Fall is the season of cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and of course delicious pumpkin desserts! If you love the rich flavors of pumpkin pie but want something even easier to make, then this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need.
This cake is incredibly simple to prepare no complicated steps, no fancy mixing techniques. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, bake it to perfection, and enjoy a warm, spiced, and buttery dessert that will impress everyone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect pumpkin dump cake, from essential ingredients and baking tips to serving ideas and storage solutions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will become your new fall favorite!
Table of Contents
What is a Pumpkin Dump Cake?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what exactly a pumpkin dump cake is.
A dump cake is a super easy, no-mix, no-fuss dessert that falls somewhere between a cobbler and a traditional cake. Unlike regular cakes that require careful mixing and creaming of ingredients, dump cakes follow a simple layering process hence the name “dump.”
For this pumpkin version, you’ll create a smooth and creamy pumpkin filling (similar to pumpkin pie), top it with a box of cake mix, drizzle butter over it, and bake until golden brown. The result? A decadent dessert with a soft, pumpkin-spiced base and a crunchy, buttery topping.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Still not convinced? Here’s why this pumpkin dump cake will become a staple in your fall dessert lineup:
✅ Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – Just dump, bake, and enjoy! No need for fancy baking techniques.
✅ Perfect for Fall & Holidays – The warm pumpkin spice flavors make it an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or cozy nights in.
✅ Great for Feeding a Crowd – This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for sharing.
✅ Customizable – You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences (more on that later).
✅ Only a Few Ingredients Needed – No long grocery lists just simple pantry staples!
Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Dump Cake
Before you start baking, let’s gather everything you need!
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 1 oz) pumpkin puree. not pumpkin pie!
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – Helps create a smooth, rich texture.
- 3 large eggs – Adds structure and richness to the filling.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar sweetens pumpkin layers.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract It enhances its overall flavour.
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- 1 box yellow cake mix – The key ingredient that gives this dessert its signature crunchy topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted) – Drizzled over the cake mix to create a buttery crust.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness.
Optional Ingredients & Variations
Want to take your pumpkin dump cake to the next level? Try these variations!
🔸 Add Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
🔸 Extra Sweetness – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
🔸 Chocolate Lover’s Twist – Add a handful of chocolate chips to the pumpkin mixture.
🔸 Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and dairy-free butter.
🔸 Gluten-Free Option – Swap regular cake mix for a gluten-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Dump Cake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake.
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Baking Dish
Before mixing, heat your oven up to 350degreesF (175degC). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture
A large bowl of mixing mix the following ingredients:
✔ 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
✔ 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
✔ 3 large eggs
✔ 1 cup granulated sugar
✔ 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract
✔ ½ tsp salt
👉 Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. It should look similar to pumpkin pie filling.
3. Place it all into the Pumpkin Mixture in the Baking Dish
Once your pumpkin filling is ready, pour it into the greased baking dish. Make use of a spatula to distribute it evenly across the lower.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix Over the Pumpkin Layer
Now, take 1 box of yellow cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over the pumpkin mixture. Make sure you don’t mix it—just let it sit on top.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you prefer a softer texture, lightly press the cake mix into the pumpkin filling without fully mixing it.
5. Add Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle 1 cup of melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
💡 Why This Step is Important: The butter helps the cake mix form a golden, crisp topping while baking. If you have dry spots after baking, it may be because the butter wasn’t spread evenly.
6. Add Optional Toppings (If Desired)
At this point, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even cinnamon sugar on top for extra crunch and flavor.
7. Bake Until Golden & Set
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
How to Check for Doneness:
✔ The edges should be slightly crisp.
✔ The center should be set but still slightly soft, similar to a pumpkin pie.
✔ The top should be golden brown with a crisp, buttery texture.
8. Let It Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop out slices.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours before serving.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Dump Cake
Want to take your pumpkin dump cake to the next level? Follow these expert tips to ensure the best flavor and texture every time!
1. Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
Pumpkin pie puree and pumpkin pie filling aren’t exactly the same! Pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sweeteners added, which could throw off the flavor balance of your cake. Use pure pumpkin puree for most effective results.
2. Evenly Distribute the Cake Mix
When sprinkling the cake mix over the pumpkin filling, make sure to spread it evenly. If you leave large clumps, some areas might bake unevenly, leaving dry patches.
3. Don’t Overmix the Layers
Resist the urge to mix the cake mix into the pumpkin filling! The key to a great dump cake is letting the layers stay separate so that the bottom is soft and custardy, while the top becomes golden and crisp.
4. Melt the Butter Completely
For the best crisp, buttery topping, melt the butter fully before drizzling it over the cake mix. This ensures that it soaks in properly and creates a crunchy golden crust.
💡 Pro Tip: If you notice dry spots on top after baking, you can lightly brush additional melted butter over those areas and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Each oven is unique and baking times can differ. Check your cake around the 50-minute mark. When the surface is crisp and golden brown It’s done!
If it still looks pale, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin dump cake is already amazing on its own, but adding the right toppings and pairings can make it even better!
Best Toppings for Pumpkin Dump Cake
✅ Whipped Cream – A light and fluffy topping balances the rich flavors.
✅ Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm cake and cold ice cream create a heavenly combo.
✅ Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel adds a sweet, buttery finish.
✅ Chopped Nuts – Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
✅ Powdered Sugar – Lightly dusting the top makes for a beautiful presentation.
Best Drinks to Serve With It
☕ Pumpkin Spice Latte – Because you can never have too much pumpkin!
🥛 Warm Milk with Cinnamon – A cozy, comforting option.
🍷 Mulled Wine – If you want a holiday feel, this is a great pairing.
🍏 Apple Cider – Complements the fall flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this cake is so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
How to Store Pumpkin Dump Cake
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within 24 hours, you can cover it with plastic wrap and leave it on the counter.
- In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: You can put it away to come back future use?
- The cake should be wrapped in wrap, then freeze it for 2 months. Thaw over night in the refrigerator prior to the reheating.
How to Reheat Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30-40 seconds until warm.
- Oven: Place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy topping.
💡 Pro Tip: If the topping has softened, sprinkle a little extra sugar and bake for 5 more minutes to crisp it up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though pumpkin dump cake is one of the easiest desserts to make, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result. Here’s how to avoid them!
1. Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree
🚫 Mistake: Many people accidentally use pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices added, leading to an overly sweet and spiced cake.
✅ Fix: Always check the can! It should say 100% pure pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
2. Not Spreading the Cake Mix Evenly
🚫 Mistake: Pouring the cake mix unevenly can lead to dry pockets or areas where the cake doesn’t bake properly.
✅ Fix: Use a spoon or your hands to gently spread the cake mix into a thin, even layer.
3. Not Using Enough Butter
🚫 Mistake: Skimping on the melted butter can lead to a dry and powdery top layer.
✅ Fix: Make sure you use the full cup of melted butter and drizzle it as evenly as possible.
4. Overbaking the Cake
🚫 Mistake: If baked for too long, the cake can become too dry or hard on top.
✅ Fix: Bake until the top is golden brown and crisp, but the inside is still soft—usually 50-60 minutes. Check at the 50-minute mark!
5. Not Letting the Cake Cool Before Serving
🚫 Mistake: Cutting into the cake right away can cause the layers to be too soft and runny.
✅ Fix: Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before serving to help it set properly.
Healthier Alternatives for Pumpkin Dump Cake
Want to enjoy this delicious dessert without the extra sugar and calories? Here are some easy swaps to make a healthier version of pumpkin dump cake!
1. Use a Sugar-Free Cake Mix
🔹 Swap the regular yellow cake mix for a sugar-free or whole wheat cake mix to reduce sugar content.
2. Replace Granulated Sugar with Natural Sweeteners
🔹 For 1 cup instead of 1 cup, substitute:
✔ ½ cup honey or maple syrup
✔ ¾ cup coconut sugar
✔ Stevia or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
3. Cut Back on Butter
🔹 Instead of 1 cup of butter, use:
✔ ½ cup melted coconut oil
✔ ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option
4. Add More Fiber & Protein
🔹 Mix ½ cup of oat flour or almond flour into the cake mix to boost nutrition.
🔹 Add chopped nuts for extra protein and healthy fats.
5. Make It Dairy-Free
🔹 Swap evaporated milk for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
🔹 Use a vegan butter substitute like melted coconut oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions about making Pumpkin Dump Cake, along with helpful answers!
1. Can I Make Pumpkin Dump Cake Ahead of Time?
✅ Yes! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy topping.
2. Can I Use Spice Cake Mix Instead of Yellow Cake Mix?
✅ Absolutely! If you love extra spice, using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix adds even more warm, fall flavors. It’s a great substitute!
3. How Do I Prevent My Pumpkin Dump Cake from Being Too Runny?
🚫 Problem: If your cake turns out too soft or watery, it may not have baked long enough.
✅ Fix: Bake until the edges are set, and let the cake cool for at least 20-30 minutes to help it firm up.
4. Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin?
✅ Yes, but it requires extra steps. If using fresh pumpkin, roast and purée it until smooth. Be sure to remove any liquid that is not used prior to making use of it in the recipe.
5. Can I Freeze Pumpkin Dump Cake?
✅ Yes! To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store your food in the refrigerator for up two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
6. What’s the Best Way to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake?
✅ The best way to enjoy it is warm, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle. It also pairs well with hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider.
Conclusion
And there you have it the easiest, most delicious Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe! 🍂🎃
Whether you’re making it for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a cozy night in, this simple recipe is a guaranteed hit. With its rich, creamy pumpkin filling and crispy, buttery cake topping, it’s the perfect dessert for pumpkin lovers.Now it’s your turn to try it! Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a warm, comforting slice of pumpkin dump cake today. 😍