpkin dump cake recipe has become my signature fall dessert for good reason. It combines the best of both worlds—the comforting, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie with the satisfying texture of a buttery cake. The minimal effort required makes it perfect for busy holidays or weeknight treats, while the impressive results will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this forgiving recipe delivers consistent results with maximum flavor. As the temperatures drop and leaves change color, give your kitchen the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice with this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

So go ahead—dump, bake, and delight in this perfect taste of autumn. Your friends and family will thank you, and you might just find yourself making this pumpkin dump cake long after the fall season has passed!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Dump Cake: