Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe: Fall’s Easiest Dessert Ever!

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen trying to create the perfect fall dessert? I’ve been there too! This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is the answer to your autumn baking woes – it literally takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. The magical combination of spiced pumpkin and buttery cake mix creates a dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and fall baking season is my absolute favorite time of year. When the leaves start changing color, I can’t wait to fill my kitchen with the warm, comforting aromas of pumpkin and spice. This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe has become my go-to dessert for everything from casual family gatherings to more formal autumn celebrations. It never fails to impress, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today!

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake – from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, plus some creative variations to make this recipe your own. Let’s get baking!

Why This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe Works

This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe has become my autumn signature dish for good reason:

• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand
• Requires just 10 minutes of actual hands-on preparation time
• Creates the perfect balance of moist pumpkin filling and crispy cake topping
• Doubles as both a casual family dessert or an impressive holiday offering
• Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Pumpkin Dump Cake

Best Pumpkin Options for This Recipe

When making Pumpkin Dump Cake, you have several options for the pumpkin base:

• Canned pumpkin puree: The most convenient and consistent option (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• Homemade pumpkin puree: If you’re feeling ambitious, roasted and pureed sugar pumpkins add wonderful depth
• Butternut squash: A secret substitute that many can’t distinguish from pumpkin

Buying Tips

For the best Pumpkin Dump Cake, look for:

• Pure pumpkin puree with no added ingredients
• Yellow cake mix for traditional flavor (though spice cake mix works beautifully too)
• Fresh spices – replace your ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger if they’ve been in your pantry over 6 months

Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Try these swaps:

• Substitute sweet potato puree for pumpkin puree
• Use a gluten-free cake mix for dietary restrictions
• Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Base Essentials

• Allow canned pumpkin to come to room temperature for easier mixing
• Use a large mixing bowl to thoroughly combine wet ingredients
• Taste the pumpkin mixture before adding to the baking dish to adjust spices if needed

Key Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

Pantry Staples

• Vanilla extract for enhanced flavor
• Salt to balance sweetness
• Brown sugar for caramelized notes (optional replacement for some of the white sugar)

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Dump Cake Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Pumpkin Dump Cake Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
3. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly

Looking for more comforting fall recipes? Check out my Creamy Potato Kale Soup that pairs perfectly with this dessert!

Cooking Method for Pumpkin Dump Cake

1. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin layer
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake mix (if using)
3. Drizzle melted butter evenly across the entire top
4. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Doneness Check for Pumpkin Dump Cake

The cake is done when:

• The top is evenly golden brown
• The edges are slightly pulling away from the sides
• The center is set (not jiggly) when gently shaken
• A toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter

Resting Your Pumpkin Dump Cake

Allow the cake to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together. For best flavor, I actually prefer to make this cake a day ahead!

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake

Avoiding Common Pumpkin Dump Cake Mistakes

• Prevent dry spots: Make sure the butter covers all of the cake mix – any dry spots will remain powdery
• Achieve even baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking time
• Perfect texture: Don’t overmix the pumpkin layer – just until ingredients are combined

Tool Recommendations for Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Clear glass baking dish to monitor browning from the sides and bottom
• Offset spatula for smooth, even spreading of the pumpkin layer
• Kitchen scale for precise measuring of ingredients

Storage & Reheating Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds
• Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months

For more delicious comfort food recipes, explore my Traditional Beef Stew that’s perfect for chilly fall evenings!

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Dump Cake

Spicy Pumpkin Dump Cake Twist

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin mixture for a surprising warm heat that complements the sweet flavors.

Dietary-Friendly Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix
• Reduced Sugar: Cut sugar to 2/3 cup and use a sugar-free cake mix
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and use plant-based butter

Global Flavor Pumpkin Dump Cake Inspiration

Transform your Pumpkin Dump Cake with these international twists:

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Dump Cake

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but becomes truly spectacular with these accompaniments:

• Vanilla ice cream for the perfect hot-and-cold contrast
• Freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Caramel sauce drizzled over the top
• Toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

For beverage pairings, try:

• Hot apple cider for a full autumn experience
• Coffee with hazelnut creamer
• Chai tea for complementary spice notes

Find more seasonal inspiration with my Roasted Vegan Tomato and Cauliflower Bisque that’s perfect for fall!

Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out my Pinterest collection where I’ve gathered hundreds of seasonal baking inspirations to satisfy your sweet tooth!

FAQs About Pumpkin Dump Cake

Can I make Pumpkin Dump Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.

Why is my cake mix still powdery on top?
This happens when the butter doesn’t fully cover the cake mix. Make sure to drizzle butter evenly, or you can mix the melted butter with the cake mix before sprinkling on top.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to roast and puree it first. Strain the homemade puree through cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.

Is Pumpkin Dump Cake the same as pumpkin cobbler?
They’re similar! Dump cake typically has a more cake-like topping while cobbler has a more biscuit-like topping, but they’re close cousins in the dessert world.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe truly embodies what I love most about fall baking – warming spices, comforting textures, and the ability to bring people together around the table with minimal effort. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it perfect for both weeknight treats and special occasions.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it part of your own autumn traditions! When you do, please share your experience in the comments below – I love hearing how these recipes become part of your family stories.

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!