We love dump cakes! Not only because of the simplicity, but also the TASTE (they’re usually always delicious!)
Our favorite flavors include Peach Dump Cake and Cherry Dump Cake, but in the fall, this pumpkin dump cake is the cake we have on repeat.
It’s called pumpkin dump cake, because you literally dump it, bake it, and enjoy it. Those are the kinds of treats we love, especially during a busy fall season. It’s why we think think this dessert is the Perfect fall dessert.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- No-fuss preparation. Dump cake requires minimal effort and time, making it an ideal easy cake recipe for busy schedules.
- Personalize it. You can experiment with different types of cake mixes and toppings to create unique flavor combinations.
- Fall and Holiday must-have. The combination of sweet pumpkin and buttery cake topping makes it a perfect fall dessert recipe and Thanksgiving dessert.
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.
- 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!
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.
More Like This
Pumpkin CAkes
Pumpkin Desserts
Pumpkin Bars
45 mins
Pumpkin Lasagna
1 hr 20 mins
Pumpkin Brownies
1 hr 3 mins
Pumpkin Delight
3 hrs 35 mins
More Collections
This recipe was first shared September, 2018.
Best pumpkin dump cake recipe I’ve used!! Makes a good amount, even had to send some back with my guest. They loved it so much!!One of my friends just asked for the recipe and is making it today already!
So glade I found your site!! Plan on checking out more of you recipe!!
I’m going to give this a try today. I had once before years ago and loved it then. To be co tinued…. Anne. Okay ready to go in the oven followed it but no nuts just some honey grahams crunched on top wish I knew how to take a picture with the phone
I’m going to give this a try today. I had once before years ago and loved it then. To be co tinued…. Anne
Everyone seemed to enjoy this—and don’t forget the whipped cream on top! Tastes yummy and while it isn’t a substitute for my moms most excellent Pumpkin Pie it sure did have folks asking for seconds!
If I make this I’ll eat the whole thing in one sitting. I’ve made it only when lots company is coming or to a potluck. It is soooooo good.
I added a 1/2 tsp of salt just because that’s what I do to my Libby pumpkin pie recipe, but I don’t know that it needs it. This recipe is awesome! My husband doesn’t like pie crust and my kids don’t like pecans, so I chopped them super small to make it crunchy like a streusel. Everyone loved this recipe. It’s so good!
Hello. I was wondering if a gluten free cake and almond milk would work in this recipe?
Can this be made 2 days in advance & refrigerated? Will top get soggy?
Tastes delightful but hard for me to determine if the lower layer was cooked thoroughly. Ours was “not set” but tasty. One thing we did not realize its importance was to SPRINKLE toffee bits over the top before baking. Hubby figured more was better. The top ended up too thic , too hard to cut through without squishing the lower level. If that happens to you, serve the dessert upside down in a dish and then crack apart the toffee with a fork. Tastes great-upside down or right-side up.
It’s still in the oven, looking great. The top is bubbling, but how will I tell if it is done. Will the lower layer register as “done” like a regular cake?
I didn’t read the recipe correctly and added the chopped pecans on top of the cut up butter… will this affect the cake at all? Ooops!
I haven’t tried with the pecans on top of the cut up butter. I imagine the cake still turned out fine… but you’ll have to let us know! 🙂
I put pecans on top of the butter, it turned out great!