Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake made with pumpkin puree, cake mix, and warm fall spices. A simple, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

If you’re looking for an easy fall dessert that delivers big on flavor, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is it. With a creamy spiced pumpkin filling, a buttery cake mix topping, and just a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect no-fuss treat for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is practically foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

If you love Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, you have to try this easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe. It has all the flavors of pumpkin pie in an easy cake recipe for Thanksgiving and more. For a fun treat, try Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Just mix, dump, and bake. No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
• Perfect Fall Flavor – Packed with warm spices and pumpkin, it’s everything you love about autumn in one bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Great for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners. Everyone always goes back for seconds.
• Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like canned pumpkin, boxed cake mix, and condensed milk.
• Deliciously Textured – Creamy pumpkin base with a golden, buttery cake topping makes every bite irresistible.
• Customizable – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or a drizzle of caramel for a personal touch.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin Purée – Use plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best texture and flavor.
• Evaporated Milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the pumpkin layer. Don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon – Brings warm spice to the dessert; feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Yellow Cake Mix – Any brand will work well. Choose your favorite for the topping.
• Chopped Pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor. You can leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.
• Butter – Use real, unsalted butter for the richest, most flavorful topping.

Get the entire ingredients list at the bottom of the page.

Variations

• Try a Different Cake Mix – Swap the yellow cake mix for white cake mix for a slightly lighter flavor, or use spice cake mix to enhance the warm fall spices.
• Use Fruit Pie Fillings – Not in the mood for pumpkin? Try this recipe with apple, peach, blueberry, blackberry, or strawberry pie filling for a fruity twist.
• Add Shredded Coconut – If you love coconut, stir some into the pumpkin layer or sprinkle it on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Boost Flavor with Almond Extract – A teaspoon of almond extract adds a subtle, sweet depth to the pumpkin base.
• Swap the Nuts – Pecans are classic, but chopped walnuts or sliced almonds work just as well.
• Make It Nut-Free – Avoiding nuts? Use pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for crunch without allergens.
• Drizzle with Caramel – Add a sweet finish by drizzling warm Homemade Caramel Sauce over the top before serving.
• Use Heavy Cream – Prefer a richer texture? Substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk in the filling.
• Add Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips over the top for a chocolatey upgrade.

Step By Step Instructions

• Step 1. Prepare Oven – First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Storage

Room Temperature

• If your kitchen is cool and the cake doesn’t contain perishable toppings like whipped cream or ice cream, it can be left out at room temperature for up to 8 hours.
• After that, it’s best to refrigerate for food safety.

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered in the baking dish.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Enjoy cold or reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Freezer

• Pumpkin dump cake can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• To freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Reheating Tips

Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

For a crispier topping, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.

Oven: Bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or until warm.

Topping Suggestions

• Ice cream – A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream is delicious but feel free to try different ice cream flavors.
• Whipped cream – You can also make Homemade Whipped Cream.
• Powdered Sugar – Dust the top with powdered sugar for extra flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – You can make an Easy Cream Cheese Frosting for a tasting topping.

Pro Tips

• Use cold, sliced butter – This recipe calls for cold, salted butter sliced and placed evenly over the top of the cake mix. Unlike some dump cake recipes that use melted butter, sliced butter ensures even distribution and better browning.
• Don’t mix the layers – Only mix the pumpkin filling ingredients before pouring into the pan. The cake mix goes on top and should not be stirred in. This keeps the distinct layers and crumbly topping.
• Try the slow cooker method – You can make this in a crock pot for a more hands-off version. Layer the ingredients as usual and cook on high for about 2 hours, or until the top is set and golden.
• Adjust baking time for different pans – The standard bake time is based on a 9×13-inch pan. If you’re using a different size or shape, you may need to increase or decrease the baking time accordingly.
• Cover all the cake mix with butter – Make sure the butter slices are spread out evenly across the surface. Any dry spots may stay powdery after baking.
• Line the pan for easy cleanup – Using parchment paper in your baking dish can make cleanup easier and help lift out portions without sticking.
• Let it cool before serving – Allow the dump cake to sit for 20 to 30 minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes serving easier.
• Top it right before serving – Add whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

FAQs

Try More Easy Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Muffin Recipe
• Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars
• Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin Pudding
• Pumpkin Delight
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Try Dump Cake Recipes

• Chocolate dump cake recipe 
• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
• Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
• Crockpot Chocolate Dump Cake

We are always trying something new, and this easy fall dessert is definitely a keeper. If you enjoy pumpkin recipes, make this today! Come back and leave a comment so I can hear from you.