Our Pumpkin Dump Cake is one of those fall desserts we make when we need something easy, delicious and no-fail.
We got the recipe from Lorin’s aunt a long time ago and now make it for every Thanksgiving and many fall potlucks. Not only is it beyond delicious, but it’s so simple to make as well. You mix up a pumpkin pie-style base, sprinkle cake mix and pecans over the top, then add thin slices of butter and let the oven do the rest. It bakes up with a creamy pumpkin layer underneath and a buttery, golden topping on top.
Serve it warm with whipped cream, Vanilla Ice Cream or even Caramel Sauce. We promise everyone will love it and it won’t disappoint.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- No-fuss preparation. Dump cake requires minimal effort and time, making it an ideal easy cake recipe for busy schedules.
- Fall flavor so easy! Tastes like pumpkin pie with a buttery cake topping.
- Custard-style pumpkin base. Eggs and evaporated milk help the pumpkin layer set like pie.
- Thin butter slices bake the topping. Covering cake mix with butter prevents dry spots and creates a golden crust.
Pumpkin Dump Cake Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree (1 (30-ounce) can): Forms the creamy custard base with natural sweetness and moisture. Canned pumpkin is pumpkin puree combined with sugar and extra spices. Pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin. Be sure to use pumpkin puree in the pumpkin dump cake recipe.
- Evaporated milk (1 (16-ounce) can): Adds richness and helps the pumpkin set silky and smooth.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon): Bright, zesty spice that lifts the pumpkin flavor.
- Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Deep, warm spice that adds cozy bakery aroma.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the custard and balances the spices.
- Eggs (4): Set the custard so it slices and scoops cleanly.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Signature spice that makes the pumpkin shine.
- Yellow cake mix (1 (15.25-ounce) package): “Dumped” on top to create a buttery, crumbly crust as it bakes. You are only using the dry cake mix. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, use a pumpkin spice cake mix or white cake mix.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Toasty crunch that contrasts the soft filling. Or walnuts, toffee bits, mini chocolate chips, or crushed graham crackers.
- Butter (¾ cup): Thin slices melt into the cake mix for a crisp, golden topping.
How to Make a Pumpkin Dump Cake
PREP. Preheat oven to 350°F.
BATTER. Mix 1 can pumpkin puree, 1 can evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon cloves, 1 cup sugar, 4 eggs, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour the pumpkin mixture into a greased and floured 9×13 pan.
TOPPING. Sprinkle the dry cake mix on top then add 1 cup chopped pecans on top. Cut ¾ cup butter very thin and place them evenly over the crumble topping.
BAKE + ENJOY! Bake for 1 hour. Serve warm topped with Whipped Cream or Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and even a Caramel Sauce drizzle if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Grease and flour the pan so slices lift cleanly with tidy edges.
- Slice butter very thin to cover the surface evenly, this ensures an even, crunchy top.
- If you spot dry cake mix near the end, add a few tiny butter pieces and bake a little longer.
- Do not stir after layering, the topping should stay on the surface to crisp.
- Let it rest 15 to 20 minutes before serving so the custard sets.
- It really is great on its own but served with vanilla ice cream, homemade whipped cream and caramel sauce is our favorite!
- Make-ahead tip: bake the day before, then rewarm in the oven before serving.
Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (16-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix pumpkin, milk, ginger, cloves, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour into a greased and floured 9×13 pan.
- Sprinkle cake mix and chopped pecans on top.
- Cut butter very thin and cover all over the cake mix.
- Bake for 1 hour and serve warm with whipped cream. ENJOY!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Whisk 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 3½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, plus 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick). Use a pastry cutter to blend in the butter, and you’ve got a homemade yellow cake mix.
We like to serve this pumpkin dump cake recipe warm, but you can store leftovers, covered, in the fridge. It should last for at least 2 days.
Reheat a slice by microwaving in 30-second intervals until it is the desired temperature.
To freeze a whole baked cake, wrap the entire pan with plastic wrap and again with foil.
For the leftover cake, divide it into individual freezer containers. Thawovernight in the fridge and serve chilled or reheat the slices in the microwave.
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This recipe was first shared September, 2018.
It has just the right amount of sweetness to it and not over powering with the pumpkin flavor, however I think the cake mix should be swirled through the pumpkin pie batter alittle. Mine still had powder in I few spots.
Lil Luna has the best recipes……
Awww thank you!! So happy you enjoy the recipes!
For the people that ended up with a powdery mess. You have to pretty much cover the cake in butter. Not leaving much of any gaps. The pumpkin part turned out eggs. Next time I will use 1 less egg.
I don’t have a rating but I can’t wait to try!!!!!🤤
Fixed this already so good
It was good . Now I’m always tweaking and playing . I used condensed milk and a little less sugar . Sooo good .. soooooo good
Use a spice cake mix, you won’t need to add all of the spices.
Thanks for the feedback!
This recipe is in desperate need of some salt. I’ve made this many times, but not from this exact recipe. I just followed along, not noticing there was no salt, until I tasted it and realized it was missing. Other than that it’s a great recipe, and I highly recommend not skipping the pecans if you like pecans. They get all toasty and really add a lot to the dish. 🙂
I love the pecans too! You can certainly add salt to the recipe if you feel it needs some. Thanks for your feedback.
Disappointed…….some of cake mix was uncooked and powderly, other parts wet, uncooked. What did I do wrong? Followed recipe exactly.
I’m not sure? We’ve always had success following the recipe. We had a reader comment once to melt the butter & stir it into the dry cake mix, then put on top the pumpkin mixture. Perhaps that may work better for you if you try the recipe again in the future.
Very easy to make and a family favorite. Delish. I cut the recipe in half for just the two of us and it worked great. Cook for 30 minutes.