How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake for a Simple Fall Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fall. The cooler air, changing leaves, and, of course, pumpkin-flavored everything. One of my favorite easy fall desserts is pumpkin dump cake. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or when you’re in the mood for something sweet without the fuss of a complicated recipe.

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What is Pumpkin Dump Cake?

If you’re not familiar with it, pumpkin dump cake is the dessert that falls somewhere between a cake and a pie. It has the rich, creamy goodness of pumpkin pie but with the added texture and flavor of a buttery cake topping. It’s called a “dump” cake because you literally dump all the ingredients into a pan, and that’s it! No mixing bowls or electric mixers needed.

What I love most about pumpkin dump cake is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, and most of them are pantry staples. Plus, it’s almost impossible to mess up.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious dessert:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)

How to Make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Making pumpkin dump cake is so easy it hardly feels like baking. You don’t need any special equipment or techniques. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Don’t mix it in—just let it sit on top.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much as possible.
7. If you’re adding pecans, sprinkle them over the top for an extra bit of crunch.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the pumpkin layer has set.

When it’s finished, the pumpkin dump cake will have a golden, buttery crust on top and a soft, pumpkin filling underneath. It’s like having two desserts in one. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into it. It holds together better that way, and the flavors settle nicely.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Dump Cake

You can enjoy pumpkin dump cake on its own, but I like to serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the warm spices in the cake. You can also top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added indulgence. Trust me, it’ll taste like fall in every bite.

If you’re serving it at a party or family gathering, you can cut the cake into small squares and arrange them on a platter. It’s an easy dessert to transport, and it feeds a crowd without much effort.

Easy Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck. Pumpkin dump cake keeps well in the fridge for about three to four days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can either serve it cold or reheat it in the microwave. I’ve found that a short zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

You can also freeze pumpkin dump cake for longer storage. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. When you’re craving pumpkin dump cake again, just thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat it.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

Pumpkin dump cake is a go-to dessert for several reasons. First, it’s easy. We all have days when the thought of making a pie from scratch sounds exhausting. With pumpkin dump cake, you get the flavors of a pie but with a lot less work. It’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it, but it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The mix of warm pumpkin, spices, and buttery cake is hard to resist. Even if someone isn’t a huge pumpkin fan, the sweetness and texture of the cake will likely win them over. Plus, since it’s not overly sweet, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Another reason this dessert shines is its versatility. You can change it up depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer. Don’t have yellow cake mix? Use spice cake mix instead. Want more crunch? Double up on the pecans or add a layer of graham cracker crumbs. This recipe is so forgiving that you can play around with it until you find your perfect version.

Pumpkin Dump Cake: A Great Make-Ahead Dessert

One thing I love about pumpkin dump cake is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to get ahead of meal prep, you can make this cake a day or two in advance. Keep it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve it, just pop it in the oven to warm up. It’ll taste just as good as the day you made it.

This also makes it a great dessert for potlucks or family gatherings. You don’t have to stress about making it at the last minute, and it transports well. Plus, it’s different from the usual pies or cookies that people might expect. Your dish will stand out on the dessert table.

Is Pumpkin Dump Cake a Budget-Friendly Option?

Yes! Pumpkin dump cake is one of those desserts that feels indulgent but doesn’t break the bank. Most of the ingredients are affordable, and you probably already have several of them in your pantry. Even if you have to buy everything from scratch, you’re still looking at a low-cost dessert that serves plenty of people. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create something delicious.

Because the recipe uses canned pumpkin and evaporated milk, it’s not dependent on seasonal ingredients. This means you can enjoy pumpkin dump cake any time of year, even when pumpkins aren’t in season.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Variations

You can also customize pumpkin dump cake with different flavors. Here are a few ideas if you want to switch things up:

• Spice it up: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice to the cake mix before pouring it over the pumpkin layer.
• Add fruit: Try adding a layer of sliced apples or pears between the pumpkin mixture and the cake mix for a fall fruit twist.
• Go chocolatey: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before adding the butter. The chocolate will melt into the topping for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Top it with streusel: Mix together oats, brown sugar, and butter to create a streusel topping that you can sprinkle over the cake mix. This will give your dump cake a crumbly, textured finish.

Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Dump Cake

When fall arrives, and you’re ready for something sweet and simple, pumpkin dump cake is the answer. It checks all the boxes for an easy-to-make, delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try.

The ease of the recipe, combined with the irresistible flavor of pumpkin and spices, makes it a favorite in any household. You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to pull it off, and you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

With pumpkin dump cake, you can enjoy the flavors of fall in the simplest way possible. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.