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.
I really like ginger but That’s alot of ginger!
You can add how much you like 🙂
I’ve made this recipe several times but different ways and everybody loves it.
WHAT if I don’t add Ginger would that be okay?
I am sure it would 🙂 I have never left it out, but yes, you could leave it out.
How do you know it s completly done? Some over cook differently.
As long, as it isn’t a gooey mess, it’s done 🙂
Hello!
Can i used pumpkin pie spice vs. all separate spices? how much total pumpkin pie spice would you recommend?
Thanks!
I haven’t tried, but I am sure you could. I would have to test it out to know how much, since I’ve never tried. I would start small, that way you could add more. I don’t want to say the wrong amount.
i have made every flavor of dump cake, this is by far the crowd pleaser, people go wild over this cake, my niece grabbed the whole pan and a fork!!
LOL..I know what you mean! It’s gone so fast! I am glad you like it! Thank you!
I’d like to make this for a party tomorrow, given by a hostess with celiac disease. I see that you have the substitutions for the yellow cake mix. I have gluten free AP flour that is substituted measure for measure for regular AP flour. My question is that you say: “Just whisk together 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt. Use a pastry cutter to blend in the butter, and you’ve got a homemade yellow cake mix.” Did you forget to tell us how much better to cut into the homemade cake mix? Or are you saying to cut in the butter that would go on top of the cake if you use the store-bought yellow cake mix?
good question linda k, That puzzled me too I hope there’s an answer soon, i’d love to try this. i guess the only thing to do is use the packaged cake mix until there’s an answer….
I fixed it in the recipe 🙂 But, it is 4 tablespoons of butter. Sorry, for leaving that out. Hope you like it!
I did forget & I am so sorry to have not responded sooner. I set some questions aside, so I could look up the recipe, then life happened. I am so sorry. For the dump cake, it is 4 Tablespoons of butter. I hope it turned out!!
I love all things pumpkin especially in the Fall. I can’t wait to try out the recipe this year. It looks delicious.
This needs to happen at my house very soon!! Love this Pumpkin dump cake!
Let me know what you think!! It is so good!! Thank you!
Love that this comes together so easily! Can’t wait for my first piece!
That’s one reason I love it! I hope you liked it!! Thank you!
We call this pumpkin crunch cake at our house, and it’s amazing. LOVE the aroma through the house while it’s baking. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!
I am so with ya!! The smell is amazing & it’s great with ice cream! Thank you!