The Ultimate Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe for all Baking Lovers

pumpkin dump cake recipe: Fall is officially here, and with it comes the rich flavors and cozy vibes of the season. For home bakers and dessert enthusiasts, autumn means one thing above all else—pumpkin everything! But as much as we love a classic pumpkin pie or spiced latte, there’s another star dessert that deserves the spotlight this fall: Pumpkin Dump Cake.

Simple to make, bursting with seasonal flavors, and utterly delicious, Pumpkin Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for fall baking lovers. Whether you’re getting ready for a potluck, hosting a cozy family dinner, or simply want to enjoy a quick treat, this cake ticks all the boxes.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating the perfect Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe. From what makes this dessert so unique to tips, variations, and serving suggestions, we’ve got all the details to set you up for sweet success!

What Makes This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe Special?

If you’ve never tried Pumpkin Dump Cake before, you’re in for a real treat. Here’s why this dessert is so special and perfect for almost any baking level or occasion.

A Dessert for Everyone

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Pumpkin Dump Cake is an approachable recipe that guarantees great results. Its no-fuss method means you don’t need fancy equipment, complex techniques, or hours of kitchen time to whip up something memorable.

Simplicity Meets Flavor

The essence of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. You literally “dump” the ingredients together in a baking dish, and the magic happens in the oven. But don’t mistake easy prep for a lack of flavor. The marriage of spiced pumpkin puree, buttery cake mix, and optional add-ins creates a dessert that tastes rich, complex, and indulgent.

Versatile and Customizable

Pumpkin Dump Cake is like a blank canvas. Do you love dark chocolate? Add some chips. Prefer extra nuts or a hint of coconut? Toss them in. The versatility of this dessert means you can adapt it to suit your personal taste, guests, or available pantry ingredients.

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

The warm, spiced pumpkin aroma is practically the scent of fall. Serve this cake warm from the oven at your next family gathering or Friendsgiving dinner, and watch everyone fall in love.

A Sweet History of Dump Cakes

While Pumpkin Dump Cake feels like a trendy fall dessert, dump cakes themselves have been around for decades. This style of easy dessert became popular in American kitchens in the mid-20th century, celebrated for its simplicity and affordability.

Dump cakes are a cousin to cobblers, featuring a fruit filling (or in this case, pumpkin-flavored ingredients) topped with dry cake mix and melted butter. The result? A dessert that’s part crisp, part cake, and wholly delicious. They remain a favorite to this day because they strike the perfect balance between a home-baked treat and effortless preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need to make a traditional Pumpkin Dump Cake. You’re welcome to get creative with substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs!

Base Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives this dessert its signature flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices that could throw off the balance of flavors. Homemade pumpkin puree can also be used for a fresher taste.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves combine to bring that unmistakable cozy, fall warmth. These spices infuse the dessert with a rich aroma reminiscent of pumpkin pie. For a shortcut, many bakers use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, which is a blend of these same spices, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Cake Mix: A yellow or spice-flavored cake mix works best as the foundation for this dessert, forming a slightly crisp, buttery topping as it bakes. The cake mix adds sweetness and structure, complementing the soft pumpkin base with a delightful contrast in texture.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the dry cake mix together, ensuring a crumbly, golden topping that bakes to perfection. Use unsalted butter to maintain control over the saltiness of the dessert, and make sure it’s fully melted for even distribution.

Add-Ons and Variations

• Chopped Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. The nuts toast as the dessert bakes, enhancing their natural nuttiness and adding a satisfying texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for chocolate lovers looking to give their dessert a rich, indulgent twist. Sprinkle them evenly over the pumpkin layer for little pockets of melted chocolate in each bite.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and a gooey texture. Caramel adds a touch of decadence that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
• Shredded Coconut: For a unique twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top. It adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor that complements the warm spices and pumpkin. Toasted coconut can also be used for an added layer of flavor and crunch.

By combining these ingredients and add-ons, this dessert can be easily customized to suit any taste preference, making it a versatile treat for fall gatherings or any time you’re craving a cozy, pumpkin-inspired indulgence.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

• Even Butter Distribution: When drizzling the melted butter over the cake mix, ensure it covers as much of the surface as possible. This guarantees a golden, crisp, and buttery topping. Use a spoon or pastry brush to gently spread it, if needed.
• Avoid Overmixing: Resist the urge to stir! Dump cakes shine because of their layered structure. Overmixing can ruin the texture and make the cake dense instead of light and crumbly.
• Spice it Right: If you’re not using pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, take the time to balance spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A pinch too much of any one spice can overpower the dish, so aim for harmony in the flavors.

Variations and Add-Ins to Elevate Your Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Apple-Pumpkin Blend: Want to mix it up? Combine half pumpkin puree with spiced apple pie filling. The apple brings a sweet, tart element that complements the pumpkin perfectly, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
• Different Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t just settle for yellow or spice cake mix. Butter pecan can add a nutty richness, while chocolate cake mix creates a decadent twist that pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
• Marshmallow Topping: For an extra gooey and indulgent treat, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt and toast slightly, adding a fun, s’mores-like texture to your dessert.
• Add Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds over the top before baking for a satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake is amazing on its own, but these serving ideas can take it to the next level:

• Top it Off: A generous dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can make each bite even more luxurious.
• Pair with Beverages: Complete the cozy fall experience by pairing your cake with a warm spiced latte, fragrant chai tea, rich hot cocoa, or a mug of mulled cider. These drinks enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the cake.
• Garnish for Extra Appeal: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or a few crushed nuts on top before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Storing Your Pumpkin Dump Cake

• Room Temperature: If you don’t finish the cake right away (though it’s hard not to!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s completely cool before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
• Refrigerator: To keep it fresher for longer, tightly cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is especially handy if you like enjoying it chilled!
• Freezer: Want a ready-made dessert on hand? Freeze individual portions or the whole cake for up to a month. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste!

With these tips, variations, and serving ideas, your Pumpkin Dump Cake is sure to be a fall favorite that everyone will rave about!

Why This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe is a Must-Try

From its foolproof preparation to its mouthwatering flavor, this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is everything we love about fall baking. Its versatility, ease, and pure deliciousness are sure to make it a regular feature on your autumn dessert menu.

FAQs About Pumpkin Dump Cake

Q1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

A1. It’s best to use pumpkin puree as pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners, which may throw off the flavor balance.

Q2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

A2. Use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q3. Can Pumpkin Dump Cake be made vegan?

A3. Absolutely! Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a vegan cake mix for a dairy-free, egg-free version.

Q4. What do I do if my topping is too dry?

A4. Add an extra couple of tablespoons of melted butter over any dry spots before baking further.

Q5. Can I make this in advance?

A5. Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the layers a day ahead. Bake just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Fall just got sweeter, didn’t it? Try this Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe and take your baking game to the next level. You’ll wonder how you managed without it!

The Ultimate Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe for all Baking Lovers

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• Author: Sofia

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With over 718,000 views and climbing, this Pumpkin Dump Cake is taking kitchens by storm—and it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like fall in every bite, smells like a hug, and only takes minutes to throw together. No fancy equipment. No complicated steps. Just mix, dump, and bake!

Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together, need a quick holiday dessert, or just craving something sweet and pumpkin-spiced, this cake is here to save the day—and steal the show. All you need is 8 simple pantry staples and under an hour to bake up a golden, buttery dessert with a soft, spiced center and that irresistible crumble topping.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and quite possibly your new go-to pumpkin recipe. And if the rave reviews are any clue, you might want to make two—because once guests get a taste, there won’t be a crumb left.

Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Let’s dive into the easy steps, secret tips, and warm, cozy flavors that make this viral pumpkin dump cake a fall favorite you’ll make again and again. 🍂💛

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz canned pumpkin puree
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1 cup (213g) packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (114g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
• Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice.
  15 oz canned pumpkin puree,12 oz evaporated milk,1 cup (213g) packed brown sugar,3 large eggs,2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Whisk until combined. Pour this mixture into the greased pan.
• Sprinkle the cake mix powder on top of the batter as evenly as possible.
  15.25 oz yellow cake mix
• Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the batter.
  1 cup (114g) chopped pecans
• Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake.
  1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the edges are browned and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

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