Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a dense pumpkin base and a cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert's amazing layers will impress the whole family!

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Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a silky pumpkin base and a crumbly cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert’s amazing layers will impress the whole family!

I love Dump Cakes because they are so easy to make! If you love them too, try my Apple Dump Cake, Blueberry Dump Cake, and Hot Chocolate Dump Cake recipes!

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2)

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You will love this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake

This simple Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe was one of the first I posted on the blog. This cake recipe is amazing and I’ve made it for many family get-togethers over the years.

What Is A Dump Cake?

The word dump doesn’t exactly spark a craving, does it? But I promise you, dump cakes are so easy and good! The idea is that everything is sort of dumped into the pan and baked.

A dump cake is an easy dessert recipe made with a store-bought cake mix that is sprinkled on top before baking. This pumpkin version is a delicious fall version but does require an extra step of mixing the pumpkin layer.

This warm, delicious, layered dessert is perfect for any fall occasion!

The silky pumpkin pie base, the delicious yellow cake topped with crunchy nuts and fresh made whipped cream with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s PERFECT!

If you’re looking for a more classic style cake, try my Pumpkin Pound Cake recipe!

Going thru pinerest and found your recipe for Pumpkin Crumble Cake and decided to try it. Mixed it up fairy quickly. I have tried quick pumpkin cake in the past where all you add was pumpkin and not happy without doctoring it up, but I thought let’s give this one a try because of all the butter. I am so glad I did!Thank you this is going to be one of my go to quick desserts because of the ease and taste. Pumpkin is our favorite all year round and now another good recipe to use. May next time try a chocolate cake mix just cause I can. Again, thank you!

Bonnie

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (3)

This is a great alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, your family will love it! And you’ll love how easy it is to make!

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe ingredients

The base is made with a mixture of pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices.

The crumble topping is made from dry cake mix, nuts, and butter.

And I highly recommend topping it with either whipped cream or ice cream before serving.

How to make Pumpkin Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Then mix together the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices together in a large bowl.Make sure you use pumpkin puree andNOTpumpkin pie filling.

Step 2: Pour the pumpkin mixture it into the baking dish.

Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the cake mix on top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the dry cake mix has been added.

Step 4: Melt the butter and pour it over the cake mix. Then, sprinkle chopped pecans (or nut of choice) evenly over the top of the cake. Add an additional 1/2 cup of nuts if you really like it crunchy. Bake for 1 hour.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (4)

Can You Make Pumpkin Dump Cake Gluten Free?

Yes, you can. I have made this gluten free and it was still wonderful and super easy! You couldn’t even tell the difference. You just have to switch the cake mix with a gluten free version.

Can You Make Dump Cake Without Nuts?

I have made it without nuts, but it’s just not the same. The nuts really give a nice crunch and texture to the cake. But can be made without them if you have an allergy or strong aversion to them.

Can I make this Recipe for Pumpkin Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s one of the things I love most about this cake – it tastes amazing both warm or cold!

My favorite way to enjoy it is to let it cool completely and then reheat it by the slice in the microwave for 15 seconds. This allows the cake to fully set up after baking but the warm cake is just so cozy!

How to know when Pumpkin Crumb Cake is done

This Pumpkin Dump Cake with yellow cake mix won’t come clean when a toothpick is inserted into it, but the top should look slightly crunchy and have a nice golden coloring to it. The pumpkin layer will remain soft.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (5)

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake Variations

Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a pumpkin and chocolate mashup!

Spice Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even spicier version!

More Crunch: Instead of melting the butter before adding it to the top of the cake. Try cutting cold butter into thin slices and arranging them over the top of the cake before making. This method tends to add a but more crunch to the top of the cake.

Toffee: Sprinkle some Toffee Bits over the top of the cake before baking for a rich and salty twist.

How to serve Pumpkin Crumb Cake

This cake is best served warm. I like to let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

Then I serve it with a variety of toppings like Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, whipped topping, caramel sauce, and more!

Storing leftover Pumpkin Dump Cake

Like most cakes, this pumpkin crumble cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It can be stored covered at room temperature for a few days. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator if preferred, but I would recommend popping it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds to warm it up before enjoying.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (6)

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes!

  • Pumpkin Coffee Cake– The best way to start the day!
  • Pumpkin Kahlua Cupcakes– Slightly boozy and crazy delicious!
  • Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies– An fall favorite!
  • Impossible Pumpkin Pie– Crustless and easy!
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes – You’ll want a huge stack of these!

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there, where you can join our recipe challenges!

This post was originally published in September 2013, content and photos were updated in August 2019.

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (7)

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (8)

4.90 from 245 votes

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake


Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect fall dessert alternative to pumpkin pie! With a dense pumpkin base and a cake topping both loaded with Pumpkin Pie Spice and chopped nuts, this dessert's amazing layers will impress the whole family!

Ingredients

  • 30 ounces pumpkin puree1
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 box yellow cake mix2
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • whipped cream for serving
  • vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Mix together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices and pour it into the baking dish.

  • Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the cake mix has been added.

  • Melt the butter and pour over the cake mix or cut the butter into thin slices and evenly distribute to cover the top of the cake with them.

  • Finally, spread the nuts evenly over the top of the cake. Bake for 1 hour.

  • Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, and a dash of pumpkin spice.

Video

Notes

Recipe Card Notes:

  1. Make sure you use Pumpkin Puree and NOT Pumpkin Pie Filling.
  2. Cake mix is dry when added.

Recipe Variations:

  • Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a pumpkin and chocolate mashup!
  • Spice Cake: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even spicier version!
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. No additional changes need to be made to the recipe.
  • More Crunch:Instead of melting the butter before adding it to the top of the cake. Try cutting cold butter into thin slices and arranging them over the top of the cake before making. This method tends to add a but more crunch to the top of the cake.
  • Toffee:Sprinkle some Toffee Bits over the top of the cake before baking for a rich and salty twist.

Serving & Storing Tips:

  • This cake is best served warm, but can be served at room temperature or cold.
  • Cake should be consumed within 4 to 6 hours after baking or covered and refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? ›

However, anyone well-versed in the ways of the dump cake will tell you that there is one rule you should never break when making a dump cake. Since it's not a step that you'll ever see in most other cake recipes, it can be easily missed. The mistake to avoid is simple: Don't mix it.

Is dump cake supposed to be gooey? ›

Compared to other kinds of cakes, dump cake does bake up a little less caky and little more gooey thanks to all of the delicious fruit. It has a similar consistency to a fruit cobbler or crisp and is served by the scoop rather than the slice!

Are pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie mix the same? ›

Although they both come in cans and the packaging looks almost identical, they can't be used interchangeably. Pumpkin puree doesn't have anything added to it, but pumpkin pie filling comes with pumpkin spice and sugar already mixed in.

What is dump cake made of? ›

Dump cakes might have a horrible name, but they're beloved because they're stupidly easy—you literally dump cake mix and cherry pie filling into a baking dish and bake it. This recipe simplifies everything even more by using canned cherry pie filling. It's the definition of foolproof.

Why is my dump cake still powdery? ›

If your dump cake has a powdery texture, it's probably because the cake mix or butter wasn't evenly spread.

Is dump cake supposed to be refrigerated? ›

Do you refrigerate dump cake? There's no dairy in this recipe, but we'd still recommend you refrigerate dump cake. It'll help it last longer in the fridge. Cover the dish in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge 4 to 5 days.

How to tell when a dump cake is done? ›

Bake until the tops are brown and bubbly, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with whipped cream.

Do you dump cake from the pan before or after cooling? ›

It's important to pay attention to the specifics called for in a recipe, but in general, most cakes are best removed from the pan after cooling for 10 to 20 minutes. Try it too soon, and it may fall apart. Wait too long, and it may stick.

Why did my cake turn out gluey? ›

The sinking part is what makes the dense and gluey streaks. This can be result of over-creaming the eggs, butter and sugar. To prevent this, cream the ingredients at medium speed. To prevent overmixing, fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until there are no more traces of flour.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree? ›

Canned pumpkin (labeled as "100% pure pumpkin") is a purée of pumpkin that is sometimes mixed with other kinds of winter squash. It is unsweetened and does not contain any added spices. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks.

What is the difference between Libby's pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

What happens if you use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree? ›

Pumpkin pie filling shouldn't be used in place of pumpkin puree since the finished dish will be too sweet. You can always set the can aside to make a quick pumpkin pie another day.

Why is it called miserable cake? ›

The next cake is called “Les Miserables”, which has nothing to do with the article written by French writer Hugo, but is a traditional cake from Belgium. It is said that at that time, more water was used to make custard sauce instead of milk, which meant “tragic”.

What is funeral cake made of? ›

Technically, funeral cake is a chocolate sheet cake with fudge icing and topped with crunchy pecans and big enough to feed a crowd—which you may recognize as Texas Sheet Cake.

What is Elvis Presley cake? ›

You don't have to be Young and Beautiful to appreciate the Elvis Presley Cake. After one bite, you'll be saying that you Can't Help Falling in Love with how easy it is to make this fruity cake, which has a pineapple topping and creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting.

What are the common errors in cake making? ›

Common Cake Baking Mistakes
  • Too Dense. If you've ever baked a dense cake that never seems to rise properly, there are a few reasons why this can happen. ...
  • Cake Overflows. ...
  • A Sunken Cake. ...
  • Stuck to the Pan. ...
  • Crusty Edges. ...
  • Cake Batter is Too Stiff. ...
  • Fruit Falling to the Bottom. ...
  • Cake Sides Caving In.
May 23, 2022

What are the three common causes of failure in cakes? ›

1) You forgot to add baking powder, or you used expired baking powder. 2) Your pan is too big, so the mixture can't rise enough to fill it. Or 3) You over whisked.

What not to do when making a cake? ›

Common Baking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
  1. Baking at the wrong temperature. ...
  2. Not measuring ingredients. ...
  3. Checking on your items too frequently. ...
  4. Your ingredients are at the wrong temperature. ...
  5. Your dough isn't rising. ...
  6. Nothing is baking evenly. ...
  7. Your dough or batter is too tough. ...
  8. Wrap Up.

How to tell if a dump cake is done? ›

Just like with regular cakes, you can stick a toothpick or a skewer into the middle of the cake part. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), it's done. Give the top a gentle press. If they feel set and not mushy, then they're done cooking.

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