Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is so easy and incredibly tasty. You’ll make it all season long! The pumpkin, cinnamon spice, and pecans make the best fall dessert. It comes together quickly since you make it with yellow cake mix. 

Don’t let the name fool you. This cake is anything but dumpy! The pumpkin layer is so creamy and sweet, almost like pumpkin cheesecake and the cake mix topping with nuts is crunchy and delish.

Try it. You’re sure to get rave reviews! Who can resist Pumpkin Spice Desserts!!

Some might say this recipe is like a pumpkin cobbler. For reference, this is not the type of cake you neatly cut into squares. Just scoop and eat! 

This dessert is terrific for your Thanksgiving table (no need to make a crust) or fall get-togethers. If you take your dump cake recipe to a football party, you’ll definitely come home with an empty pan!

What Is a Dump Cake?

Simply put, a dump cake is when you dump all the ingredients in a 9 x 13-inch pan (your filling is topped with cake mix and butter) and bake it. This preparation method became popular in the 1980s in church cookbooks and potlucks, and because of its ease and incredible taste, dump cakes are still popular today. 

Just mix, dump, and bake—and it’s ready in about 1 hour. 

You can also make Crockpot Dump Cakes.

Ingredients

• pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling
• evaporated milk – not condensed milk
• sugar – granulated white sugar
• eggs – large grade A
• pumpkin pie spice – you can make your own pumpkin pie spice or use store-bought
• yellow cake mix – just the dry mix, not the added ingredients. Any brand will do
• chopped pecans, optional – but oh, so tasty! 
• butter

We like to add toffee bits to the top of the cake, too! This is totally optional. 

How To Make – Step By Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your EASY pumpkin dump cake recipe.

Before starting, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. (177 degrees C.), spray your pan with a non-stick cooking spray, and coat with flour. 

Step 1 – Mix Filling

Whisk canned pumpkin puree, milk, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Add mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. 

Step 2 – Add Cake Mix to Pan

Evenly distribute cake mix over pumpkin filling. Cut your butter into very thin slices, and distribute over the top of the cake mix. 

Step 3 – Top with Pecans

Then, top with chopped pecans. 

Step 4 – Bake

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center finishes cooking and the top is golden brown. 

Serve warm topped with freshly whipped cream! 

How do you know when it’s ready?

You’ll know your cake is ready when the center is cooked through, and the top of the cake is golden brown. 

Tips & Tricks

• It’s important to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling as it is pre-sweetened.
• It’s okay if your butter doesn’t cover all of the cake mix. It will melt and cover the bulk of it while baking.
• Toast your pecans for a deep, rich, nutty flavor. 
• Make sure to let your cake cool a bit so that it sets before serving it. 
• The toffee bits are an optional topping to add before baking but are totally worth it!

Substitutions

• If you don’t care for pecans, try walnuts.
• Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix.
• Use caramel chips instead of toffee bits on top of your cake.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Dump Cake

We like our pumpkin desserts served with fresh whipped cream, but vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce is also wonderful. 

How To Store

Store your Pumpkin Dump Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

To Freeze: Bake and then let your cake cool completely. Cover it tightly and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. This is a great strategy for those busy fall months!

More Pumpkin Desserts

Pumpkin Pie Bombs – are a super simple pumpkin dessert that tastes like pumpkin pie, but there’s no need to make a crust!
Pumpkin Spice Muffins – perfect for fall mornings or hanging with the moms. 
The Best Pumpkin Bread – this quick bread is super moist and never disappoints (large batch recipe). 
Pumpkin Pie Turkeys – put these adorable turkeys on your table and get ready for the smiles. 
Pumpkin Spice Cookies – these little gems are filled with white chocolate chips and are incredible right out of the oven. 
Skinny Pumpkin Dip – a creamy and delicious dip that’s perfect for snacks or an appetizer.

Recipe FAQ’s

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