Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 17 October 2025

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Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

As autumn arrives, the air becomes crisp, and our cravings shift toward warm and comforting flavors. There’s something about pumpkin that evokes feelings of nostalgia and coziness, making it a favorite for many during the season. The Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake takes the quintessential flavors of pumpkin pie and transforms them into a simple, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

This dessert effortlessly combines the creaminess of pumpkin with the sweet, buttery crunch of cake mix, resulting in a delightful treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a homemade dessert that looks and tastes impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
The star of the show, pumpkin purée lends its rich flavor and creamy texture to the cake, ensuring every bite is packed with that beloved pumpkin taste.
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
This adds creaminess and helps to create a luscious, moist texture. It also balances out the sweetness from the sugar while enhancing the overall flavor.
3 large eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to the cake, ensuring that it sets properly in the oven while contributing to a tender crumb.
1 cup sugar
Sugar sweetens the dessert, balancing the spices and the natural earthiness of the pumpkin, resulting in a cake that’s deliciously indulgent.

1 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses the cake with warm, spicy notes, which enhances the classic fall flavor profile we love about pumpkin desserts.
½ tsp nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon. It promotes that cozy, seasonal aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
½ tsp ginger
A touch of ginger provides additional warmth and a subtle zing, making the flavor profile more complex and exciting.

½ tsp salt
Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and rounding out the taste for a satisfying dessert.
1 box yellow cake mix
The cake mix serves as the topping and base, providing a buttery flavor and texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pumpkin layer.
1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter
Butter brings richness and moisture to the cake mix layer, allowing it to brown beautifully and create a deliciously crisp topping.

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, pecans add texture and a nutty flavor, elevating the dessert further. They also provide a lovely visual contrast on top.

Directions & Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Preheating your oven ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Greasing the dish prevents the cake from sticking, making it easier to serve once baked.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth.
Whisking these ingredients ensures they combine thoroughly, creating a uniform filling with no lumps. This is essential for a silky texture that contrasts nicely with the cake layer.

Pour mixture into prepared dish.
Pouring the pumpkin mixture into the dish sets the foundation for the dessert. It’s important to spread it evenly so each bite gets the right amount of pumpkin goodness.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin layer.
Sprinkling the cake mix creates a lovely topping that will soak up some of the pumpkin mixture as it bakes, allowing for a delightful transition in textures.
Drizzle melted butter over the top, covering as much as possible.
This step is crucial for achieving a rich and flavorful topping. The butter seeps into the cake mix, resulting in a moist, crumbly crust that contrasts brilliantly with the creamy pumpkin layer.

Sprinkle with pecans if using.
Adding pecans introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, making the cake more interesting. If you decide to leave them out, the cake will still be deliciously satisfying.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
Baking time is critical; you want a golden-brown top and a center that isn’t wobbly when shaken. This indicates the dessert is cooked through and ready to be enjoyed.
Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps it set up better, ensuring clean slices when served. Topping with whipped cream or ice cream elevates the dessert, providing a creamy contrast to the warm cake.

Why We Love This Recipe

A Stress-Free Dessert for Any Occasion

The Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is a lifesaver for busy hosts during the fall season. With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, you can easily throw this dessert together, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with family and friends. It’s ideal for potlucks, Thanksgiving dinners, or a simple weeknight treat.

Perfectly Fall Flavors

The delightful combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and buttery cake mix embodies everything we love about fall. Each bite transports you to cozy evenings spent sipping cider and gathering around a pumpkin patch. The comforting flavor profile makes it hard to resist this seasonal favorite.

Versatile and Customizable

While the recipe is delicious as is, it also invites creativity. You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, swapping in different nuts, or even mixing in dried fruits. Adapting it to suit your taste allows for a personal touch that makes each creation uniquely yours.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the moisture content. Fresh pumpkin should be puréed and drained of excess moisture before using to achieve the right consistency.
What if my cake is too thick after baking?
A thick texture could indicate it was baked for too long. If it’s overcooked, the best remedy is to serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream to add moisture.
Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?
You can use granulated sweeteners like Stevia, but the flavor and texture may vary. Ensure to check the conversion ratio on the sweetener package.

Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix, and check that all the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Why is my cake not browning on top?
If the cake is not browning, it may be due to insufficient oven temperature. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, or you can tent the cake with foil halfway through baking if it is browning too quickly.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two or opt for a less sweet cake mix. Adjusting spices can also help balance the sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Doubling the recipe works well. Use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Just ensure it’s thoroughly cooked in the center.

Conclusion

The Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake is an epitome of autumn deliciousness, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin with the ease of a dump cake. Perfect for gatherings, it practically invites everyone to dig in. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a simple dessert after dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the season’s flavors, and enjoy the delightful process of baking this sweet creation. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm and inviting scents of fall, making both your home and heart feel a little cozier!

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients

Directions & Preparation

Why We Love This Recipe

A Stress-Free Dessert for Any Occasion

Perfectly Fall Flavors

Versatile and Customizable

FAQs

Conclusion