Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice go into this super easy fall version of dump cake! Our Pumpkin Dump Cake is made with a rich and creamy pumpkin filling, topped with moist yellow cake, and sprinkled with crunchy pecans.
This sweet and buttery, easy dessert recipe for a comforting midweek treat!
I love making dump cakes for several reasons. They are easy to make, taste delicious, and are highly customizable.
Related easy dump cake recipes: Our Peach Dump Cake and Blueberry Dump Cake are always a big hit.
If you have not made a dump cake before, this pumpkin version is a good one to start with.
All you need to do is:
- Make a simple pumpkin filling.
- Dump in a cake pan.
- Top with cake mix and butter.
- Sprinkle with pecans, and let the oven do the rest!
You can enjoy a perfect fall dessert in less than an hour without much effort.
Why We Love This Recipe
Ease. This simple Pumpkin Dump Cake will be your go-to fall dessert recipe when you need something quick and easy! This is a great option if you don't like making traditional pumpkin pie. Perfect for busy moms!
Simplicity. You'll need just a handful of ingredients, And most are pantry staples! And with the fall season in full swing, the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store.
Flavors. Filled with the best of fall flavors in one comforting and delicious golden treat!
Texture. A creamy pumpkin filling layered with a moist and tender cake topped with crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
For a printable checklist, please check the recipe card.
EGGS - will keep the pumpkin pie mix moist and give structure, so it does not bake into a gooey mess.
SUGAR - I used half a cup white and half a cup brown for this recipe for a sweet treat with some caramel undertones.
SPICE - Cinnamon and pumpkin spices add a warm and festive flavor to this pumpkin dessert!
PUMPKIN PUREE - I highly recommend getting canned puree (instead of making your own). Make sure you are getting pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling!
EVAPORATED MILK - Adds texture and creaminess to the pumpkin filling.
YELLOW CAKE - bakes to a moist and tender crumb with a slight custard taste. You can also use white or vanilla cake mixes. I like this classic yellow cake or the Vanilla Cake Mix from Trader Joe's.
BUTTER - gives the cake mix moisture, richness, and a golden finish. Always make sure to use unsalted butter.
PECANS - its crunchy texture and mild buttery taste make it the perfect topping. It goes really well with pumpkin desserts.
Related Recipes: Sweet Potato Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Cake
Variations and Additions
Spice Cake Mix - This is basically a yellow cake mix with spices already included. Using it will amp up the fall flavors even more.
Nuts - Aside from pecans, some macadamia, walnuts, or almond nuts would be lovely with this pumpkin pie dump cake. Try using pumpkin seeds instead to keep it nut-free but still have crunchy bits. And for a super crunchy version, try adding some toffee bits.
Toppings - Top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. And for an extra special Thanksgiving Day, serve with drizzled caramel sauce.
Gluten-Free - Use a gluten-free cake mix brand. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Vegan - Make it vegan by using applesauce, vegan butter, and dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk.
How To Make This Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
STILL HUNGRY? Follow Me along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and spices until light and creamy. Add pumpkin puree and evaporated milk and continue beating until the pumpkin mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the cake pan. Sprinkle with cake mix and top with a layer of thinly sliced butter. Drizzle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes.
More Easy Dump Cake Recipes
How To Store and Keep This Recipe
Aside from using a baking dish, feel free to use ramekins when making this easy fall dessert for single-serve sizes. This is less messy and quicker to make.
You can also portion them into mason jars after baking. Add a few ribbons and a simple note; you have a thoughtful gift to give this holiday season.
Serve it warm with ice cream or cool whip on top!
Cover any leftovers with foil or cling film. Make sure Pumpkin Dump Cake has completely cooled down. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
When it's time to enjoy your leftover dump cake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to rise to room temperature. You can also briefly reheat it in the microwave.
More Easy and Delicious Dessert Ideas
Blueberry Crisp - Fresh, juicy blueberries are covered with a crisp and buttery topping.
Apple Crisp - Tender, juicy apples topped with a gently spiced crumb topping.
Lemon Icebox Cake - this sweet and tangy 4-ingredient dessert is perfect for summer
Blueberry Coffee Cake - impress your guests with this delicious and fruity coffee cake
German Cherry Crumble - this old-world sheet cake can be made with fresh, frozen, or jarred cherries.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 2 cans (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter unsalted, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Beat eggs, sugar, and spices with an electric mixer in a large bowl until creamy. Add pumpkin puree and evaporated milk and continue to beat until well combined and creamy.
- Pour mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with cake mix.
- Top with thinly sliced butter, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and bake for 50-55 minutes.
Nutrition
Hi There, I’m Maike!
A German girl turned American sharing hundreds of easy, homemade comfort food recipes perfect for everyday cooking.
Connie Cunningham
I would like to try to make this but we don't have pumpkin puree in cans here in Australia, so was wondering what measurement I would use - I googled that a can is 15oz which seems to be equivalent to nearly two cups. Should I use 4 cups of pumpkin puree?
Blessings
Maike
Hi Connie. That's a great question.
I did a little bit of research and the short answer is yes. A few things to consider.
Yes, a can of pumpkin puree is about 2 cups. It's actually just shy of 2 1/2 tablespoons shy of 2 cups.
And I believe that Australian cups are slightly bigger than American cups (250 ml vs 240 ml) so that would make up the difference nicely.
But the good news is for this recipe a slight deviation is not going to matter. Have fun baking. 🙂
Cindy Son
What size can of pumpkin do I use.
Maike
Great question. I used 15-oz cans.