Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a simple, crowd-pleasing fall dessert, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect choice! With a creamy pumpkin base and a buttery, golden topping, it’s like pumpkin pie and cake had the ultimate dessert baby. It’s incredibly easy to make—just mix, dump, and bake. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a quick pumpkin fix.

What Is Pumpkin Dump Cake?

Pumpkin Dump Cake is a delightful dessert where all the ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish with minimal mixing. The base is a spiced pumpkin custard topped with yellow cake mix, melted butter, and optional pecans for crunch. The result is a dessert that’s part creamy, part crumbly, and wholly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: No fancy equipment or skills required—just mix, sprinkle, and bake.
• Versatile: Perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weekend treat.
• Customizable: Add nuts, skip them, or swap spices to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared ahead and served chilled or warmed.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pumpkin Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Adding the Cake Topping

4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Ensure it covers the entire surface.
5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Use a spoon to spread butter into dry spots if needed.
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired for extra crunch.

Baking the Cake

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cooling and Serving

8. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
• Decadent Treat: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
• Festive Garnish: Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce over the top.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap the fully cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
• Spice Mix: Substitute the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
• Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs, the butter with vegan butter, and ensure the cake mix is vegan-friendly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes! Ensure it’s well-drained and mashed to a smooth consistency.

Can I use a spice cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! Spice cake mix adds extra fall flavor.

How can I tell when the cake is done?
The top should be golden and crisp, and the pumpkin layer should be set. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is the ultimate fall dessert—easy, delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or a casual weeknight treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!

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