Effortlessly Delicious: The Ultimate Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
Imagine the rich, spiced flavor of classic pumpkin pie seamlessly blended with the moist, tender crumb of a delightful spice cake. That’s precisely what you get with our incredibly easy Pumpkin Dump Cake! This dessert earns its charmingly unusual name because you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, and let your oven do the rest. It’s the perfect no-fuss solution for a comforting fall treat or a standout holiday dessert.
Discover the Magic of Dump Cakes: A Simple Pumpkin Dessert
The term “dump cake” might not immediately conjure images of gourmet desserts, but don’t let the unconventional name fool you. These beloved creations are celebrated for their unparalleled simplicity and consistently delicious results. A dump cake is a quintessential “set it and forget it” dessert, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. It’s an ideal choice for busy home bakers, those new to baking, or anyone looking for a comforting treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Our Pumpkin Dump Cake takes this concept to a new level, offering a harmonious blend of creamy pumpkin goodness and warm, autumnal spices, all wrapped in a wonderfully moist cake-like texture.
Why This Pumpkin Dump Cake Will Become Your Fall Favorite
If you’re searching for a dessert that embodies the cozy spirit of autumn, look no further. This Pumpkin Dump Cake is more than just easy; it’s a delightful experience from start to finish. The combination of creamy pumpkin and fragrant spice cake creates a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with fall flavors. It’s less dense than a traditional pumpkin pie but more substantial than a simple cake, striking a perfect balance that will please every palate. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a casual family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat on a crisp evening, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Its simple preparation means you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones, rather than stressing over complicated baking techniques.
“I am not a good baker at all. However, I made this cake this morning for a small family get-together, and it turned out perfect and delicious!!! Even a non-cook like me was able to turn out a terrific cake. Everyone loved it, and I will definitely be making it again!”
– Bobbie, a Satisfied Home Baker
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Cakes
A dump cake is a remarkably simple dessert where you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and bake them. The most common form involves pouring a fruit pie filling into a 9×13-inch dish, evenly sprinkling a dry cake mix over it, and then drizzling melted butter on top. It’s celebrated for its minimal prep and delicious, comforting results.
Dump cakes are quite similar to cobblers or crumbles in that they feature a fruit or creamy filling at the bottom, topped with a cake-like mixture. However, dump cakes stand out due to their reliance on a boxed cake mix and melted butter for the topping, creating a distinctively moist and crumbly layer that bakes directly over the filling. This method eliminates the need for preparing a separate crust or batter, making it incredibly convenient.
While you technically can, it’s generally not recommended without adjustments. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugars and spices, which, when combined with the sweet cake mix and additional sugar in this recipe, can make the final dessert excessively sweet. If you choose to use pumpkin pie filling, it’s crucial to omit the sugar specified in this recipe to balance the sweetness. Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and control over sweetness and seasoning.
For immediate consumption, refrigeration is not strictly necessary; it can stay at room temperature for a couple of days. However, to extend its freshness and flavor, especially if you plan to enjoy it over several days, covering and refrigerating the cake is advisable. When refrigerated, it will maintain its quality for up to 5 days. We recommend warming individual slices slightly before serving for the best experience.
Absolutely! This dump cake freezes beautifully. To prevent freezer burn and maintain its delicious texture, ensure it is thoroughly cooled before wrapping it tightly. First, wrap it in plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of aluminum foil. Properly wrapped, it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm individual portions.
This cake is incredibly versatile! While it’s delightful on its own, it truly shines with simple garnishes. A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic choice, adding a light, airy contrast to the rich pumpkin. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a few candied pecans on top. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also pairs wonderfully, creating a warm-cold sensation that’s utterly comforting, especially when the cake is served slightly warm.
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert! Its flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often tasting even better the day after it’s baked. You can prepare and bake the entire cake up to two days in advance. Once cooled, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can warm the whole cake gently in a low oven or heat individual slices in the microwave.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Dump Cake
Crafting this incredible Pumpkin Dump Cake requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving its signature flavor and texture. Pay close attention to the distinctions, especially between pumpkin puree and pie mix, and evaporated versus sweetened condensed milk, as these are crucial for success.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you grab 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin pie mix comes pre-spiced and sweetened, which will throw off the flavor balance of this recipe. Pure pumpkin is simply cooked, mashed pumpkin with nothing else added, allowing you full control over the sweetness and spices.
- Evaporated Milk: This is a key component for the creamy, custardy pumpkin layer. It’s milk that has about 60% of its water removed through evaporation, resulting in a thicker, richer consistency than regular milk, but it is unsweetened. It is vital not to confuse this with sweetened condensed milk, which is very thick and heavily sweetened, and would drastically alter the taste and texture of your cake.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and add richness to the pumpkin mixture, helping it set into a luscious, custard-like layer. For best results and easier incorporation into the batter, allow your eggs to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses a moderate amount of sugar to complement the sweetness of the spice cake mix. You have the flexibility to adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference; some may prefer to reduce it slightly, especially if serving with other sweet toppings.
- Ground Cinnamon: While we use a spice cake mix, a touch of extra cinnamon in the pumpkin layer enhances the overall warm, inviting fall flavor profile. It ensures the pumpkin itself is well-seasoned and aromatic.
- Spice Cake Mix: This is where the “cake” part of “dump cake” truly comes alive. A good quality spice cake mix provides a wonderful foundation of seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. While a yellow cake mix could technically work, a spice cake mix delivers a far superior, more complex, and perfectly autumnal flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is drizzled over the dry cake mix, creating a rich, golden, and slightly crisp topping as it bakes. The butter absorbs into the cake mix, transforming it into a delicious, buttery crust. If you prefer, you can also cut cold butter into thin slices and arrange them evenly over the dry mix; as it bakes, the butter will melt and saturate the cake mix.
How to Prepare Your Irresistible Pumpkin Dump Cake
Creating this pumpkin dessert is as straightforward as its name suggests. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless and delicious outcome:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 9×13-inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. For extra assurance against sticking and for easy cleanup, I often use a spray that contains flour.
- Craft the Pumpkin Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, large eggs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are completely smooth and well-incorporated. Don’t be alarmed by the liquid consistency of this mixture; it will set beautifully during baking.
- Layer the Pumpkin Mixture: Carefully pour the liquid pumpkin mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. This forms the creamy, flavorful base of your dump cake.
- Add the Cake Mix Topping: Next, take your box of spice cake mix and sprinkle its dry contents evenly over the pumpkin layer. Distribute it as uniformly as possible to ensure a consistent crust. Resist the urge to stir or mix the dry cake mix into the pumpkin layer.
- Drizzle with Butter: Melt the unsalted butter and then generously drizzle it all over the dry cake mix. Ensure the butter covers as much of the dry mix as possible. As the cake bakes, this butter will absorb into the cake mix, creating a golden, buttery, and slightly crisp topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. The cake is ready when the topping is golden brown and the edges are set. A slight jiggle in the very center is perfectly normal, as the cake will continue to set and firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time is essential for the layers to fully set. For a truly comforting experience, I love to warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Garnish each warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream and, if you’re feeling extra festive, a small candy pumpkin or a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. I like to heat each piece up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving since I enjoy eating it warm. Dollop each serving with a bit of whipped cream and a candy pumpkin (if you’re feeling festive)!
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Pumpkin Dump Cake, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other easy-to-make desserts and delightful pumpkin-themed recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Explore our collection for more inspiration:
- Pumpkin Poke Cake
- Strawberry Dump Cake
- Cherry Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Cobbler
- Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
- Blueberry Dump Cake
- Oreo Dump Cake
- Peach Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- 40 Best Pumpkin Recipes
Originally published: October 2012
Updated photos & republished: August 2025
Pumpkin Dump Cake
This Pumpkin Dump Cake gets its name from the simple method of “dumping” all ingredients into a baking dish. It’s like a perfect fusion of creamy pumpkin pie and a warmly spiced cake, all in one easy-to-make dessert!
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Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
- 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounce can pumpkin puree, 12 ounce can evaporated milk, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well-combined. It will be very liquid-y.
Pour this pumpkin mixture into the baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 box spice cake mix evenly on top of pumpkin mixture.
Drizzle 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted over the top.
Bake for about 55-60 minutes.
It might still be just a bit jiggly in the middle when done. It will continue to set up as it cools.
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section and the main post above for commonly asked questions, substitutions, and helpful tips to ensure your dump cake is perfect every time.
Cuisine: American
Nutrition (Estimated Values)
Carbohydrates: 56g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 26g |
Sodium: 488mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 42g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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