Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (Easy Fall Dessert)

If you love the flavors of pumpkin pie but want an easier dessert to make, this pumpkin dump cake is just what you need!

This cake has everything you love about traditional pumpkin pie with a delicious cake-like topping that bakes up golden brown and slightly crunchy. 

It’s the easiest dessert you’ll make this season, and the whole family will love it. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a picture perfect end to any fall meal.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and requires very little prep work. Just combine the pumpkin mixture, sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, add butter and bake!
• All the fall flavors: With pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and warm vanilla, every bite tastes like your favorite fall dessert. It’s a great option when you’re craving the flavors of pumpkin pie without the work.
• Perfect for holidays: It’s an fall dessert for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, potlucks and or other holiday meals.
• Delicious texture: The creamy pumpkin layer pairs perfectly with the buttery cake mix topping. The top becomes golden brown while the pumpkin filling stays soft and delicious.
• Easy to customize: Add crunchy pecans, chocolate chips or toffee bits to make this recipe your own. 

Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Evaporated milk
• Yellow cake mix
• Butter
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Pecans
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Make the Pumpkin Layer

In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Then, pour the pumpkin mixture into a baking dish.

Assemble the Dump Cake

Sprinkle the box of yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer. Then, slice the cold butter into thin squares and arrange them over the surface of the cake mix. Top it all with chopped pecans. 

Bake the Dump Cake

Bake the cake until the top is golden brown and set. Be sure to let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing into it. 

Serving Suggestions

This dump cake is delicious all on its own, but here are some ways to add extra deliciousness:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Toffee bits
• Chocolate chips
• Maple syrup

Storage Instructions

Allow the pumpkin dump cake to cool to room temperature before storing. You can store it in the fridge or freezer. 

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftover pumpkin dump cake to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Allow the cake to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. You can also wrap portions in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer bag. 
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds at a time until heated through. You can also reheat larger portions in a baking pan covered with aluminum foil in a warm oven.

Why Do They Call It Dump Cake?

Dump cake gets its name from the way it is prepared. Instead of making a traditional cake batter, you simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish in layers and bake!

Traditional dump cake recipes typically use canned fruit or pie filling topped with dry cake mix and melted butter. There is no need for a mixer, complicated measurements or multiple mixing bowls.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Just bake it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

For the best results, allow the cake to cool completely before covering the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerating.

When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or warm it in an oven until heated through. Add your scoop of ice cream, homemade whipped cream or drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving.

If you prefer a freshly baked crunchy topping, you can also prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. When you’re ready to bake, spread the pumpkin filling into your baking dish, add the dry cake mix in an even layer, layer the slices of cold butter and pecans, and bake as directed.

When you make this easy pumpkin dump cake recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!

For other pumpkin desserts, try these:

• New York Style Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting